Emergency Communication Equipment Is Important

By Serena Price


Emergency Communication Equipment is Important when putting together your disaster bag. You will want to stay abreast of updates and reports plus be in contact with loved ones and relief crews. Choose either a Ham Radio, Satellite Phone, Walkie-Talkie, Cell Phone, or a Hand-crank Radio to keep you in touch with others during a crisis.

For more than 100 years, the Ham radio, also known as shortwave radio, has proven critical during all types of disasters and crisis. There are several reason why this is so. They use a shortwave frequency that is able to literately bend or curve around the earth because the radio wave is at such a low frequency it bounces off the ionosphere. Also their signals can be sent and received from one continent to another or several thousand kilometers in distance. Most operators know and use Morse code which can be transmitted if voice cannot and they do not require any outside source of power to operate.

The second option is a Satellite Phone. Their advantage is that their transmission bounces off satellites orbiting the earth. They provide voice, text, and internet service in addition to Global Position System, GPS. They are more dependable than Cell phones because they do not use the cell networks which can become overloaded and jammed.

A Walkie-Talkie does not use cell networks or phone lines either. It is a portable and hand held two-way radio that uses radio waves to transmit voice. They are battery operated and do not need an external power source. These are best used for distance of 1 mile to almost 35 as long as there are no obstacles in the 'line of sight', such as a mountain, buildings, or trees.

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.

Emergency communication equipment Is Important to the safety and peace of mind of your family and yourself during a disaster or crisis. Put together a preparedness bag that includes not only food, water, and medical supplies, but also one of the suggestions from above.




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