4 Types of Emergency Communication

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Communication during an emergency is imperative, but may not be as easy as you would thing. Here are 4 type of communication options that are easy to acquire and also to use.
If cell phones are down there may be texting abilities, but you can’t rely on that. You have to have a back up for your back up.

Have an out of state friend or relative as a contact rally point. Somebody that your family can check in with vs each person trying to contact 5 family members.

2 Way Radios or Walkie Talkies

These are good for mostly short range. We have a set that is good up to 12 miles. Really good ones go up to 30 miles if you have a good line of sight. Not so much for more mountainous regions. Our plan is to use these and, if travel is possible, contact our family members as we get closer to them.

Ham Radio

We have a handheld that doubles as a FRS (Family Radio Service) You MUST be licensed to use the Ham portion of the radio. You can learn about getting your license by going to HamRadioPrep.com

Having a ham radio license for emergency communication offers several benefits:

Reliability: During emergencies when traditional communication channels might fail, ham radios often remain operational, providing a reliable means of communication.
Independence: Ham radios can function independently of cellular networks and the internet, making them valuable when these infrastructures are compromised.
Long-distance Communication: Ham radios allow communication over long distances, which can be crucial in emergencies when local networks are down or overloaded.
Flexibility: They can operate on various frequencies and modes, enabling communication in different situations and conditions.
Community Support: Ham radio operators often organize themselves into emergency communication groups, providing support to authorities and relief agencies during crises.
Quick Deployment: These radios are portable and can be set up quickly, making them suitable for rapid response in emergencies.
Information Gathering: Operators can relay critical information about the situation on the ground, such as infrastructure damage, weather updates, and medical emergencies.
Practice and Preparedness: Operating ham radios regularly helps individuals hone their skills, ensuring they are prepared to use this technology effectively during emergencies.

CB Radio

CB (Citizens Band) radio can also offer advantages for emergency communication. There are many portable options to throw in your bug out bag.

Ease of Use: CB radios are straightforward to operate, requiring minimal technical knowledge, making them accessible for the general public during emergencies.
Local Communication: They are effective for short-range communication within a limited geographic area, which can be valuable for localized emergencies or community coordination.
No License Requirement: Unlike ham radios that require a license, CB radios can be used without obtaining a specific license, allowing more people to use them during emergencies.
Simple Setup: CB radios are often portable and have simple setups, enabling quick deployment in emergency situations.
Availability: CB radios are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them accessible to a broader population.
Community Networking: During emergencies, CB radio users can form networks to share information, updates, and support within their immediate vicinity.
Compatibility: Most CB radios operate on a single band, ensuring compatibility among users and reducing complications in communication.
Backup Communication: When other communication channels fail, CB radios can serve as a backup, facilitating communication when cellular networks or the internet are unavailable.

While CB radios might not offer the same long-range capabilities or technical versatility as ham radios, they can still be valuable tools for localized communication and coordination during emergencies, especially for individuals or communities without specialized training or licenses.

Hand Crank Radio

There are solar powered and hand crank radios available. These are more for weather warnings and not to communicate with your people. Still an important item to have.

Hand crank weather radios have specific advantages for emergency communication:

Independence from Power Sources: Hand crank radios do not rely on electricity or batteries. They have a built-in hand crank mechanism that allows users to generate power, ensuring functionality even when other power sources are unavailable during emergencies.
Weather Updates: These radios often include NOAA weather radio capabilities, providing access to official weather alerts, forecasts, and emergency information directly from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Multiple Power Sources: Besides the hand crank, many of these radios can also be powered by solar energy, regular batteries, or USB charging, offering multiple options for keeping the radio operational.
Portability and Durability: They are typically designed to be portable and durable, making them suitable for outdoor or emergency situations where conditions might be challenging.
Built-in Emergency Features: Some hand crank weather radios include additional emergency features like built-in flashlights, SOS signals, and even phone charging capabilities, enhancing their usefulness during crises.
Information Access: They provide access to critical emergency information, including updates on severe weather conditions, natural disasters, evacuation orders, and safety instructions, helping users make informed decisions..

These radios serve as reliable tools for staying informed and connected during emergencies, offering essential information and functionalities without relying on external power sources.

Also go to Amrron which is part of Radio Free Redoubt

What are ways you plan to communicate in an emergency

Top 10 Things in My Get Home Bag

5 Level of Preparedness
Acronyms
Apps
Bug Out or Bug In
Communications
Cooking
Dictionary
Family Plan
Farm Animals
First Aide
Food
Got Power
Got Shelter?
Kids or No Kids
Op Sec
Practice What You Preach~Power Outage Practice
Resources
Sanitation
Skills to Have
Tools
Urban vs Rural
Water