Prepping Emergency Communications BEFORE an Emergency

A Practical Guide for Preppers, Homesteaders, and Off-Grid Planners

Introduction

The time to plan your emergency communications isn’t when the lights go out — it’s right now.

In a crisis, cell towers get jammed. Internet goes down. Power disappears. When that happens, your ability to send and receive information can mean the difference between panic and control.

This guide breaks down exactly how to build a reliable communication plan before disaster strikes — whether you’re a prepper, a rural homesteader, or just want to be ready for the unexpected.

Why Communication Fails During Disasters

Here’s what commonly happens in an emergency:

• Cell towers get overloaded

• Landlines go down with power

• Internet connections fail

• People rely on apps — and apps fail

The result? Silence when you need answers, coordination, and connection the most.

What You Can Prepare in Advance

1. Design a PACE Plan

A PACE Plan is a layered communication strategy:

• Primary: Your first go-to method (ex: cell phone)

• Alternate: A backup that works differently (ex: GMRS radio)

• Contingency: A secondary backup (ex: HAM radio or satellite comms)

• Emergency: The last resort (ex: in-person runner or signal flag)

Set this plan up with your family, group, or community so everyone knows what to expect before the pressure is on.

2. Use Radios — Not Just Phones

Cell service can’t be trusted when it matters most. Radios offer direct, peer-to-peer communication without relying on infrastructure.

Recommended radio types:

• GMRS for group or family coordination

• HAM for broader range and emergency nets

• FRS for basic communication with no license (but lower range)

• Scanner radios for situational awareness and monitoring local agencies

3. Train Before the Crisis

Owning a radio isn’t the same as knowing how to use it under stress.

Practice:

• Talking clearly using call signs or names

• Switching frequencies or channels

• Changing locations to get better reception

• Connecting to repeaters (especially for HAM)

Even simple drills can massively reduce confusion when the pressure is on.

4. Have a Printed Contact Plan

Don’t rely on your phone’s contact list.
Print and laminate a sheet with:

• Names and call signs

• Frequencies and channels

• Emergency rally points

• Medical info or roles (if applicable)

Keep one at home, one in your bug-out bag, and one in each vehicle.

5. Power Your Gear

In an extended grid-down event, power is king.

Prepare:

• Spare batteries (charged and rotated)

• Solar chargers or power banks

• 12V vehicle adapters

• Hand crank chargers (for basic radios)

Test your power sources now, not later.

Example Emergency Radio Setup (Basic Prepper Kit)

Why This Matters

When disaster hits, people scramble for answers. If you've prepped your communications plan, you won't be one of them. You'll be able to:

• Find your family

• Coordinate with your community

• Receive critical updates

• Call for help

• Maintain order in the chaos

Information is power — especially when it's scarce.

Final Thoughts

Emergency communication isn't just a checkbox — it's the backbone of any real preparedness strategy.

If you're serious about being ready, take the time to build your PACE plan, equip your radios, and train before you need it. The difference between “ready” and “not ready” is time — and once the emergency hits, you won’t have any.