Communications

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How to communicate with family if phones are down

Preparing with one’s family for how to communicate is one of the best tools for them in the event of an emergency. Immediately knowing where to go and whom to call can help individuals think clearly in a chaotic time and reunite with loved ones.

1. Make a list of emergency contacts. Include names, phone numbers and addresses for essential family members, medical offices, schools, day care centers, etc. Make contact cards and keep them in easily accessible locations like a purse, wallet or child’s backpack.

2. Decide on a family meeting place. Choose a location both in the neighborhood and out of town in case the family cannot get in touch or are unable to go home. Find locations that everyone is familiar with and will remember. Include these locations on the contact cards.

3. Teach children how to call 911 (or the emergency number in one’s own country). Help younger children understand how and when to call 911. They should only call 911 when there is a life-threatening emergency.

4. “In case of emergency” contacts. Store at least one emergency contact in all mobile devices as “ICE” or “In Case of Emergency.” This will help someone identify who to call when needed. Inform the emergency contact of any medical conditions or other vital health information.

5. Utilize text messages. Teach all family members how to send a text message. Texts can often get around network disruptions when phone calls cannot.

6. Review the emergency plan. Practice and revise the family communication plan at least once a year or whenever any information changes.

Develop your P.A.C.E. PLAN

1. Primary

Your primary method of communication is typically the most effective and used for everyday comms. These typically include cell phones, landline phones, and internet connections.

2. Alternate

Alternate comms are effective but are slightly less convenient for everyday use. You can use alternate communication technologies alongside primary comms to ensure 24/7 readiness.

3. Contingency

Going down an additional level, contingency methods will be slower, more expensive and less convenient than primary or alternate methods.

4. Emergency

Emergency methods are typically a last resort when primary, alternate and contingency means fail, as they have significant lag times, are expensive, and are more difficult to use.

SLLS

“When the heat, weight, and fatigue take your focus off moving in silence and invisibility, take a SLLS break—Stop what you are doing. Look around. Listen to your surroundings. Smell your environment.”

STOP
LOOK
LISTEN
SMELL