During an event, stop communications and you and your family know nothing about what’s going on in your town, state, and country. To insure communication during an emergency, you will need to plan ahead.
The first part of the plan is to look at your threat analysis. What are you planning to survive, floods, tornadoes and other extreme weather, earthquakes, civil unrest, financial depression or hyperinflation, EMP attack or a nuclear war? Each of these emergencies will determine what kind of communications equipment you will need to purchase.
Let's start with the simple solutions.
Weather Alert Radio
First, buy a weather radio. A weather radio will automatically notify you of flood, high winds, storms, tornadoes, and other extreme weather. They range in price from $20 to $200 depending on their features. For families that like to experience the outdoors, there are small, portable weather radio models available.
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Battery Back-Up Weather Alert Radio with Power Cube
If you can afford it, I suggest buying a weather alert radio with the Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME) and battery backup. The SAME feature allows you to program the radio to sound the alert for only the state and counties you want to know about.
AM/FM Radio
Some organizations also suggest purchasing a battery-powered portable AM/FM radio. This is a good idea. A portable radio will allow you to receive updates on emergencies and other information. The portable AM/FM radio will also allow you to take it with you if you have to shelter-in-place, evacuate, or listen to the ball game.
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Two Portable Radios, Battery-Powered and Solar-Powered
This last point is important. You need to listen to your radio, now. This allows you to find the stations that will offer information about your area, find stations that have good reception, and you get to know your radio.
These two radios, some portable AM/FM radios have weather alert, are all you need for natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and other extreme weather. The AM/FM and the weather alert radios will also provide information about other disasters.
But, we know that local and national media doesn't always have the time, money, or desire to provide all of the information we might need. This is where shortwave radio comes into prominence.
Shortwave Receivers
Shortwave receivers have been a popular method of receiving information for many years because international broadcasts can easily cross national boundaries, preventing despotic governments from censoring information. You have to be careful though; some of these shortwave government broadcasts are propaganda.
Shortwave receivers will also receive broadcasts from individuals, religious organizations, and other non-government organizations. These private groups provide information about numerous subjects, religious and technical.
A modern receiver designed for shortwave listening will cost from $100 to $500. Before you purchase a shortwave radio make sure you shop around. I have heard Radio Shack has shortwave radios, made by famous names, for less than the famous makers’ price. Needless to say, there is also the internet.
There are also shortwave receivers that I consider antiques. These older shortwave receivers use vacuum tubes instead of transistors, like modern radios. Some folks suggest acquiring one of these older radios to use after an electromagnetic pulse event because they may be resistant to an EMP event.
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Shortwave Receiver with European Ammo Can used for an EMP Resistant Container
Shortwave Transceivers
Please, don't confuse the shortwave radios that you listen to with transceivers. Shortwave transceivers allow you to transmit and receive messages. These transceivers require a license. In these United States and various other countries, there are different classes of licenses. The American Radio Relay League is the source for information if you want to obtain a license to broadcast on shortwave radio in these United States.
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Shortwave Transceiver
by
Diego Segovia from Wikicommons
Other Transceivers
FRS and GMRS Transceivers
Now, there are other radios that you can use to communicate with your family and friends. These radios are called Family Radio Service (FRS) and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) radios. They have a range of about 1/2 for the FRS radios and up to 5 miles, for the GMRS radios. The FRS radio does not require a license; to legally use a GMRS radio, you will need to purchase a license.
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A Pair of FSR/GMRS Radios
FRS and GMRS radios can be found in your local discount store and consumer-electronics stores. Of course, you can purchase a radio that has both, FRS and GMRS capabilities. When buying, look for radios that use AA batteries.
MURS Transceivers
The next type of radio, I will discuss, is the MURS radios. Multi Use Radio Service (MURS) radios require no license, so they are popular with businesses, schools, and other organizations that require inexpensive communications. If you have never seen one being used, it is usually black and about the size of a brick. According to one source, they are the best radio for local communications, for preppers.
CB Transceivers
Another popular radio is CB (Citizens' Band). CB radios do not require a license. These radios have a range of 1 to 5 miles. As far as I know, CB radios require a car-type (12 volt) battery to operate.
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Kraco Citizen Band Radio with Microphone
by
Jesster79 from Wikicommons
All of these radios are good; however, you need to make sure you know how to use them and they work. Nothing is more embarrassing then opening the package and the radio failing to work. (Happened at work, last year)
Cellphones and Telephones
Now, radio transceivers are pretty good for communications, but they don't have the convenience of cell phones. Heck, my cell phone can call Tokyo, Baghdad, Paris, New York City, and many other places (for a small fee, of course), but an emergency may block local calls from going through.
Out-of-State Contact
To overcome this problem, have your family designates an out-of-state contact. An out-of-state contact allows you to bypass local problems. The reason this might work during an emergency, it seems that local and long-distance phone calls are handled on different lines.
