OFFLINE

Communications is always a good thing. But there are a few things to consider.

1) Is this an emergency where you want to draw attention to yourself or
2) is this a situation where you want to lay low, not be seen or heard.

In an emergency most people today say that they will just call for help with their cell phone but think for a moment back to when 9/11 happened cell phones use was spotty at best because the cell phone towers were on the twin towers, the few that weren't were overloaded and signals didn't go through. Same during Katrina and Rita.

When an emergency hits look around you and watch how many people grab their cell phones. Now multiply that by the amount of people who owns cells nation wide. But, with fewer people using land lines across the country switching stations are less worked only the small towns would be hard presses during emergencies. Also, most older corded phones run off power drawn off the phone line, even the static that the lines produce, just by having the wind blow across them, is enough to power a corded phone. If an emergency hits and the power is out then you might not be able to charge a cell phone.

That is why I have always advocated having hand radios for use around the property. You can use regular hand held non secure radios that could attract attention if you need help or just didn't care if you drew attention or you could use a secure hand held radio. There are several of both types on the market out there.

Cb's for use in the vehicles (with base unit at home). Again these are great for listening to truckers and what is going on on the roads or communication with family and friends. My suggestion is that if you are going to use cb's among your family and friends during emergencies for Bugging out or "GOOD" talk with them now and decide RIGHT NOW what channel you will use to talk with each other and if you will do a rotation of channels.

A shortwave receiver minimum in the home and possible transmitter (disclaimer: check laws for having shortwave transmitter in your home) to listen to what is going on nationwide, even world wide. From Central Oregon on good nights I could listen to Australia shortwave broadcasts.

Finally an emergency services scanner to listen to what is going on with the fire, police and ambulance services in your area.

What are your thoughts? Is there anything you would add?