How to Prepare to Communicate During an Emergency

When an emergency occurs, the last thing we want is to be disconnected from our loved ones and unable to access the information we need to stay safe. Creating a plan for how you will communicate during an emergency and ensuring you are prepared with the right tools helps prevent added issues when the time comes. Communication is necessary whether the emergency is a flood, earthquake, hurricane, power outage, or something else. It always helps to keep yourself informed, stay connected, and communicate with loved ones.

What to Include in Your Emergency Plan

There are a few communication details you should include in your emergency plan. These include a list of important contact information, including important people nearby and out of the area, as well as numbers for local emergency services. Keep a paper copy of your emergency contacts in your emergency kit and in an accessible place like your fridge or wallet, as well as a digital copy on your phone. Each member of your family should have a copy of the emergency contact list. You may also want to create a group text on your cell phone with all the people you would contact in an emergency for easy access.

You should also identify key websites that will be updated during an emergency and download helpful mobile apps. If you are located in British Columbia, EmergencyInfoBC has the information you need conveniently available here: Emergency Resources for Residents and Visitors.

In BC, emergency alerts are sent through TV, radio, and connected wireless devices. You will likely receive alerts on your cell phone. The BC Government provides helpful information about what to do if you receive a BC emergency alert here: If You Receive a BC Emergency Alert.

Important and reliable sources of information include:

If you live in a different province, seek out equivalent resources specific to your area.

It is helpful to bookmark useful resources on your computer and cell phone, and to follow emergency management agencies on social media. Keep in mind that there may not be cell service or internet access during an emergency, so you cannot fully rely on these resources.

Decide on a physical meeting place where you and your loved ones will meet in a situation where you cannot contact one another and are unable to return home.

Communication Items to Add to Your Emergency Kit

In addition to gathering useful information and completing your emergency plan, you will need some communication equipment to be successful in an emergency situation. Consider storing the following items:

  • A home phone that can be powered by battery or cord
  • A portable cell phone charger, preferably powered by solar power or a hand crank
  • A battery-operated, solar-powered, or hand-crank radio
  • Backup batteries for your home phone and radio

If you’re looking for one product that does it all, you may be interested in a Kaito Radio. Total Prepare offers two options that can both be charged by USB, solar power, or a hand crank, and can also charge your phone. Take a look at our radio options here: Light & Communication.

In addition to having a radio, keep a list of important radio stations for your surrounding area so you know which stations to tune in to for the information you need.

Make sure you check your communication equipment often and update your contact list whenever applicable. Test your radios and ensure your batteries still hold a charge. There’s nothing worse than having the right equipment and realizing it doesn’t work when you need it!

How Should You Send and Receive Information During an Emergency?

Now that you have your communication information and equipment, how are you going to use them when an emergency occurs?

Emergency Alerts and Information

Check your cell phone for emergency alerts by text or through your emergency app. More information will be available on the pages you’ve bookmarked, social media accounts you follow, and your local emergency management organization’s website. If your TV works, switch to a local news channel. Pull out your emergency radio and list of local radio stations, then tune in to hear the latest updates.

Contacting Loved Ones

Your phone may or may not be working. Try a variety of communication services to find one that works for you, including calling and texting on your cell phone or using a landline phone. Keep your phone calls short to reduce network congestion. If you are unable to contact your loved ones, follow your plan to meet at your designated location and bring your go bag with you.

In Conclusion

It is essential to be prepared to communicate during an emergency with the information and resources you need, as well as the proper equipment and tools. Plan with your loved ones so that everyone knows how you will communicate in an emergency and has the information they need. Remember, having multiple ways to communicate is important because you never know which communication methods will be inaccessible. Check and update your communication plan and equipment as often as necessary, and you’ll be prepared to communicate when an emergency strikes!