An out-of-state contact is someone everyone in the family will call. This person gets information about how the individual family members are doing. The contact gets information such as location, plans, and any problems. The contact can then update family members as needed.
Texting and ‘Smart’ Phones
Another method of bypassing local or regional communication difficulties is texting. It seems texting is also handled in a different way, by the phone company.
Needless to say, ‘smart’ phones may have access to the internet and e-mail service. This access would allow you and your family to communicate providing detailed information about the status of each member of the family, pictures of the damage, and other information for your employer, extended family, insurance agents, and many others, even emergency services.
For older preppers, texting and using your smartphones are skills you need to learn before an event.
I.C.E.
Another cool feature of cell phones is the ability to enter phone numbers and contact information. You have probably heard of ICE numbers. ICE stands for In Case of an Emergency.
In the cell phone's contact list, “ICE” is entered. The phone number of the person to contact in case of an emergency is entered. If an emergency responder finds the phone, and you have been in an accident, they can immediately contact that person.
Important Telephone Numbers
As most people know, cellphones require power to operate, so as a back-up have all family members memorize key phone numbers. Mom and Dad's cell phone and work numbers. Parents, this includes you, too. Memorize your children’s schools’ and the children's cell phone numbers.
If you can't memorize the numbers, then make a business card-sized list of important numbers for each family member to carry in their wallet or purse.
If you and your family still have a landline (classic telephone), you and your partner need to post these important telephone numbers next to the telephone, with other numbers such as the emergency services, healthcare providers, and other responsible family members.
Appendix A: Common Mistakes
The first mistake for communications is failing to have the battery back-up version of your weather alert radio. During extreme weather, more likely than not, your home and probably the neighborhood will lose power. If your home loses power, and your radio only works with utility-power, you won’t know what’s going on.
The next common mistake is failing to have enough extra batteries to power your weather radio and AM/FM radio though the disaster. In homes with children, the batteries seem to disappear because the children use the extra batteries for their toys and portable game systems.
However, this is a good thing, too. Having your children use the older spare batteries will almost guarantee, your family will always have the freshest batteries for your radios.
A similar mistake is failing to rotate your spare batteries. If you don’t have children, you and your partner will need to make arrangements to rotate your batteries. Just like food storage rotation, you use the oldest batteries, first, and store the newest batteries for emergencies.
The next common mistake is paying too much for your radios or buying a radio you’re not going to use, like a shortwave radio. For most families, an inexpensive weather alert radio with battery back-up and a small hand-held AM/FM radio will be perfect for their preparations. There is no need, by most families, to purchase a shortwave radio or tactical radios, unless, your threat analysis highlights an event where you will need one, such as a major political collapse or regional conflict.
Another common mistake is failing to practice with your radio. As I wrote in this chapter, I have witnessed many times, people being issued radio, that have had no practice or instruction on their use. I have even seen brand new radios fail to work, out of the package.
The last common mistake is for the truly paranoid, they fail to have a properly stored back-up radio, additionally; the truly paranoid fail to learn proper communications security (COMSEC) which is beyond the scope of this book.
Appendix B: Other Information
Morse Code
There are other ways of communicating with potential rescuers, such as using a signal mirror or flashlight. Normally, you would just flash the signal mirror or flash light in the general direction of the search party, overhead aircraft, or inhabited areas to mark your location.
But, if you wanted to send a specific message, you could use Morse Code.
A = * -
B = - * * *
C = - * - *
D = - * *
E = *
F = * * - *
G = - - *
H = * * * *
I = * *
J = * - - -
K = - * - -
L = * - * *
M = - -
N = - *
O = - - -
P = * - - *
Q = - - * -
R = * - *
S = * * *
T = -
U = * * -
V = * * * -
W = * - -
X = - * * -
Y = - * - -
Z = - - * *
Key: * = dot, a brief flash of light- = dash, a longer flash of light
Needless to say, all your family needs to remember is how to signal S O S = * * * - - - * * *
Codes and Ciphers
All of the radios I talked about are available to anyone, so people could be listening to your conversations. To keep folks from understanding what you and your family may be talking about, you might want to create a code for your family to use.
As an example, in the book Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank, the two brothers have a code word that signals the possibility of a nuclear war. Using this code word, during a brief telephone conversion, sets into motion a series of preparations by the older brother.
Another example, the United States Military uses is a one-time pad, as a code. Basically, it is a sheet of paper with letters representing words such as
IBR = attack
DLH = break
FMQ = defend
LZE = launch
MPT = report
LBD = find
AKY = tomorrow
NHG = tonight
So, the message "LZE, IBR, AKY" would be decoded as "Launch attack tonight."
Now, a one-time pad is used only once, so the message "LZE, IBR, AKY" would mean something totally different the next day.
