Good for you M/B...go for it. I have been thinking about getting a ham radio myself, just have to study my book for a license. A 55 gallon open top steel drum makes for a great Faraday cage, and I have several items in it. Just line it with cardboard so that nothing touches the sides, bottom, or top. I have another 58 gallon steel drum with a 2200 watt inverter generator in it, laying sideways of course. Just one more thing I have but hope to never need to use, along with Coleman stoves and LP converters, a Brinkman LP oven, and several water filters. A LOT of bottled water and various food items make for comfort even with just ice storms or extended power outages, and a few 12 volt batteries, power inverters, and LED lights keep us well lit, while our Pro-Com and Big Buddy LP heaters have kept us warm and cozy. I have a few solar panels as well to charge the batteries if needed.

Yes, I take the possible threat of an EMP seriously.