Survival communications are vital to let you know what's going on in the outside world after a disaster. Emergency bulletins will give you extremely valuable information that may directly affect your survival. Because of sloppy reporting and sensationalism, cross-reference emergency broadcasts for bogus information whenever possible.
Don't rely exclusively on one type of emergency communications. Diversify your communication "eggs" and purchase only quality communications gear.
Know your neighbors before a disaster strikes. Cooperative neighborhood planning, and the power that comes from working together toward a common goal, can make the difference between you living or dying during a crisis.
Creating an advanced "signaling system" for whatever is needed within your community can save precious time and emergency response resources.
How other people react to an emergency, whether you feel you know them well or not, will be one of your biggest leadership (communication) challenges during a crisis.
Use caution and common sense, and let your intuition be your guarding guide as to what information you'll share with neighbors.
Your family should have a well-known game plan about
what to do
and
where to meet
should a major disaster occur.
Most emergency communications require a power source. Always opt for battery-operated models or other forms of alternative power that are not dependent upon the conventional power grid.
Battery-operated or hand-crank AM/FM radios are great for receiving emergency broadcasts. If a widespread emergency occurred, civil defense-affiliated stations are set up to broadcast survival information on the AM broadcast band.
Cell phones, the Internet, CB radios, shortwave radios, walkie-talkies, field telephones, and scanners all have their pros and cons for use during emergencies. See which combination works best for your family.
For CB radios, channel 9 is the nationwide official channel for emergency use and traveler's information. Volunteer members of the Radio Emergency Associated Communications Team (REACT) monitor channel 9 almost continuously all across the United States.
Amateur radio clubs around the nation are great resources for learning the tricks of the trade and for buying used or new equipment from knowledgeable people.