During a major storm, power outage, wildfire, tornado, flood, or other emergency, normal communication methods may become unreliable. Cell towers can become overloaded, electricity can be interrupted, and internet service may be unavailable.
Having a communication plan before an emergency happens can help your household stay organized and know how to contact one another.
1. Create a Family Communication Plan
Decide ahead of time how your household will communicate during an emergency.
Your plan should include:
- Important phone numbers
- An out-of-area emergency contact
- A designated meeting location
- A nearby backup meeting location
- Emergency contacts for schools and workplaces
- Contact information for relatives
- Important medical and household information
Write the information down instead of relying entirely on your phone.
2. Choose an Out-of-Area Contact
If local phone networks become congested, contacting someone outside the affected area may sometimes be easier.
Choose a trusted contact who can serve as a central point of communication for your household.
Family members can contact that person to provide updates about their location and safety.
Make sure everyone has the contact information stored in their phone and written on a physical emergency contact card.
3. Use Text Messages When Appropriate
During some emergencies, text messages may work when voice calls are difficult.
Keep messages short and informative.
For example:
SAFE — I am at home.
SAFE — I am at work.
I am leaving the area and heading to our meeting location.
Avoid sending unnecessary messages that could use limited network capacity.
4. Keep a Battery-Powered or Emergency Radio
An emergency radio can help you receive important information when internet and cellular service are unavailable.
Look for a radio that fits your preparedness needs. Features may include:
- AM/FM reception
- Weather alerts
- Battery operation
- Rechargeable power
- Hand-crank charging
- Solar charging
- Flashlight
- USB charging capability
Keep extra batteries available if your radio uses replaceable batteries.
5. Keep Your Devices Charged
Do not wait until an emergency begins to charge your communication devices.
Keep charged:
- Cell phones
- Power banks
- Two-way radios
- Emergency radios
- Rechargeable flashlights
A vehicle can also provide a way to recharge certain devices, provided it is safe to operate the vehicle and the charging equipment is compatible.
6. Consider Two-Way Radios
Two-way radios can be useful when family members or members of a group are within their operating range.
Before relying on them, learn:
- Their expected range
- Battery requirements
- Operating instructions
- Channel settings
- Local rules that apply to their use
Remember that actual range can be affected by buildings, terrain, trees, weather, and other obstacles.
7. Establish Meeting Locations
Choose locations where your household can reunite if you cannot communicate electronically.
Consider having:
Primary meeting location: Close to your home.
Secondary meeting location: Outside your immediate neighborhood.
Evacuation meeting location: A location outside the affected area.
Make sure everyone knows how to reach these locations safely.
8. Keep Important Numbers on Paper
Phones can be lost, damaged, or run out of power. Keep a printed emergency contact list.
Include:
- Family members
- Relatives
- Friends
- Workplace contacts
- School contacts
- Doctors and other important providers
- Insurance information
- Utility companies
- Local emergency numbers
Store copies in your home emergency kit, vehicle, and other appropriate locations.
9. Know How to Receive Emergency Alerts
Emergency alerts can provide important information about dangerous weather, evacuation instructions, and other hazards.
Make sure compatible devices have emergency alerts enabled and that you understand how alerts are delivered in your area.
Do not rely on a single source of information. During a major emergency, check official emergency management, weather, and local government communications when available.
10. Protect Your Communication Equipment
Keep emergency electronics protected from water, dust, and damage.
A waterproof container or bag can help protect:
- Radios
- Batteries
- Charging cables
- Power banks
- Contact lists
- Important documents
Keep spare batteries stored according to the battery manufacturer's recommendations.
11. Have a Plan for Children
Children should know basic communication information without having to depend entirely on a parent's phone.
Teach them:
- Their full name
- Parent or guardian names
- A trusted emergency contact
- Their home address when appropriate
- How to call emergency services
- Where the family meeting locations are
Keep emergency contact information in their backpack or another appropriate location.
12. Have a Plan for Pets
Communication planning should also include pets.
Keep information about your pets with your emergency supplies, including:
- Veterinary contact information
- Medication information
- Identification information
- Recent photos
- Feeding instructions
- Microchip information when applicable
If you evacuate, take pets with you whenever possible and follow instructions from local emergency officials.
13. Practice Your Communication Plan
A plan is more useful when everyone understands it.
Practice:
- Calling your emergency contact
- Sending a simple status message
- Locating your emergency radio
- Finding the printed contact list
- Meeting at your primary location
- Moving to the backup location
- Checking emergency information from official sources
Review the plan whenever phone numbers, addresses, workplaces, schools, or household members change.
Final Thoughts
Communication can become one of the biggest challenges during a major emergency. A few simple preparations—written contact information, backup power, an emergency radio, meeting locations, and a family communication plan—can help reduce confusion when normal systems are disrupted.
Take a few minutes today to create your plan and make sure everyone in your household knows how it works.
Stay connected. Stay informed. Stay prepared with Survival Supply Central.
