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As a prepper, you’re likely already aware of the importance of communication. Not only does it help you keep tabs on your family and friends, and it allows you to share important information about emergency events as they unfold. Communication is one of the most important aspects of preparedness, especially in a disaster when your life may be on the line.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to get started with emergency communications and how to make sure that your loved ones are safe during an emergency situation. We’ll also cover some common mistakes people make when preparing for emergencies so that you can better prepare yourself for unfortunate situations.
Why Communication Is Important
Knowing how to communicate is one of the first things preppers learn. In a disaster, you may have to leave your home and be separated from family members or other people who are important to you. Communication can be helpful in finding each other again. It also helps families feel closer when they know that their loved ones are okay and doing well.
Communication will be limited by what types of communication methods are available during a crisis situation. This means that if landline phones don’t work after a hurricane, then cell phones won’t either because they rely on cell towers that use the same infrastructure as landlines do.
If satellite internet goes down during a natural disaster like an earthquake or hurricane, then satellite phones won’t work either because they rely on satellites as well. Having multiple options for communicating is important so that there’s always something available no matter what happens (if all else fails).
Cell phones won't always work
Have a family emergency action plan with two meet up locations. One that is close to home and another that is farther away — a relatives home or a community center. Make sure everyone knows what locations are appropriate for different types of disasters.
Cell phones and networks may be down for days or perhaps even weeks following a major disaster.
While this is one of the more obvious reasons why it might not be a good idea to rely on your cell phone as your only means of communication during an emergency, it’s still worth mentioning.
Cell phones are vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods. Cell phone infrastructure is susceptible to damage in these situations, too, since they’re usually connected to other buildings that can collapse during an earthquake or hurricane, for example.
Cell phone towers can also be damaged by cyber-attacks or natural disasters themselves (like when the power goes out due to flooding). If you’re relying on your cell phone as your main way of staying connected with loved ones after an emergency strikes, then make sure you have another way of communicating with them, just in case!
Search For Other Communication Options
You may be working with a limited budget, but it’s important to consider the best ways to communicate in an emergency. When your cell phone doesn’t work, and you have no other way to reach people, it’s good to have something else on hand.
One-way communications are great for sending text messages or short voice messages out of your area. For example, if you need help and are unable to get in touch with anyone via cell phone because of poor reception or lack thereof (as many areas will experience), then sending a message would be helpful. It may be a long shot, but there could be people on the other side that may hear it. They may not be able to talk back to you, but you can still describe your location.
Two-way communication is more effective when there is a signal nearby so that those outside the affected area can receive information directly from people inside who have access to power sources and connectivity options like Wi-Fi hotspots or satellite phones/devices.
This method offers high bandwidth capabilities, which make it ideal for streaming video feeds back into your home base. This means that you will be able to communicate better with people on the other side, allowing for a more efficient exchange of information.
One-Way Communication Methods
One-way communication is simple, but it can be effective if you’re not looking for immediate feedback. It’s great for sending out emergency information to your neighbors or other members of your community or even posting on social media sites to spread the word about an important event.
One way communication does have its limitations—the biggest being that you don’t get a response back from the people you’re trying to reach. That means that if someone is looking for help after an emergency has happened, they’ll likely have no idea who their best source of assistance might be.
Because in order for true two-way communication between community members (or even just within your own household), everyone needs access to some form of technology with which they can respond and share information equally. Let’s take a look at some of the best one-way communication methods that can be utilized during a disaster.
Emergency Alert Systems
What is an emergency alert system? It’s a way to send out alerts to your cell phone and other mobile devices. If you are in an emergency, it will alert you to take action.
How do I get one? You can sign up for a free app that gives you access to local alerts, warnings, and messages from the National Weather Service, FEMA, and the Red Cross.
These include severe weather warnings (for example, tornadoes), information about public health threats like virus outbreaks, or finding out what happened after an earthquake or tsunami hit near you so that you know how close it was.
This is extremely useful if there is ever another major disaster like Hurricane Katrina because all of this information will help people evacuate safely before things get worse!
Wireless Emergency Alerts
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) are text messages with critical information sent directly to your cell phone. These alerts can be about imminent threats, such as an evacuation order or a severe weather warning, and they’re free.
