Begin by deciding how your household will check in, who everyone should contact and where you will meet if you become separated. Keep printed contact information accessible and practice the plan together.

Start with the phones and equipment you already own. Identify a backup method that fits your household’s needs, then learn its limitations before purchasing more equipment.

The roadmap above introduces equipment options you may consider over time. Your family does not need to reach every level to take useful preparedness steps. The sections below explain five communication methods and how they can support your plan.

When emergencies happen, communication often becomes more valuable than almost any supply you own.

Food, water, medical supplies, and emergency equipment are critical, but without reliable communication you may not know what is happening around you, where help is available, which areas are safe, or how to reconnect with family members.

Power outages, severe weather, natural disasters, cellular network failures, and internet disruptions can happen with little warning. The families who are best prepared are those who have multiple ways to receive information and communicate when traditional systems fail.

The goal is not to rely on a single communication method. Instead, build multiple layers of communication that work together to keep your family informed, connected, and prepared.

Cell phones remain the primary communication tool for most people.

They provide voice communication, text messaging, internet access, GPS navigation, weather alerts, and emergency notifications.

• Nearly everyone already owns one
• Familiar and easy to use
• Access to emergency alerts and weather information
• GPS and mapping capabilities
• Fast communication over long distances

• Dependent on cellular towers
• Dependent on battery power
• Networks can become overloaded during emergencies
• Service may be unavailable in rural areas

• Portable power banks
• Solar charging panels
• Vehicle charging systems
• Backup charging cables

A NOAA Weather Radio is one of the most important preparedness tools you can own.

These radios provide official weather alerts, severe storm warnings, evacuation notices, and emergency information directly from the National Weather Service.

• Works independently of cellular networks
• Models with an alert feature can sound automatically when correctly configured and receiving a usable broadcast signal.
• Provides severe weather information
• Affordable and reliable

• Receive-only device
• Requires adequate reception and a working power source; keep backup batteries available.
• Cannot communicate with others

Every household should own at least one NOAA Weather Radio.

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) is one of the best communication options for preparedness-minded families.

GMRS radios allow family members to communicate directly without relying on cellular networks.

Many communities also have GMRS repeaters that significantly extend communication range.

• FCC GMRS license required; no examination
• The license holder may allow immediate family members, as defined by FCC rules, to operate under the license 
• Easy to learn and operate
• Excellent for local communication
• Direct radio-to-radio communication can continue during cellular or grid outages when the radios have power and are within range 
• Great for travel, camping, and emergency preparedness

• Limited long-distance capability
• Smaller network than amateur radio
• Fewer available frequencies
• Repeater use depends on coverage, access permission and the repeater remaining operational 

Amateur Radio provides some of the most versatile emergency communication capabilities available to private citizens.

Licensed operators can communicate locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally depending on equipment and conditions.

Amateur Radio operators often play important roles during disasters when traditional communication systems become unavailable.

• Extensive repeater networks
• Access to emergency communication groups
• Regional and worldwide communication capabilities
• Digital communication options
• Greater flexibility and capability

• An appropriately licensed control operator is required for transmitting; a GMRS license does not authorize amateur-radio operation 
• Requires study and examination
• More complex than GMRS
• Available frequencies and operating privileges depend on license class
• Communication depends on equipment, antennas, power and conditions; some linked digital systems also depend on internet access 

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GMRS vs Amateur (HAM) Radio

Satellite communicators provide another layer of preparedness for those who travel frequently or spend time in remote locations.

Unlike cell phones, satellite communicators can often send messages even when cellular coverage is unavailable.

• Wide-area coverage, depending on the satellite network and service 
• Works beyond cellular service areas
• Emergency SOS functionality
• An additional communication option for remote travel 

• Higher equipment costs
• Messaging typically requires an active service plan; features and fees vary by provider
• Requires battery power and a clear view of the sky; obstructions can delay or prevent communication.

• Garmin inReach