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Making Contact With Emergency Communication Equipment

By Serena Price


During a natural or man-made disaster, you will want to be able to communicate with government agencies and family members . Suggestions for Emergency Communication Equipment for your kit are a ham radio, satellite phone, walkie- talkies, cell phone, or a hand crank radio . Having fresh batteries or choosing equipment that use solar power will ensure you are not left uninformed.

Ham radio, also called shortwave radio, has been used in every disaster and crisis for more than 100 years. The reason is that they are not limited to only one frequency for communicating. The shortwave frequency bounces off the ionosphere and will actually curve around the earth which makes its reach longer. A signal can be received as far away as several thousand kilometers or a different continent. In addition, most operators know and use Morse code which can transmit when voice cannot. A Ham radio will also have a self enclosed battery or generator making an external power source unnecessary.

A Satellite Phone does not rely on cell networks in order to operate. Instead they connect to orbiting satellites and provide the same functions a cell phone offers. These are voice, short messaging and limited internet. Any overload to the cell phone network will not have an effect on this option. As long as the satellites are orbiting the earth you will be able to make use of this option.

Another option that does not use cell networks, is the Walkie-Talkie. Modern units resemble a cell phone but are instead a two-way radio that also uses radio waves for transmittal. Good for short distance communication, they can reach a person 1 to almost 35 miles away as long as there are no obstructions such as buildings or a mountain between the sender and receiver.

Practicably everyone has a Cell Phone. During a disaster, attempts to make a call may fail due to networks being overwhelmed, but you will probably succeed by texting or using your data plan. Text messaging takes less bandwidth than a voice call. In addition, you will probably be able to access the internet to gather vital information, communicate with others, and post your status on social medial pages.

A Hand-crank radio is also a valuable item to have in your bag. Though you cannot send voice message over it, you will be able to gather information from radio and weather stations. This equipment are powered by cranking a handle that in turn powers its internal generator. This is useful not only because it provides its own energy but also because today's units have ports for charging cell phones, they have a reading light, emergency light, and other safety features. Also, most have a solar panel for providing its energy.

Add a solar panel and converter to your preparedness bag. You will also want to keep a fresh stock of batteries. Also check your equipment to make certain they are in proper working order. Disasters are never pre-planned or scheduled for our convenience so be prepared.

During a natural or man-made disaster Making Contact with Emergency Communication Equipment is going to be vital. Be certain you have been properly trained in how to use your equipment. Also have plenty of batteries and a solar converter on hand in order to keep the lines of communication open.




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