When the Lines Go Dead: A Guide to Emergency Communications

In our hyper-connected world, the sudden loss of communication is terrifying. When cell towers fail and the internet goes dark, you are isolated. This chapter details how to maintain situational awareness and contact with loved ones when the grid goes down.

The Hierarchy of Emergency Comms

1. The AM/FM/NOAA Radio

Your first line of defense is information gathering.

• NOAA Weather Radio: Essential for weather alerts and civil emergency messages. Get a model with a hand crank and solar panel (e.g., Midland ER310).
• AM/FM Radio: Local stations often have backup generators and will broadcast news when TV and internet are down.

2. GMRS/FRS Radios (Walkie-Talkies)

For short-range communication with family or neighbors.

• FRS (Family Radio Service): No license required. Low power (2 watts max). Good for 0.5 - 2 miles in real-world conditions.
• GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service): Requires a simple $35 license (no test). Higher power (up to 50 watts). Can use repeaters for significantly longer range (5-25+ miles).

3. Ham Radio (Amateur Radio)

The gold standard for emergency communication.

• Capabilities: Local, regional, and global communication without infrastructure.
• Requirement: Requires passing a test to get licensed (Technician, General, Extra).
• Baofeng UV-5R: The ubiquitous $25 entry-level radio. Good for learning (listening is legal without a license), but reliable communication requires better gear.

4. Satellite Messengers

For when terrestrial networks are completely gone.

• Garmin inReach / ZOLEO: Send text messages and GPS coordinates via satellite. Requires a subscription.
• Starlink: High-speed satellite internet. Requires power (generator/battery) but restores full connectivity.

Creating a Communication Plan

Technology is useless without a plan.

1. Out-of-Area Contact: Designate one family member who lives in a different state as your central check-in point. Local calls may fail while long-distance calls get through.
2. Meeting Points: Establish primary and secondary meeting locations if you cannot communicate.
3. Dead Drops: Physical locations to leave written notes if electronic comms fail.