3 Dangerous Planning Disaster Communication Mistakes Overlooked

During a disaster, not being able to reach those you care about can be stressful, worrisome, and in many cases, even dangerous - because you may have to risk going and finding them. You should know how you'll be able to communicate with people you need to get in touch with before a disaster. Not only will this relieve your stress, but it's a safety measure, too.

In this article, we'll discuss some of the most dangerous mistakes you can make when making your communication plans. First, we'll discuss the dangers of relying too heavily on cell phones. Then, we'll talk about the importance of making sure that you can access news broadcasts. And finally, we'll discuss the importance of planning silent communication options, like sign language.

1

Relying Heavily On Cell Phones

In the event that cell phones aren't an option, and there's a problem getting in touch with one another, you need to make sure that you have a backup plan. You can use a landline phone if these are still working. You can also use walkie-talkies. You need to have a pre-arranged family meeting spot where you can gather or where you can leave each other messages. You can hope it doesn't happen, but you should always be prepared for family members to get separated.

So for that reason, you want to make sure that your communications plan is spelled out and that a copy of this plan is in your bug-out gear. This way, everyone knows what to do. If there's a major disaster, you'll have trouble getting news and communicating with others if you aren't prepared for such an event. In major disasters, one of the first things that usually goes is electricity. You can't power up cell phones that need recharging when that happens unless you all have solar chargers, but that won't help immediately if it's dark outside. There are many solar devices that can be used to charge cell phones, radios, and more.

2

Not Having A Way To Receive The News

You don't want to miss the news, especially because vital emergency information might be shared. So make sure that you have a hand-crank radio. Many of these also work as mini generators and can charge cell phones. You'll be able to get information from weather stations as well as television announcements on VHF. Communication can become vital and extremely dangerous if there's a terrorist invasion.

You need a way to be able to reach others. You can use things like a satellite phone, CB radio, or ham radio. Satellite phones use orbiting satellites to operate rather than having to connect to cell phone towers. They're more reliable than cell phones in an emergency situation - plus, they also have Internet capability.

3

Overlooking Silent Communication Options

If you're in a group of your family members or friends, you need to be able to communicate silently with each other. This will prevent you from accidentally being overheard by someone who might harm you. For his reason, it's a good idea to either develop a form of silent communication or to learn sign language.

There are many scenarios in which you may not want to be overheard or understood. Of course, codes, like Morse code, could also be an option. But for maximum safety, silent communication is the safest bet.

Now, you have a better idea of some of the more obscure threats to communication that can really put you in danger. First, we've discussed the dangers of relying too heavily on cell phones and followed up with the importance of making sure that you can access news broadcasts. Lastly, we went over the importance of making sure that you plan silent communication options, like sign language.

There's never going to be a guarantee that nothing will go wrong. In a disaster, meeting up with loved ones can be stressful no matter how you plan. But now, you can alleviate some of that stress by being confident that you've avoided making some of the worse mistakes to make when planning for communication.