In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s hard to imagine a time when we can’t easily reach our loved ones with a quick text or phone call. But what happens when the power goes out, or an emergency strikes and the communication grid is down or overwhelmed? Whether it’s a natural disaster, a cyberattack, or an infrastructure failure, losing access to our normal communication channels can make an already chaotic situation even worse.
That’s where a well-thought-out family communications plan comes in. In this post, we’ll explore the importance of emergency communication and walk through some of the steps for creating a plan that helps you stay connected, even when the grid is down.
Alice was in the kitchen, working on plans for dinner when the warning alert on her phone buzzed. She glanced at it, only half-listening as the winds outside began to howl louder. It wasn’t until the lights flickered and the power briefly went out that she realized something was wrong. The tornado was on its way, and her family was scattered. Bob was downtown at work, caught in traffic, and Charlie and Dani were still at their respective schools—Charlie in a high school near the city center, and Dani at a middle school just a few miles away. She tried to call Bob, but the call wouldn’t go through. The system was overwhelmed, and her anxious attempts to reach him were met with nothing but static. Next, she called Charlie’s school to make sure he was safe, but the lines were busy. Desperate, she sent Dani a text, hoping the cell towers would hold up long enough to deliver a message, but there was no response. Panic crept in as she paced, her mind racing. What if something happened to one of them? How could she make sure they were okay when normal communication systems were failing?
Why Communication Matters in Emergencies
When disaster strikes, it’s easy to focus on immediate needs like food, water, and shelter. However, one of the most critical aspects of emergency preparedness is communication. In a crisis, being able to reach your loved ones, share and receive critical information, and coordinate responses can mean the difference between safety and danger.
Lack of Infrastructure: In the aftermath of natural disasters or other crises, local communication infrastructure like cell towers, internet, and landlines can fail or become overloaded. Many cellular and data networks give priority to public services like police and fire during emergencies, leaving normal users at the back of the line, so to speak. During events like hurricanes, wildfires, or earthquakes, it’s common for communication systems to collapse temporarily, leaving people cut off from their families and communities.
Safety and Coordination: Communication plays a central role in helping you know where your family members are, how to coordinate evacuation plans, and how to access emergency services. Whether you’re staying put or moving to a safe location, effective communication ensures that everyone is maintaining proper situational awareness and are operating on the same page.
Psychological Support: The emotional toll of a crisis can be overwhelming, and one of the best ways to reduce anxiety is by staying connected. Knowing that your loved ones are safe, or being able to reach out for help when needed, can bring a sense of comfort and stability during a difficult time. Hearing updates on the emergency and other critical information goes a long way to ensuring your ability to have a calm and practical crisis management response.
The Risks of Relying on the Grid
In today’s world, we rely heavily on cell phones, internet, and other technologies to communicate. But what happens when the grid goes down?
Vulnerabilities in the System: Communication networks today depend on power grids, satellites, and complex systems that can all be affected by disruptions. A major storm, cyberattack, or power outage can render traditional communication methods unreliable or unavailable. It is important to remember however that not all parts of the system are made equal. For example, SMS and text messaging may still get through when a voice call cannot and some data based messaging apps like Signal may continue to work as normal.
Alternative Communication Methods: It’s critical to have backup methods in place to communicate when the power fails. Options like two-way radios, satellite phones and ham radios can be essential when the grid is down. These methods work independently of local cell towers or the internet, and they provide reliable communication when conventional methods fail. Networks like the ReadyCorps Ham Radio Network can also help extend your emergency communication capabilities.
Backup Power Considerations: Another important consideration is backup power. Even if you have alternative communication devices, you still need to keep them charged and operational. Consider investing in solar chargers, battery packs, and hand-crank generators that can help keep communication going when the power is out.
The tension in Alice’s chest grew tighter as she imagined the worst, but just as quickly, a sense of relief washed over her. Charlie, determined to contact his mom, finally retrieved his cell phone from his bag, the school’s lock-down procedures temporarily lifting enough for him to attempt a call. But no matter how many times he dialed, the call failed to connect. Dani was in the same situation at her school, trying frantically to reach Alice. After a few failed attempts, Charlie remembered their family emergency communications plan. The kids had agreed to reach out to Grandma Linda if they couldn’t get in touch with their parents. So, they texted Linda to let her know they were safe. Linda immediately responded, assuring them she would pass the message along to Alice. As the seconds ticked by, Linda sent a quick text to her daughter Alice, telling her that Charlie and Dani were okay. Alice’s heart settled slightly, knowing that at least her kids were safe. Now, what about Bob.
Steps for Creating a Family Communications Plan
Creating a family communications plan may seem like a daunting task, but with a clear strategy, you can ensure your family stays connected in any crisis. Here are the steps you need to take:
1. Establish Emergency Contacts
- Primary Contact: Choose a trusted family member or friend who lives far enough away that they won’t be affected by the same local crisis. This “out-of-town” contact will be a rally point for all family communication during an emergency. Make sure everyone in your family knows their phone number and email address.
