POTSDAM -- Gene LaLonde, survivalist, will discuss “Surviving Unexpected Emergencies,” Jan. 19, at 6 p.m. at the public library’s computer center.

LaLonde is a retired pilot with a background in electronics.

A survivalist who lives off the grid in northern New York, LaLonde has recently written a novel, “A Question of Survival” about surviving after an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attack on the United States. An EMP is a high-intensity burst of electromagnetic energy caused by the rapid acceleration of charged particles.

An EMP attack has the potential to decimate America’s electrical and technological infrastructure, effectively sending the U.S. back to the 19th Century.

LaLonde will address survival issues related to a variety of potential emergencies including winter weather and travel, and loss of electrical power should the power grid fail. Among topics covered will be food storage and preservation, items to stock in preparation for an emergency, water collection and purification, medical considerations and surviving civil unrest which may occur during an emergency.

The event is free and open to the public.

Registration is appreciated but not required; call 265-7230.