You don’t need to do anything special in order for your phone to receive these alerts; they’ll just appear on your home screen when they come in, so long as you’re within range of an active tower.
But if you want more control over what types of messages get sent out or if there’s some reason why you don’t want certain ones coming through—or if there’s somewhere else where it might be useful for them to show up instead—then there are options available for that too!
AM/FM Radio
If you have a radio, it is a great way to listen to people within your area. You can listen to the radio to find out what’s going on in your area and possibly learn about any threats that may be coming your way. You can use it as an emergency communication method as well. For example, if someone is in need of help, they could call for help on their radio or send out an S.O.S signal over the airwaves (if there is still power).
One of the most important things about using a radio is getting weather updates! It’s important to know where storms are headed so you can take precautions such as storing water and food properly!
As can be seen, one-way communication is important, but it is not effective. It is definitely better than having no communication source at all, but the exchange of information is very limited, and even the transmitter does not know if someone is hearing him or her on the other side.
So, people tend to choose two-way communication over this option, regardless of the fact that it will be the first to go out when there is a natural disaster.
Two-Way Communication Methods
Two-way communication is a method of communication where the sender and receiver can communicate back and forth. Two-way communications are used in many different situations, such as when you’re on a phone call with someone else or sending them an email. In addition to these everyday uses, two-way communications are important for preppers because they allow you to stay connected during emergencies.
When it comes to emergency preparedness, two-way communication methods (like walkie-talkies) help you stay in touch with your family members who may be separated from one another during an emergency situation.
This makes it easier for everyone involved since they don’t have to rely on cell phones alone to communicate their whereabouts when there’s no service available due to weather conditions like hurricanes or tornadoes hitting nearby areas where people might be staying temporarily after being displaced by these events.
Let’s take a look at some of the viable two-way communication methods that one can use in the event of a disaster.
• Shortwave Radio
You might be surprised to find out that shortwave radios are still a viable option for communication in an emergency, especially for international and long-distance communication.
A shortwave radio can help you reach out to people around the world and even hear news from other countries far away from your own. Their range can be extended to thousands of miles, which is truly amazing considering the fact that the technology is decades old.
If you’re not familiar with the technology behind them, however, they might seem antiquated or obsolete—almost like something you would have seen in the 1970s. But fear not! They are quite useful today and worth considering if you want to make sure that you have access to one of the best communication tools available after an unfortunate scenario occurs.
• Internet (Short Term)
In this day and age, the internet is one of the most important things in our lives. Not only is it used for communication, but it’s also used as a way to get information. You can use the internet to find out what’s going on in your local area, weather updates, and emergency alerts that may affect you.
The only problem with using [the Internet] as a form of communication is that it will not be available for very long before it goes down or becomes unusable due to a lack of power or infrastructure damage caused by disasters.
• CB Radio
CB radio can be a great way to communicate with other people in your community. It may not be the most reliable method, but it’s certainly one of the easiest. You can get a CB radio at most hardware stores, and they tend to only cost around $100 or so.
If you’re not familiar with CB radio lingo, don’t worry! There are plenty of resources on the internet that will give you some quick tips on how to use it effectively.
The main thing is that once you’ve picked up your new CB radio and figured out how it works (or have someone who knows teach you), go ahead and try using it! You’ll likely find that there are other people in your area who also have CB radios too who would love to talk with you through this medium as well!
• Ham Radio
Ham radio is a method of communication that doesn’t require the internet. It’s a good way to communicate with other preppers, and it can also be used to communicate with people in other countries.
In the event of an emergency or disaster, ham radios are a very reliable form of communication that won’t break down as easily as cell phone towers or landlines. You can even use it to communicate with people in other states!
In a disaster, ham radios can be used to communicate with other preppers and people outside of your area. They’re also very useful for communicating with people in other countries who might be experiencing the same crisis as you are.
Don’t talk about private matters on a two-way radio unless it is absolutely necessary to do so (for example, if someone needs help locating where another person’s signal is coming from).
And even then, try not to mention anything specific that could identify the person whose location you’re requesting—just give basic information like what kind of vehicle they’re driving and where their last known whereabouts were located at the time when communication broke down between parties involved in this situation. This is important to note, especially in times of war, where the enemy can use this information to figure out your whereabouts.
