(Bugout.news) When you’re forced to leave your home during an emergency or due to social chaos, it’s possible that services you rely on to communicate – cell phones, primarily, but also traditional phone service – may be compromised. This is increasingly likely if there is a widespread power loss or if cell phone communications are otherwise compromised or sabotaged.
With that in mind, you’ll need to ensure you have some form of back-up communications plan. Generally, this requirement is fulfilled by two-way radios.
As you can see below, there are a number of different types:
Different brands come with different capabilities and qualities. Some are more portable than others; some have greater ranges; others have more functions and features. But the bottom line in an emergency is this: Portability plus range equals greater communication capability.
What is the purpose of having portable communications? First, in case you get separated from others with whom you’ve bugged out, you’ll need a way to stay in touch so that you can reunite and make it to your pre-established destination. For another reason, others may also have portable communications – including emergency personnel – so you’ll be better situated to summon assistance if you need to.
As for packaging, the video below provides some good information:
Some have suggested adding a chart of local radio frequencies used by police/fire/medical personnel; a good web site for that is here.
As the above video mentioned briefly, you’ll want to make sure you have extra batteries packed with your communications gear (and they, ideally, should be changed out every year). Also, others have suggested using batteries that can be recharged by a vehicle (12V) or even a solar battery charger.
When you’re on the move, it will be important for you to be able to communication with others in your party. Even if you’re alone, the ability to communicate with others (CB radios are good for this). So make sure to add some communications gear to your bug out bag.
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