Emergency Messages/Emails

[Guest bkelm18]

As I'm slowly getting my BOB together and getting some disaster prep underway, a thought struck me. Let's say a regional event occurs (earthquake, floods, severe storms, maybe an EMP if you had warning) and you want to let your loved ones or friends in other areas know that you're ok and maybe clue them in to what your plans are. Perhaps you could set up an email message, already loaded up and saved as a draft with all the addresses plugged in, and all you had to do was press send and then GTFO. Maybe it could include your bugout location or where you'll be heading. What do you think? Obviously making phone calls would be easier but maybe you won't have time or the cell networks become clogged up. Just an idea that crossed my mind.

[Guest Bronker]

Good idea.

However, I wonder if sending that 'prompting' email now, asking these important people to print the email, delete it, and stow it away might be a good idea? Realistically, what are the chances that their email server / network / phone are wiped out too? At least they would already know where you were going to be, from past reference. Even if they too are caught away from home, they already know where you are and where to go.

It might be a good idea for children that are caught at school too. That conversation came up today. I was in Nashville working, my wife was in town, and my kids were at school. All of us separated by distance. I feel compelled to make sure that my kids could make it to my house from their school...walking.

Just a thought.

[Guest bkelm18]

Good idea.

However, I wonder if sending that 'prompting' email now, asking these important people to print the email, delete it, and stow it away might be a good idea? Realistically, what are the chances that their email server / network / phone are wiped out too? At least they would already know where you were going to be, from past reference. Even if they too are caught away from home, they already know where you are and where to go.

It might be a good idea for children that are caught at school too. That conversation came up today. I was in Nashville working, my wife was in town, and my kids were at school. All of us separated by distance. I feel compelled to make sure that my kids could make it to my house from their school...walking.

Just a thought.

That is true. Now that I really think about it, just about everyone I'd send it to is in the Knoxville area. Ha. Obviously it's not a perfect form of communication, but I figure the more info you get out to those who need to know, the better off you might be.

[Guest Bronker]

...I figure the more info you get out to those who need to know, the better off you might be.

Absolutely. I too was considering the 'list' of folks that would be on my notification roster. Wife and kids, and two other families that are pre-determined bugging partners, all of whom know the 'rally point' already.

It's funny how the last few of these conversations start out me and you chatting back and forth:lol:

[Guest bkelm18]

Dynamic duo!

Random thoughts pop into my head when I'm thinking about disaster preparedness. It satiates my obsessive compulsiveness.

[enfield]

It might work, IF the phone lines are up. If cell is useless, landline probably will be also. And, no phone lines, no internet.

Know what works when the grid/phone lines are down? Amateur radio. Think storage batteries, solar cells and HF/VHF radio.

Nothing wrong with telling (in advance) your friends and family where you'll be when the SHTF. Like a pre-arranged rendezvous point.

[Guest bkelm18]

It might work, IF the phone lines are up. If cell is useless, landline probably will be also. And, no phone lines, no internet.

Know what works when the grid/phone lines are down? Amateur radio. Think storage batteries, solar cells and HF/VHF radio.

Nothing wrong with telling (in advance) your friends and family where you'll be when the SHTF. Like a pre-arranged rendezvous point.

My internet comes over cable lines. Like I said, it's not a perfect solution, just an option.

[Shorty]

Have a plan already arranged for your family and maybe a few friends like Enfield said, and depending on the distance maybe invest in a CB radio or HAM. If you want to go to the extremes, get a satellite phone or there's always homing pigeons.

[Guest uofmeet]

I have ham radio. I can easily throw some wires up and make an HF antenna. And what a lot of you guys probably don't know, it is possible to send e-mail over ham radio. You can easily do it on HF with the correct equipment. Connect with an HF station not in the disaster area.

I cannot stress ham radio enough. It is not just a hobby, it will be the way people and government agencies will communicate when the SHTF. I am sure it is very active in japan right now. It was use a lot after katrina.

Again, if anyone in the memphis area wants to learn more about ham radio, Just PM me. I will even personally help you get your tech ticket.

[tnhawk]

Training in Amateur Radio has become a part of my preparations. I don't see other communications being dependable in an emergency.

[kckndrgn]

Here's an idea, at least for the adults in your group. In each vehicle have a map of rendezvous points and routes to/from those areas. At least 3 routes to each location. For example "home/work" have 3 routes, already planned and hopefully traveled so you are familiar with them. Have a copy of your routes in each vehicle so all in your group will know where to look for you should they need to.

For example, my wife and I work on opposite sides of Shelby county. I have 3 preplanned "emergency' routes home, so does she. In my truck is a folder with maps indicating my routes and maps indicating her routes. Also in this folder is a list of emergency contact names & numbers (both landline & cell). In addition is some "encrypted" bank info, hotel & bank phone numbers and extra cash. The folders in each vehicle are identical, should something change in one, both are updated. We also keep a copy of the folder at home (so that makes 3 copies) since we have in-house daycare.

If/When amateur radio is added to our skills that info will be added to these folders as well.

[LagerHead]

My internet comes over cable lines. Like I said, it's not a perfect solution, just an option.

It all goes back to the same pole. If your phone is out your cable very likely will be as well. And the backbones they ride are all fiber. Not to mention most of the cases that would force you out of your home, the place you most want to be, would likely sever all power too. I would consider it one tool in the toolbox, but not the ultimate solution by any means.

[MacGyver]

Packet Radio for me.

[enfield]

Packet Radio for me.

Me too. As long as the internet is up, I can send and receive email via 2 meter packet radio as well as communicate with other packet stations whether the internet is up or not.

"Ancient technology" - digital burst transmissions - what's not to love?

Edited March 23, 2011 by enfield

[bigwakes]

I just took my Ham exam for this very reason. I know all to well how easy it is to lose landlines and cell towers. Think about the recent flood. Bellevue was without cell towers for a couple days and landlines were down for a week. The only backup plan I could think of was Ham radio.

In regards to notifying loved ones, I think I would contact my brother in another state in advance to give him the details on who to notify via email. Make one phone call and then get about the business of surviving whatever situation is at hand.