Even though we cannot predict or prevent earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, or other natural cataclysmic events, we can prepare our families to cope and survive as optimally as possible. Learning what communication options are available during and after a disaster will bring confidence that you can better protect you and your loved ones. Establish a "meeting place" where family members can gather in the event of an emergency. You may want to select a local school or church. In a case where it is not possible to gather, having a common message center is vital. One of the most important keys to receiving and sending information to family members who may be in various places when a disaster occurs is through an out-of-state contact. This is a friend or relative designated to handle messages should you not be able to call or locate your local family members. While most local private phone lines may be out of order for hours after a disaster strikes, pay phones are usually operable much sooner. The out-of-state contact can receive and relay messages from family members so you will know they are safe.

iStock_000013575627XSmall_man on phone

Tips for Communication
  1. Everyone should carry with them a card with the out-of-state contact's name, address, and day and evening phone numbers. Let your children's teachers know who the out-of-state contact is for your family. That way, if your children are at school and you cannot pick them up, school representatives will know whom to relay a message concerning where your children will be taken.
  2. Each family member should carry a phone card or enough change for several phone calls.
  3. One woman whose family lives in California has designated her sister who is a stay-at-home mom in Michigan as the out-of-state contact. Family members carry laminated cards in their wallets with the following information: (1) emergency meeting place with the address (outside the home); (2) alternate meeting place and address (outside the neighborhood); and (3) name and day and evening phone numbers of out-of-state contact.
  4. It may be helpful to Replace out in advance if you have a ham radio operator in your area. They are very helpful and can deliver messages from both private and community sources during and after a disaster. If a pay telephone isn't readily available, and your out-of-state contact is several states away, you can communicate via this type of relay system. Your local ham can contact another ham that will contact another ham, and so on, until they Replace one within your out-of-state contact's area. The ham operator closest to your contact can then phone the contact and deliver any messages.
  5. A battery-powered or hand crank radio is helpful in monitoring the status of the disaster. Be sure to keep a fresh supply of batteries on hand. Check expiration dates on the batteries and rotate them regularly. Do not keep batteries inside the radio because they expire more quickly and may leak.
  6. When charged, most cell phones are able to call 9-1-1 even when they are not active. It is wise to have a cell phone (even not activated) when traveling or for emergency use.
Remember that preparation brings confidence. When planning for an emergency, don’t forget that communication with your family members will be especially important. The tips provided in this article will assist you in creating a plan to contact loved ones during unexpected events.
CommunicationSurvival skills

5 comments

James

James

Sometimes text messages will get through when a phone call won’t if the cell system is jammed. Texting uses less band width.

Ruth Chiles

Ruth Chiles

most Walmarts have them outside.. quarters are a must….

mark hudson

mark hudson

I HAVEN’T SEEN A PAY PHONE IN FOREVER

ANY WAY TO GET A LIST OF THEM BY ZIP CODE OR AREA CODE

Paul K9PEP

Paul K9PEP

During disasters and emergencies the Salvation Army has for many years, ran a site where you can input your information and the information of whom you have lost track of, and the Salvation Army will do their best to find the person or family you have specified in your inquiry at http://satern.org/

R

R

In regards to number 4, know that ham operators participate in this message handling every day, not just in emergencies. They are practiced and ready to send and receive your messages. If there’s no ham in your neighborhood, and there usually is, become one

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