k0xxx
Mr. Sunshine
During a disaster, whether its short term like the after math of a tornado, or long term as a severe economic disruption, your family needs a way to stay in touch. Here are some of the options that are available to the majority of us. The list is not all inclusive, as I have avoided the more exotic and expensive methods. The list is only given as food for thought for those looking to increase their preparedness. Comments and additions are certainly welcomed.
Telephones You can count on telephones being out of service in most disasters. If you live in an area where the lines are buried, as opposed to on the power poles, you stand a better chance of having service. Also, remember that todays cordless phones rely on having electricity to work. Its a good idea to keep one of the old corded phones around, just in case. Your best chance for a working phone is a payphone, if you can find one. If the disaster is long term, as in a depression or something similar, money to keep the phone turned on may be hard to come by.
Cell Phones A cell phone is a radio, a fancy radio that enables you to connect to the regular phone lines. If the disaster covers a wide area, as in a earthquake or hurricane, unless you can connect through a cell tower to a working land line, youre out of luck. Also, even when the land lines are still up, priority is given to emergency services and your call may actually be blocked from connecting.
The Cellular system is designed for a certain amount of normal usage. When that amount is exceeded, as in an emergency, the cells get overloaded. When this happens, a text message may be your best way of getting a message though. A text message requires less bandwidth than a voice call and can usually go though, although it may take longer than usual. However, when the electricity is out, the battery backup at cell sites will eventually fail. You also may not be able to recharge your cell phone. As with the land line telephone service, money may not be available to pay for the service in a long term event.
FRS Radios These are nice for communicating while on family outings and for general short-range communication. With their frequencies being in the UHF range, most communications are line of sight, and are adversely affected by obstacles between the two radios. However, they are also used by CERT teams, and could become very busy in the more populated areas. I can also imagine situations where interference with CERT teams would be a problem and you may be told, in no uncertain terms, to cease transmitting.
GMRS Similar to FRS, but with a little more range and power. They require a license from the FCC, which currently costs $85.00. However, only one adult member of a family needs a license and then the rest of the immediate family is covered. GMRS radios can also share some of the frequencies with the FRS radios.
CB citizen band radios operate in the upper HF (27 MHz) portion of the radio spectrum. They are good for across town communication, but are subject to atmospheric interference during certain times of the year. They require no license. Interference from other stations, especially in urban areas, can be a severe problem. Also, children and sensitive adults, should avoid channel 19 (the main channel used by truckers), lest your ears be melted by some of the language.
Amateur Radio Ham radio is the ultimate communication medium for the average citizens. I am certainly biased, but with good reason. You can get an entry level Amateur Radio Technician license by passing a 35-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. The exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and basic electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications.
Instead of a few channels, Hams have frequency ranges available that cover HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, microwave, and up. The Amateur Radio Service has available more frequency coverage, and over a wider range, than most government agencies. Hams also have their own satellites which are available to even the most basic licensees. Its no wonder that when a disaster strikes, and all other communication is down, Hams are still able to provide communication.
Well, this is the list of options that I could think of. Im sure that there are others. If you can add to it, Id appreciate the input.
Mark,
Amateur Radio callsign KXXX
Telephones You can count on telephones being out of service in most disasters. If you live in an area where the lines are buried, as opposed to on the power poles, you stand a better chance of having service. Also, remember that todays cordless phones rely on having electricity to work. Its a good idea to keep one of the old corded phones around, just in case. Your best chance for a working phone is a payphone, if you can find one. If the disaster is long term, as in a depression or something similar, money to keep the phone turned on may be hard to come by.
Cell Phones A cell phone is a radio, a fancy radio that enables you to connect to the regular phone lines. If the disaster covers a wide area, as in a earthquake or hurricane, unless you can connect through a cell tower to a working land line, youre out of luck. Also, even when the land lines are still up, priority is given to emergency services and your call may actually be blocked from connecting.
The Cellular system is designed for a certain amount of normal usage. When that amount is exceeded, as in an emergency, the cells get overloaded. When this happens, a text message may be your best way of getting a message though. A text message requires less bandwidth than a voice call and can usually go though, although it may take longer than usual. However, when the electricity is out, the battery backup at cell sites will eventually fail. You also may not be able to recharge your cell phone. As with the land line telephone service, money may not be available to pay for the service in a long term event.
FRS Radios These are nice for communicating while on family outings and for general short-range communication. With their frequencies being in the UHF range, most communications are line of sight, and are adversely affected by obstacles between the two radios. However, they are also used by CERT teams, and could become very busy in the more populated areas. I can also imagine situations where interference with CERT teams would be a problem and you may be told, in no uncertain terms, to cease transmitting.
GMRS Similar to FRS, but with a little more range and power. They require a license from the FCC, which currently costs $85.00. However, only one adult member of a family needs a license and then the rest of the immediate family is covered. GMRS radios can also share some of the frequencies with the FRS radios.
CB citizen band radios operate in the upper HF (27 MHz) portion of the radio spectrum. They are good for across town communication, but are subject to atmospheric interference during certain times of the year. They require no license. Interference from other stations, especially in urban areas, can be a severe problem. Also, children and sensitive adults, should avoid channel 19 (the main channel used by truckers), lest your ears be melted by some of the language.
Amateur Radio Ham radio is the ultimate communication medium for the average citizens. I am certainly biased, but with good reason. You can get an entry level Amateur Radio Technician license by passing a 35-question multiple-choice examination. No Morse code test is required. The exam covers basic regulations, operating practices, and basic electronics theory, with a focus on VHF and UHF applications.
Instead of a few channels, Hams have frequency ranges available that cover HF, VHF, UHF, SHF, microwave, and up. The Amateur Radio Service has available more frequency coverage, and over a wider range, than most government agencies. Hams also have their own satellites which are available to even the most basic licensees. Its no wonder that when a disaster strikes, and all other communication is down, Hams are still able to provide communication.
Well, this is the list of options that I could think of. Im sure that there are others. If you can add to it, Id appreciate the input.
Mark,
Amateur Radio callsign KXXX
