Communications: Introduction

A disaster will likely interrupt or destroy normal modes of communication. Cell service often drops when infrastructure is damaged. If power goes out, people lose the ability to access the Internet. Landlines may also be affected by winds, floods, earthquakes, landslides, and fire.

Although the ability to communicate is cut during a disaster, this is when, more than ever, people desperately need to be in contact: to arrange for the transportation of the injured, to share information about resources, to organize food and water distribution, and to provide updates about response and infrastructure effects, for example. 

Communication needs during such challenging times must be handled by alternative modes of communication, backup power methods, and pre-established emergency communication systems.

Key Equipment

In an emergency you will rely on some key technologies:

Ham radio: This technology is also known as amateur radio. Users set up their own equipment and stations (under $200). They must pass an FCC license exam (about $40) that allows them to operate on Amateur Bands, specific radio frequencies set aside for this purpose. Ham radios can communicate across the globe and even with outer space. Ham radio requires power to work.

Satellite phone: These mobile devices connect to orbiting satellites, which makes them indispensable when cell towers and other forms of local communication are down. They require a clear line of sight to satellites. They require a service contract. Satellite phones need to be recharged.

Satellite-based texting devices: The Garmin INREACH Mini, Zoleo Satellite Communicator, SPOT X 2-Way, and SPOT Gen4 are text-only devices that use satellite.

Recent Apple and Android Cell Phones: The newer models can connect directly to satellite for emergency text messages when and where cell towers are unbreachable.

Handheld two-way radios: Also known as walkie-talkies, GMRS radios (general mobile radio service), and FRS (Family Radio Service) radios, these devices do not require a service contract. FRS radios also do not require a license, but GMRS radios do. All handheld radios are lightweight and work even when cell towers are down. FRS are limited in range, usually under 3 miles because they rely on the antenna built into the device. GMRS can extend for much longer distances with antennas and repeaters. Some newer handhelds are based on LTE, or long-term evolution, like cell phones, and these can cover long distances, but their effectiveness may be diminished during a disaster. All handhelds must be recharged.

CB Radio: Citizens Band Radio is viable for communicating over short distance. It requires no license. It is prone to interference.

Mobile Command Center: An MCC consists of a vehicle outfitted for communication. Usually, it will include workspaces, communications equipment, and a power source, like a generator.

AM or FM Radio: If radio stations can use an alternative power source during a disaster, they can be effective in reaching people with information. AM radio works over a long distance and so it is used to broadcast national alerts and weather updates. AM radio signals can travel much farther than cell tower signals. In addition, they will often function even during power outages. FM radio is good for transmitting local emergency information since its range is shorter. 

Household

At the Household Level, communication centers around a pre-discussed family reunification plan, contact list, the use of emergency alert apps, and some key pieces of equipment. The contact list helps household members remember who to reach out to and how. The alert apps provide timely information. The equipment facilitates communication and status updates.

Street

At the Street Level, communication is about sharing information among neighbors at first and eventually between the Street and the Disaster Hub. Neighbors communicate with one another by posting OK/HELP signs from the Ready Your Street Program and via handheld radios. After checking on one another, neighbors complete damage assessments, injury reports, and requests for help and resources that they will then relay to the local Disaster Hub via ham radio or messengers. 

Neighborhood

The Disaster Hub serves as the center of communication for a neighborhood. The Hub will provide neighbors with key news and information from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). It will also relay damage assessments and injury reports from the Streets to the EOC and facilitate triaging severe injuries. The Disaster Hubs will communicate specific needs and resource requests to the EOC. 

At the Disaster Hubs, trained volunteers use ham radio for communication. Advanced satellite internet systems and mesh wifi networks connect Disaster Hub locations and ensure high-quality voice, video, and data communications.

Community 

Communication at the Community Level is focused on the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), which will be coordinating the community response. The community Public Information Officer, assisted by the Anytown Prepares Outreach Team, will use the EOC communication systems to relay news and information to the Disaster Hubs. The EOC will also act as the nexus for communication between the Fire Department and the Disaster Hubs and between the Police Department and the Disaster Hubs. Information from the County, State, and Federal governments will be sent to the EOC, and the EOC will request resources from those levels of government.

The communication technology needs to be robust to survive damage in disasters. This technology includes satellite internet services and cloud-based coordination software, cybersecurity, and sustainable power solutions.