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Do you have a plan for communicating with loved ones after a disaster? It will be difficult, but not impossible if you plan ahead.
The first step is to create a family disaster plan. This includes important information, such as a meeting location, your preferred escape routes, and out-of-state emergency contacts. If you don’t know where to get started, check out the American Red Cross Family Disaster Plan Template.
In addition to a family disaster plan, you should put some emergency communication tools in your 72-hour kit.
You Can’t Count on Cellphones…
It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to communicate by cellphone after a major disaster. Phone lines get overloaded because everyone is trying to make calls at the same time. Your local phone service could also be damaged.
If you can’t make local calls, try sending text messages instead. Even if your texts don’t go through immediately, your loved ones might eventually get them.
You can also try contacting someone out of state. If you designate an out-of-state contact for your family, you can relay messages to family members who call in.
Use a Two-Way Radio (Walkie-Talkie) or HAM Radio
If you really want the ability to talk to loved ones after a disaster, two-way radios could be the solution. However, there are several drawbacks — most only work at short range, they quickly lose battery life, and you must be on at the same time as the person you’re trying to contact.
If you plan to use two-way radios to communicate after a disaster, it’s critical that you decide on a few channels to use, as well as an interval of time during the day when you will try to connect. Leaving your two-way radios on all the time will not be an option unless you have power.
A HAM radio is a better communication tool than a two-way radio because it can reach farther distances, even across the country. The drawback is that they are more expensive, bulkier, and require an operations license.
You can find information on getting a HAM radio license on the ARRL website.
If you plan to use a cellphone, two-way radio, or ham radio to communicate after a disaster, you should have a solar power bank in your 72-hour kit so you can charge your USB devices. The QuadraPro Solar Power Bank from Survival Frog is one of the best options on the market.
Don’t Forget the Emergency Weather Radio
Every 72-hour kit should have an emergency radio. It gives you access to the news, weather, and evacuation information from emergency response agencies after a disaster — you just have to find the right station (typically on AM). An emergency radio could be your only communication with the outside world, depending on what type of disaster you are facing.
Also Read: What to Look for in an NOAA Weather Radio for Emergencies
The only problem with emergency radios is that they are only one-way communication. You can get regional news, but you can’t respond or let first responders know your needs. Still, emergency weather radios are SUPER useful and important to pack in your 72-hour kit.
Pack SOS Tools in Your 72-Hour Kit
Injuries are common after a disaster. You can also get stranded and need urgent help. For this reason, you need to put some SOS tools in your 72-hour kit, such as a whistle, flares, light sticks, or signaling mirror.
An emergency whistle is important because it enables you to be heard without expending a lot of energy. Your whistle should be very loud (120+ decibels) and have a distinct sound so it cannot be confused for any natural sound, such as a hurricane, storm, or tornado. Most emergency whistles come on a lanyard you can wear around your neck.
Just like a whistle, flares, light sticks, and signal mirrors offer additional ways to draw attention to yourself if you need help after a disaster. Light sticks are particularly useful when it is dark outside. Some can even provide ambient light for 12 hours.
Remember Old-Fashioned Notes and Messages
Make sure that you have some paper and a pencil in your 72-hour kit, too. You can always leave a note for your loved ones if you must leave your meeting location, for whatever reason. When discussing your emergency preparations, designate a couple of locations where possible notes could be left. Also, discuss which neighbors you trust to relay messages.
Communication will be more difficult after a disaster, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. With a little preparation, you might be able to stay connected with loved ones and communicate your needs to first responders.
Do you have any other tips for communication after a disaster? Leave your comments below.