Other Methods Of Communication
We have discussed technology up till now, but you should also be aware of traditional methods of contacting people or, more accurately, getting people’s attention. Communication does not always need technology.
This is something to remember. It is a vast topic and existed long before any real communication technology ever existed. Let’s take a look at some of the rarely used communication methods:
• Flares
Flares are a great way to get attention, and they’re relatively cheap. You can buy them in various sizes and strengths, ranging from handheld flares that burn for about 15 minutes up to flares that come with a stand or launcher so you can set them off from a distance (the kind you want if you’re lost or stranded).
Flares are also useful because they’re bright enough not just to attract the attention of flight crews at night but also during the day when visibility is poor such as when there’s fog or heavy rain. They can be used to signal to people near you that you are well and alive, which may also lead to help to come to you.
• Smoke
One of the easiest and most effective methods of communication is smoking. Smoke signals have been used for centuries, and they can be used to communicate a wide range of messages across long distances. The best part is that you don’t need any special equipment—just burn some kindling or paper and blow on it carefully to create a plume of white smoke that can be seen from miles away!
These signals are also an excellent way of getting someone else’s attention when they are far away. For example, if you’re lost in the woods and need help finding your way home, you can send out a signal on your own behalf (or ask someone else to do it).
The other person will see your signal from afar and come running to assist you. Smoke signals aren’t just limited by distance; they can also be used between people who speak different languages.
• Chalk
Chalk is a great way to leave messages. It’s easy to find, easy to use, and cheap. When you’re in an emergency situation and need to warn people of danger or share important information, chalk can be the go-to medium.
Smoke signals are made by burning wood and paper, while flares are used to send a distress signal. Flares should be kept in a waterproof container that’s easy to carry. In addition to signaling other people, they can be used to attract attention at night or illuminate an area—a useful option when there’s no electricity available.
• Flashlight Morse Code
Flashlight Morse code is a possible way to communicate in the dark, and it’s useful when you’re working with other preppers or teams. This could be used as a way to send messages back and forth between groups and verify that everyone is alright.
Although there are many ways to communicate over distance (e.g., radio signals), light signals require no equipment at all except for flashlights and some paper/pencils for recording the message. All you have to do is turn on your flashlight at set intervals and send out messages by turning off the beam in certain sequences of flashes; this will spell out letters or words that can be deciphered by anyone who knows what they mean!
• Light and Mirrors
In an emergency situation, you may need to communicate with others across long distances without access to any technology. Whether it’s two houses down or two blocks away, there are several ways in which you can get a message across.
One method is a flashlight. Combine it with mirrors—and with just the right angle, the person on the other side will be able to see the light reflected off the mirror.
This can be useful to signal to people that you are alive and well. It can also be used as a distress call. The reason you might be doing this is to attract attention, so people can come to you.
Other Important Communication Tips to Keep In Mind
In addition to your own home and cell phone numbers, you should make sure you have the contact information for your local sheriff’s office, police department, and fire station. You should also include the number of the hospital closest to your location.
You may have friends or family living in your area that you can call for help with during an emergency situation. Make sure you add their numbers to your list as well. If there are other neighbors who live nearby, include their names and phone numbers on this list as well.
Finally, don’t forget about businesses such as grocery stores and gas stations; it’s often easier to make contact with them over the phone than trying to drive somewhere else during an emergency situation which may be difficult due to road closure or heavy traffic congestion.
Storing contact information is very important in order to make sure that you can have people to talk to in times of need.
Keep Batteries and Equipment Charged
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for a disaster is to make sure your batteries are in good working order. Most preppers keep a portable battery charger on hand so that they can charge their phones and other devices during emergencies.
Keep in mind that batteries lose their charge quickly when not being used, so it’s important to check them regularly.
A good way to do this is by writing an inventory of all the items you own that require batteries, then placing these items near your charging station so you can easily check them off as needed.
Conclusion
Communication is one of the most important parts of prepping. It’s also one of the most overlooked. When it comes to prepping, communication is how you get help, share information, and stay connected with your family. The more people you have in your group who can communicate without technology, the better off you will be during disaster situations.