- Secondary Contact: Choose someone local for immediate coordination, if possible. This could be a nearby relative, neighbor, or close friend who can help if your primary contact is unreachable.
2. Communication Methods
- Traditional Phones: If the local network is overloaded, calls may not go through. Encourage everyone to leave voicemail messages with their status, location, and needs. This way, even if a call can’t be completed, the information can still be communicated. Also try SMS or text messaging if you can’t get a voice call to go through.
- Zello: Zello is a push-to-talk smart phone app used by many members of the ReadyCorps Network. Because the app uses the data capabilities of your smart phone, it may be functional when the voice service on your phone is not.
- GMRS Radios (Walkie-Talkies): Invest in a set of GMRS walkie-talkies to keep family members in touch, especially if you live in a rural area or a place where power outages are common. Make sure everyone knows the designated frequency and practices how to use them.
- Ham Radio: If you’re looking for a more advanced and long-range communication method, ham radio is a great option. While it requires some learning and licensing, ham radio can work over vast distances and is less reliant on local communication networks. The Ham Radio Network Group is a great place to start along with these ReadyCorps courses:
- Satellite Phones: For more remote areas, or if you want an additional layer of communication security, a satellite phone can be an invaluable tool. These phones work by connecting to satellites instead of relying on local cell towers.
- Many More: These are just a few of the options you can incorporate into your family communication plan. Find the options from these or others that work best for you, build them into the plan, and practice!
3. Designate Meeting Locations
- Primary Location: Select a safe and easily accessible location where everyone in your household will meet in the event of an evacuation. This could be a local school, community center, or park that is familiar to everyone.
- Secondary Location: Have a backup location in case the primary site becomes unsafe or unreachable. It’s important to plan for the unexpected, so a secondary spot could be a friend or relative’s home, or a public building that’s not as prone to disasters.
4. Backup Power Plans
Ensure your communication devices stay operational during a power outage. Consider a portable solar charger, a hand-crank radio, or a rechargeable battery pack. Keeping a backup power supply for your devices will help you maintain communication when the grid is down.
- FRX3+ Hand Crank Weather Alert Radio: https://members.americancontingency.com/product/frx3-wthr-alert-radio/
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
A communication plan is only effective if everyone knows what to do when it’s needed. Conduct regular family communication plan drills to make sure everyone knows how to use the devices and where to go during an emergency. Evaluate and update your plan as necessary, ensuring it evolves to meet your family’s changing needs.
6. Communication Devices for Non-Digital Families
For families with members who aren’t as comfortable with technology, it’s important to include simpler communication methods. Printed maps, written instructions, and local public communication systems (e.g., community radio broadcasts) can all play a role in staying connected.
Finally, relief flooded Alice when she saw a text from Bob pop up on her screen. The message was brief, but it was enough: “I’m ok, just south of you. Heading to pick up the kids. Let’s meet at Dani’s school.” Alice quickly replied, confirming the plan. She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and felt a wave of gratitude for their emergency communications plan. Although the tornado had wreaked havoc on their neighborhood and thrown their lives into chaos, they had stayed connected, and now the pieces were falling into place. Soon, they would be reunited, and their family would be safe. As the storm raged outside, Alice knew they were ready to face whatever came next—together.
Integrating Your Family Communications Plan Into Your Larger Preparedness Strategy
Your communication plan should be a part of a larger family emergency preparedness strategy. This includes plans for shelter, evacuation, first aid, and food & water storage. Ensure that your communication plan is aligned with these efforts so that you can respond efficiently to any crisis.
Considerations for Children and Elderly: When creating your family plan, be sure to simplify instructions for children and elderly family members. Teach them how to use communication tools in terms they can easily understand, and consider providing written instructions in a place where they can easily access them.
Incorporating Community Plans: Don’t forget that communication extends beyond your household. Getting to know your neighbors and starting the discussion around some of these topics is a great way to start building community. And, being part of a local preparedness group can help coordinate efforts with the broader community. A neighborhood or community network can provide mutual support and help ensure that you and your loved ones stay connected.
Let’s Put a Bow on It!
An family emergency communication plan is essential for keeping your family connected and safe when the grid goes down. It’s easy to assume that we’ll always have access to our phones or the internet, but when a crisis hits, these networks can fail. By taking the time to create a communication plan now, practicing it regularly, and incorporating backup methods, you can ensure that you’ll stay in touch no matter what happens.
Start building your family communication plan today—your safety, and the safety of your loved ones, depend on it. Find out more with our How To Prepare For Communication Failures resource!
ReadyCorps members have access to Family Communications Plan templates to help them build a plan for their families and many other resources to help with learning off-grid communications. Join us by clicking the button below.
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