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August 01, 2007
Today's Question of the Day: What type of communications would you rely on in an Emergency?
Today's Question of the Day once again comes from Dr. Question who asks: "What type of communications would you rely on in an Emergency and Why? What do you think would be most and least reliable methods of communication in such an instance?"
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If you would like to contribute a “Question of the Day” please send it to: jeffp@pulver.com.
Tags: Question of the Day, Emergency Communications, Jeff Pulver
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Posted by jeff on August 1, 2007 07:55 AM | Permalink
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Comments
First instinct for me would be my landline phone, but only because I live right on the line of cell service where cell service drifts back and forth between regular service and roaming.
My second choices would be my CB and my police scanner, both of which are handhelds and easily portable.
CB's were a godsend a few years ago here in Arkansas during a major ice storm that stranded holiday travelers, truckers, and others for several days on stretches of I-30 that were miles from convenience stores/truckstops. Drivers were at least able to use CB's to communicate with locals and get food, water, coffee, blankets, etc. delivered by locals using 4-wheelers.
Maybe it pays to be stranded in a "backward" state? ;-)
Posted by: Angela at August 7, 2007 01:04 AM
I have little to no faith that any public networks (i.e., landline phones, cellular, the public Internet) will work in a real emergency - or even a serious impending threat of a real emergency. The disruption may be temporary, but I believe for some period of time, all these services will be swamped or broken. I could be wrong, and there is some chance of *something* working among these choices, but if one were truly focused on the need to communicate in an emergency, one wouldn't rely on public facilities.
For this reason, like other commenters, I would rely on amateur radio - because nearly 100 years of experience shows that it is consistently the only thing that keeps working, no matter what. CB works too, and that would be another alternative. Both hams and CBers also have a long history of being willing and able to mobilize in a crisis.
Posted by: Dr. Question at August 3, 2007 06:55 AM
My wife worked next door to the recent NY steam pipe explosion - I was stunned at how poorly the cellular network was able to handle people trying to contact or be contacted considering the small scale of the affected area.
For those of you that answered 'Cellular' above you may want to consider this in the future.
We found SMS's were getting through though didn't offer the immediacy you require. It would have been interesting to see how the data network faired as we both have 3g capable phones but didn't consider IM at the time.
I dont have any specific advice but just know that cellular will be borked.
The best solution is pre-planning eg. We have a predetermined location we will meet at should something happen to either of our offices and a backup location should that first option not be possible.
Apart from that when TEOTWAWKI happens then best form of communication is a clear calm voice backed up by a situationally appropriate caliber :)
Cheers,
Dean
Posted by: Dean Collins at August 2, 2007 05:15 PM
If phone were out or the power was out at my home - I'd surely reach for my mobile.
If that didn't work - I'd reach for my 2m Amateur Radio!
Posted by: Alan Percy at August 2, 2007 02:21 PM
CB Radio. That's right. Can't say I didn't take a lesson from "Live Free or Die Hard"! ;-)
Posted by: K² at August 1, 2007 08:25 PM
cell phone...
Posted by: Chris Parandian at August 1, 2007 06:11 PM
Well first choice would be cell phone if it was up. Direct connection to people is a nice convenience. The land line would be the second thing to check, but somehow I have more confidence in the cell.
If those are both down, time to fire up the ham radio. I have both HTs and an HF rig. I haven't been active in RACES or ARES so my usefulness there may be limited but I'd offer my help if it could be used. I'm a quick learner :-)
Posted by: Goldie Katsu at August 1, 2007 01:58 PM
I have two cell phones I carry (not by choice), so I would hope one of them would work in time of crisis, otherwise the nearest stranger and their cell phone would be next on my list.
Posted by: Phil Chen at August 1, 2007 01:42 PM
Yes, I agree, it would totally depend on the emergency, but for ordinary every day emergencies (ie not national/global crisis) I think I'd reach for my cell phone every time.
Posted by: Wolfman-K at August 1, 2007 01:20 PM
On September 11th 2001, cell service in NY was lost, and I couldn't access a land line. I was only able to contact my family through instant message...so I suppose VoiP would have worked too.
Posted by: Jamison at August 1, 2007 12:24 PM
Amateur Radio!
(Just Kidding)
Posted by: Robert Swirsky at August 1, 2007 11:58 AM
I think I would have to define "emergency" first before I decide what I would rely upon. Also, "communication". Two way communication or "information communication"?
Yes. First it would be my cell, unless it had been knocked out. Landline. Ok. Again, if it wasnt knocked out.
If there was no cell service and the phones were down, I think I would rely upon my police scanner for "information communication". I carry it in my truck at all times and there have been many a bad storm or tornado that passed through where I live and all power was down. Even the phone service disappeared. My police scanner however was able to give me updates on what was going on as it happened. Also, I have a CB radio in my truck. I would rely on that for two way communication.
Old school methods that wont fail in the event of an emergency :)
Posted by: david at August 1, 2007 10:21 AM
Cell Phone, then land line....
Or if I need to take care of the "action" VOICE LOUDLY with commands and instructions to someone on what needs doing.
Posted by: Chris Hambly at August 1, 2007 10:06 AM
First choice is always my cell phone, it is with me and will stay with me as the emergency develops. Unless of course I am outside where there is no cellular coverage, then I would have to rely on the good ole mouth - HELP!
Posted by: Moshe Maeir at August 1, 2007 09:36 AM