Communication is key: Alternative means of communication for preppers
By Zoey Sky // Aug 21, 2019

When SHTF, do you have a way to get in touch with your loved ones? Don't wait until it's too late to invest in useful prepper gear like ham radios or walkie-talkies. (h/t to ThePrepperJournal.com)

Brighteon.TV

Ham radio for preppers

Amateur radio, or "ham radio," refers to the use of radiofrequency spectrum for the non-commercial exchange of messages. Ham radios transmit on frequencies from 1.8 to 1300 megahertz (MHz), with gaps in between. Compared to other types of radios, ham radios offer the widest range of frequency options.

Most preppers prefer ham radio because:

  • It is the only option that allows you to listen and talk to local emergency services.
  • It has a much wider range of frequencies compared to other types of civilian radios. (Related: How to build a survival communication system for less than $50.)
  • It has a better range. Ham radios can use high frequency (HF) bands, which are the best bands in a major SHTF event since they can easily reach hundreds of miles.

Tips for using ham radios

If you're considering ham radios for daily use and emergency communications in a survival scenario, here are some important things to remember.

  • Know what you need to dial in a frequency. To keep communication lines secure, especially when SHTF, use an offset. This will allow you to talk on one frequency and listen on another. If an enemy scanning party stumbles upon your frequency, they can only listen in on one side of the conversation.
  • Use a tone. If your radio is looking for a tone in the transmission, it won't let you hear any message that doesn't have that exact tone. Tones are often used for hearing friends on a busy radio channel or for preventing accidental or unwanted transmissions and interference on radio repeaters.
  • Change your frequency and offset often to get rid of eavesdroppers.

Using cell phones when SHTF

As long as the disaster scenario doesn't involve an EMP attack and networks are still running, you can use your cell phones to communicate.

A cell phone can also be used:

  • To store important personal data. Save copies of important documents like your driver's license, birth certificate, insurance papers, etc.
  • To store sentimental photos and videos. When disaster strikes, having photos of your loved ones can help keep up your morale, especially if you've been separated from one another. Clear photos of your family members can make the search for them easier.
  • To store survival information like charts, ebooks, and maps.
  • To monitor Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) or similar packet radio modes via apps installed on your phone. APRS can be used to send a message in a beacon type format, and it is often used for search and rescue. Use APRS apps to monitor certain frequencies for a beacon in a survival scenario.

Thinking outside the box when SHTF

If you don't have access to ham radio or if you lose your phone, there are alternate means of communicating with your survival group. Keep an eye out for hidden notes from your family members, or something unusual like signs left on a trail you frequent.

Learn about Urban Search and Rescue markings, which are sprayed on the side of residences searched by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responders. The markings usually include the following signs:

  • Single slash – FEMA responders have gone inside and that a building search is in progress.
  • X with writing in quadrants – A search has been completed.
  • Top quadrant – The time and date that the search team left the building.
  • Bottom quadrant – This states the number of survivors and bodies found, usually in that order (e.g., 0/0 for no survivors and no corpses).
  • Left quadrant – This includes the search team’s identifier "tag," which is often a short acronym or military number.
  • Right quadrant – Lists present hazards (if any).
  • X with a box around it – This means "Do Not Enter," especially if an area is dangerous.

Before SHTF, learn how to use ham radios and earn your license so you can get in touch with your loved ones.

Sources include:

ThePrepperJournal.com

ThePrepared.com

TruePrepper.com



Take Action:
Support NewsTarget by linking to this article from your website.
Permalink to this article:
Copy
Embed article link:
Copy
Reprinting this article:
Non-commercial use is permitted with credit to NewsTarget.com (including a clickable link).
Please contact us for more information.
Free Email Alerts
Get independent news alerts on natural cures, food lab tests, cannabis medicine, science, robotics, drones, privacy and more.

NewsTarget.com © 2022 All Rights Reserved. All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. NewsTarget.com is not responsible for content written by contributing authors. The information on this site is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice of any kind. NewsTarget.com assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. Your use of this website indicates your agreement to these terms and those published on this site. All trademarks, registered trademarks and servicemarks mentioned on this site are the property of their respective owners.

This site uses cookies
News Target uses cookies to improve your experience on our site. By using this site, you agree to our privacy policy.
Learn More
Close
Get 100% real, uncensored news delivered straight to your inbox
You can unsubscribe at any time. Your email privacy is completely protected.