Preparedness and survival: Ways to communicate after a disaster if cell phones don’t work

03/01/2024 / By Olivia Cook

Here are some “older” and practical options you can consider having in your prepper inventory to stay informed and be able to communicate with others during emergencies or disasters – especially if your cell phones don’t work.

Emergency radio

Owning a hand-cranked radio with AM/FM and short-wave channels ensures constant access to vital information for maintaining personal safety (and that of your family as well). They come equipped with onboard batteries and some models can also accommodate additional batteries for extended use of the radio and other features that come with your model, such as a flashlight or serve as a power bank, without the need for cranking.

Walkie talkies

Mobile two-way radios such as walkie-talkies are great preparedness options because they are usually designed with features, such as dustproof, shockproof and waterproof – more durable than smartphones and can work reliably in harsh conditions. These are still widely used where instantaneous and group communication is required.

Many of these sets are now commercially available with three radios so you can keep one at your home base, carry one with you and keep one in your car. Budget permitting, each of your family members should have one so everyone can let the home base know your location and your situation during emergencies.

Signal mirror

You can use almost any reflective surface, like shiny metal from the inside of a broken surface, as a signal mirror for shorter-range emergency communication. Glass mirrors are the most recommended as they can reflect sunlight much farther.

The signal mirror has repeatedly been rated as the most effective daylight signaling device available and has been seen up to 100 miles away. If you don’t see anyone in the distance, simply sweep the horizon with your mirror and hope that your signal catches the eye of someone who can rescue you.

If you do spot potential rescuers, you should aim the reflected light at them. The international distress signal is by doing this procedure three times in quick succession – flash your mirror toward your target and then cover it or turn it away from your target.

Whistle

The humble whistle is a signal device that works to attract attention – day or night and in fair and foul weather – as long as you have the breath to blow it.

In situations where you get separated from your family or group, three blasts of a whistle (loosely translated as “Help me!” is an international distress call. Two blasts of a whistle is a call-back signal, which means “Come here,” according to experts at Outdoor Life.

Satellite phones

For longer-range communication, and as long as there are satellites in the sky, satellite phones will be an option to consider having for emergencies or disasters because they do not depend on cell phone towers.

The only people you can call are those with satellite phones if all other phone lines are down. The good news is that these are not quite as expensive as they used to be and could be a good option for you and your family if you want to be able to reach each other during disasters or emergencies. (Related: Satellite phone SAVED LIVES during the devastating Maui wildfire.)

Find more preparedness and survival gear that you may need in emergencies at Health Ranger Store.

Learn eight overlooked ways to communicate when the grid goes down by watching the following video.

This video is from the Daily Videos channel on Brighteon.com.