An EMP could wreck not only the electrical power grid, but also anything with modern electronic circuitry. That includes the ignition system in most automobiles less than about 40 years old. And most modern appliances. Even a gas generator intended to serve as backup for when the grid power goes down -- might be vulnerable to EMP if it has electronic circuitry, as some do. A simple gas generator with no modern circuitry -- i.e., no circuit board -- would be more resistant to EMP, and thus a better choice for the prepper.

Cell phones and towers could be fried, so have a plan for friends and family when communications are broke.

Don't live in a city. Don't work in a city if you can avoid it. Not a good place to get stuck when the lights go black and the blacks go native.