The links, at the blog, provide more information about codes and ciphers. Some of the information is technical, but it is interesting. So, go read about codes and ciphers; additionally, your local library might have some books on codes, code makers, and code breakers. Check them out, if you are interested.
Panic Words
As I have said in the past, I read the blog "Surviving in Argentina" by FerFAL, at least weekly. FerFAL has a certain perspective about living through an economic collapse. Also weekly, I read a blog called "Global Guerrillas" by John Robb. Mr. Robb writes about "... systems disruption, and the emerging bazaar of violence. Resilient Communities, ..." Both blogs are very informative.
Now, both of these blogs warn about the possibility of increased violence as these United States of America and other national governments have difficulty managing the various crises facing their citizens. This violence includes home invasions, kidnappings, and terrorism.
Now, what does this have to do with communications?
Before I explain, let me ask you a couple of questions.
If your wife screams, how do you know to bring a firearm or a medical kit?
If your children call, how do you know to come pick them up without them embarrassing themselves?
If a criminal came into your home, and you were going to shoot, how does your husband and family know to "get low" to avoid getting shot as the bullets penetrate their bedroom walls?
To answer some of these questions, I would like to suggest that your family develop a set, a very short set, of innocent words that let other family members respond to emergency situations.
An example might be "Barney" shouted by everyone in the house to let the family know to get to the safe room because of a home invasion. Another might be "Zombie" to designate an active shooter situation in the mall, as you and your family shop. Lastly, "How is Grandma?" might mean "I'm O.K." in a hostage situation; no matter what is said during the conversation.
Now, remember your panic words cover the threats you are preparing for and are unique to your family. Additionally, remember OPSEC, so remind the kids not to tell anyone their panic words.
Common Shortwave Stations and Frequencies
During international emergencies, information about events may be lacking, censored, or prohibited, so preppers and their families may wish to purchase a shortwave receiver. Of course, these international broadcasts may be bias towards a certain ‘viewpoint’ because of political pressure, being a government owned broadcaster, or other reason.
Depending on the location and audience of the radio station will also determine the languages the shortwave station will broadcast. An example is Vatican Radio. It broadcasts in over 15 languages, including English. Other stations may not broadcast in English, at all.
All of these radio stations have various broadcast times and shows. Of course, listening to international radio from all over the world can be difficult because of interference. This interference from different sources will determine the best time for you and your family to listen to the family’s shortwave radio.
Usually, the best time to listen to your shortwave radio is after the sun has set because our sun is a major source of interference.
But, on what frequency and at what time can your family find these broadcasters and their shows.?
Sorry, I can’t tell you because I don’t know what you and your family will want to listen to, so you will have to go to the internet. Plus, the larger and well-funded shortwave radio stations broadcast on multiple frequencies and at different times through the day.
Of course, I have provided a few links for finding possible shortwave radio frequencies at this chapters' "Additional Resources" page
Appendix C: Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Protection for Radios
Most preppers preparing for a coronal mass ejection (CME), electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bomb, or a nuclear attack will need to protect one or two backup radios from EMP. These backup radios would be used to gather information and for entertainment after the event.
The easiest method for protecting a radio or other electronic device is to place the device in a metal container, such as a popcorn tin, cookie tin, or metal trash can with metal lids.
So, …
A metal coffee can, with its plastic lid, will be ineffective in protecting your electronic devices.
Popcorn and Cookie Metal Boxes
To use this method, you and your family will need to acquire a metal popcorn can with its metal lid. My family usually obtains these containers from swap meets or charity stores for a few dollars. If you are planning to protect two or more radio, your family may want to distribute them in several containers.
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Popcorn Tin with Weather Radio and Cloth Padding
Next, you need to wrap the electronic device in some kind of nonconductive padding, such as a blanket, packing peanuts, or newspaper. The nonconductive padding acts as insulation, so the device doesn’t touch the sides of the metal container.
You and your family may want to include any power cubes or batteries inside the metal container, so you can easily power up the radio after a CME or EMP event.
Remember, to rotate your batteries, if you and your family store them with the electronic device.
Radio Wrapped in Padding and Placed in Metal Container
Lastly, you place the metal lid on the metal container after placing the radio with its padding inside the metal popcorn tin with a metal lid or other all metal container with a tight fitting metal lid.
Another method, a little more complicated, is to use metal foil, such as aluminum foil; two cardboard boxes, one larger than the other; and some padding, such as newspaper. To use this method, the electronic device is wrapped in padding then is placed in the smaller of the two cardboard boxes.
Next, the smaller cardboard box is completely wrapped with several layers of aluminum foil.
Once the smaller box is wrapped, the foil wrapped smaller box is wrapped with padding and placed inside the larger cardboard box. The larger box protects the foil from damage on the inner box.
Lastly, the outer cardboard box is completely wrapped with aluminum foil. As you can probably guess, this method makes it difficult to quickly listen to the radio and return it to its protective packaging, during an event.
