Emergency Communication During Disasters: Staying Connected with Loved Ones

As a survivalist, it is mission critical to have a communication plan during a disaster that you actively maintain and update. If a disaster hits, you can be immediately separated from your loved ones and without the means to communicate.

Hurricane. Earthquake. Wildfire. Disaster do not discriminate nor do they wait. Therefore having a plan in place for emergency communication is crucial for staying connected with family and friends during times of crisis.

Below are 5 of my favorite tips to stay connected with loved ones during disasters.

1. Have a Communication Plan in Place

Before a disaster strikes, it's essential to have a communication plan in place.

Inside your plan you should have:   

•  Important contact information for family members, emergency services, and other relevant organizations.
• Medical information including medicines that are taken on a regular basis.
• Allergies of each family member
•  Names of every family member and birth date
• Names of pets.
• Agreed upon central meeting spot.
• Multiple copies of your contact information, in case you need to split up.
• It is critical to make sure everyone in your household knows the plan and it is kept in an accessible location
• You can use tools like FEMA's Family Emergency Communication Plan template to create a plan that fits your family's needs.

2. Use Text Messages

When working with clients, I often have to remind them that in a disaster situation, cellular networks can become overloaded, making it difficult to make phone calls.

However, text messages can often get through when voice calls cannot. Have your family members  send text messages instead of making phone calls during a disaster. Text messages use less network bandwidth and can often get through when voice calls cannot.

I remember being in New York City during the 2003 Blackout and the only thing that worked was text messaging. 

3. Use Social Media

Social media can be a powerful tool for staying connected during a disaster. Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can be used to update family and friends on your status and location. Facebook has an option to mark yourself safe during a disaster, which can often help calm the nerves of friends and family. It is also critical to to check the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure that only trusted friends and family members can see your updates.

4. Use Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios can be an excellent way to stay connected with family members during a disaster. They are portable, easy to use, and don't rely on cellular networks. Make sure everyone in your household knows how to use the radios and has a set of fully charged batteries. Consider purchasing radios that have a range of several miles, so you can stay connected even if you're not in the same location.

My top 5 Walky Talkies:

5. Use Emergency Apps There are many emergency apps available that can help you stay connected with loved ones during a disaster. Apps like Zello, which turns your smartphone into a two-way radio, and the Red Cross Emergency app, which provides disaster alerts and safety information, can be useful tools for staying connected during a crisis.

Staying connected with loved ones during a disaster can be challenging, but having a communication plan in place can help.

Encourage your family members to send text messages, use social media, and have two-way radios on hand. Additionally, consider downloading emergency apps to help you stay informed and connected during a disaster.

By following these tips, you can stay connected with your loved ones and make sure everyone is safe during a crisis.