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Kits and Planning · Guide

Emergency backup laptop in a Faraday case (files to keep)

Lists the threats a backup laptop or iPad needs protection from and the documents, maps, guides and media to load on it, with a Faraday bag pick.

Quick facts

Pick
JACKET Pro Faraday CORDURA Laptop XL Bag, magnetic closure
Shielding blocks
  • EMP
  • RF
  • EMI
Documents
  • Scans of IDs
  • birth certificates
  • medical records
  • insurance policies
Navigation
Downloaded offline maps and navigation apps
Security
Encryption and strong passwords for sensitive files
Also covers
File list for an iPad

In an emergency, your laptop can be a vital resource for storing essential information, entertainment, and critical documents. However, it's vulnerable to threats like electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) and physical damage. A Faraday laptop case can shield your device, ensuring it’s operational when needed most. Here's what to keep on your laptop for emergency preparedness and the threats it should be protected against.

After reading this post, check out:

Printable PDF Emergency Care

Emergency Care Document: A guide to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies, including cyber attacks, war, societal unrest, and natural disasters. It provides essential personal, medical, and contact information, along with plans for communication, evacuation, and emergency response.

Key Threats to Protect Your Laptop From

1Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP)EMPs can destroy electronics instantly. A Faraday case blocks these waves, safeguarding your laptop from permanent damage.
2Physical DamageDrops, dust, and water exposure can make your laptop unusable. A durable, sealed case adds essential physical protection.
3Cybersecurity ThreatsWithout a secure network, your laptop is at risk. Use encryption and strong passwords for sensitive files in case of network loss or cyber-attacks.
4Power SurgesSurges from EMPs or lightning reach a laptop through its charger. A Faraday bag only protects a device that is unplugged and sealed inside with the closure fully shut, so store it that way and avoid charging during storms.
Extreme Temperatures and Battery Care: Heat and deep cold damage electronics and batteries. Store the laptop powered off in a cool, dry place at about half charge and top it back up to 50% every six months, or the battery can die in storage.
6Water ExposureFloods or accidental spills can lead to costly water damage. A water-resistant Faraday case adds an extra layer of safety.
7TheftIn chaotic situations, theft can be a concern. Keep your laptop secured and out of sight when not in use.

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Faraday ShieldingBlocks EMP, RF, and EMI to secure electronics from interference, hacking, and tracking
Multi-Layer DesignComprehensive protection for sensitive electronics against data breaches and electronic attacks
Peace of MindAdds security and protection in emergencies, safeguarding important devices and files
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Essential Files to Keep on Your Laptop for Emergencies

  1. Critical Documents:
    • Scans of IDs, birth certificates, and medical records
    • Insurance policies and emergency contact lists
  2. Offline Maps and Navigation:
    • Downloaded maps for key areas
    • Offline navigation apps for unpowered travel
  3. Backup Files:
    • Copies of important work, business, or school documents
    • Photos of home valuables for potential insurance claims
  4. Preparedness Plans:
    • Evacuation and family emergency plans
    • Routes to bug-out locations
  5. Survival Guides:
    • PDFs on first aid, water purification, and foraging
    • Offline health and emergency care references
  6. Entertainment:
    • Movies, music, and books to keep morale high
    • Educational podcasts or survival-focused audiobooks
  7. DIY and Repair Guides:
    • Offline videos or files on equipment repair and basic skills
    • Tutorials on first aid, fire-starting, or off-grid survival
  8. Useful Offline Software:
    • Simple text editors and spreadsheets for tracking resources
    • Encryption tools for secure offline storage of sensitive information
  9. Power Backup Info:
    • Tips on alternative charging (solar, hand-crank)

Essential Files to Keep on Your iPad for Emergencies

An iPad can be a powerful tool in emergencies, providing access to critical information, entertainment, and essential documents in a portable format. Preparing your iPad as an emergency resource involves safeguarding it with a protective case (preferably Faraday for EMP protection) and loading it with files that support survival, navigation, and morale.

Files to Keep on Your iPad for Emergencies

  1. Important Documents:
    • Digital copies of IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies, and medical records
    • Contact lists for emergency contacts, medical providers, and insurance companies
  2. Offline Maps and Navigation Tools:
    • Download maps of local and regional areas you might need to travel
    • Offline navigation apps and resources to guide you in areas with no connectivity
  3. Family Preparedness Plans:
    • Detailed emergency plans, including meeting points and family evacuation routes
    • Customizable checklists for various emergencies (fire, flood, evacuation)
  4. Survival Guides and Resources:
    • PDFs or e-books on first aid, food foraging, emergency self-care, and wilderness survival
    • Offline health and nutrition guides for reference without internet access
  5. Entertainment Files:
    • Movies, music, and audiobooks to lift morale during difficult times
    • Survival-related podcasts, educational videos, or self-improvement books
  6. Photos and Home Videos:
    • Personal photos and home videos that preserve family memories
    • Backup of sentimental and irreplaceable content for peace of mind in difficult times
  7. DIY Repair Guides and Tutorials:
    • Offline instructional videos on common repairs for tools and essential gear
    • Simple tutorials on survival skills like water purification, fire-building, or navigation
  8. Useful Offline Apps:
    • Notes and text editors to document plans, keep lists, and store information
    • Encrypted storage apps for secure offline access to sensitive files and data
  9. Alternative Power Instructions:
    • Guides on charging methods using solar or hand-crank chargers to keep your iPad powered up

SHOP ONLINE

Questions this answers

Tap a question for the short answer.

What files should I keep on an emergency laptop?

Load scans of IDs, birth certificates, medical records and insurance policies, emergency contact lists, offline maps, evacuation and family plans, and survival PDFs on first aid, water purification and foraging. Add repair guides, photos of home valuables for insurance claims, encryption tools, and movies, music and books for morale.

How do I protect a laptop from an emp?

Store it in a Faraday case, which blocks the electromagnetic waves that can destroy electronics instantly. It only protects a laptop that is unplugged and sealed inside with the closure fully shut, so store it that way and avoid charging during storms. Pick a durable, water-resistant case, keep the laptop powered off in a cool, dry place at about half charge, and encrypt sensitive files with strong passwords.

What is the best faraday bag for a laptop?

My recommendation is the JACKET Pro Faraday CORDURA Laptop XL Bag with magnetic closure. It has tough, abrasion-resistant and weather-resistant Cordura construction, a multi-layer design, and Faraday shielding that blocks EMP, RF and EMI to guard against interference, hacking and tracking.

What should I put on an ipad for emergencies?

Keep digital copies of IDs, birth certificates, insurance policies and medical records, contact lists, offline maps and navigation apps, family emergency plans and checklists, and survival and first aid e-books. Add movies, music and audiobooks, family photos and home videos, repair tutorials, encrypted storage apps, and guides to solar or hand-crank charging.

Should I keep offline maps on my laptop?

Yes. Download maps for the key areas you might need, along with offline navigation apps that work with no connectivity. Pair them with your evacuation plans and routes to bug-out locations so the laptop can guide you when networks are down.

Keep going

Read nextFaraday-protected emergency electronics: the sling bag and the grab-and-go kitWhat to pack in an EMP-protected electronics kit, small or full: Faraday bags and jackets, a sling bag or hard case, power bank, solar panel, radios, backup phone and laptop, lights, drives, and cables.Power and Light · Guide

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