FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION: CREATING A PLAN

FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION: CREATING A PLAN HEALTH Magazine, Winter 2025 Published by the Southwest Utah Public Health Foundation This podcast episode is an AI-generated narration of the HEALTH Magazine article. The full article text is provided below as the official transcript of this episode. FAMILY EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION: CREATING A PLAN by Austin Smith, Healthcare Preparedness Coordinator; Narrated by Austin Smith using AI-assisted voice.   We take for granted the ability to use devices to instantly see what’s going on in the world around us or have constant contact with our loved ones. In fact, it seems like most people over the age of twelve have a smartphone with them at all times. It’s truly amazing how easy it is for us to communicate. But what would you do if that ability suddenly stopped working? The communication services we use are not immune to infrastructure damage or cyberattacks. You and your family can prepare for these unexpected scenarios by creating a PACE plan, a model used by the military for backup contingencies. Here are ideas to help you stay in touch during emergencies: P (PRIMARY) This is the best-case scenario, or what you hope will still work, like cell phones and landlines. Here are ways to optimize your primary options: • Keep a portable power bank and phone charging cord on hand/in your go-kit. • Use a waterproof phone case or keep some Ziploc bags in your kit to protect devices. • Print a hard copy of essential contacts to keep in your kit in case you need to use another phone. • Keep a list of known landline locations that are available to you (Grandma’s house?). (A) ALTERNATE Even if cell coverage and landlines are down, you may still be able to access the internet (Wi-Fi) to use web-based calling and messaging apps. • Create family group chats on web-based apps that only require a Wi-Fi connection to use. • Know what nearby public buildings have free Wi-Fi (library, shopping mall, fast food) and what the hours are. Others will likely have the same idea, so be considerate with your bandwidth use. Try messaging instead of calls. C (CONTINGENCY) For communications, this could be using two-way radios. There are three radio services that do not require a license to operate on: Family Radio Service (FRS), Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), and Citizens Band (CB). These are good options for short-distance communications, and radios can be purchased at relatively low cost. • Pre-determine at least two “family emergency” channels. • Practice with the radios so that you understand how to use them and what their limitations are. • Consider how you will recharge the batteries (portable power banks, extra batteries, etc). • Use the 3-3-3 method to save power (turning radios on every 3 hours to communicate, starting at noon). • There are other options for longer range radios like Amateur Radio (HAM) that require further training and licensing. (see page 16). E(EMERGENCY) These are plans of last resort; still achievable but obviously not your first choice: • Establish a safe meeting place both in and outside of your neighborhood. Make sure everyone knows where it is and practice going there. • Have a place (“drop-box”) where everyone knows to leave notes if you are away from home when they come to check on you. • If using “runners”, clearly define who will be checking on whom and establish the locations where they will meet to exchange information. A PACE plan can be created quickly and even be a fun family activity to practice when things are calm. This will help alleviate the stress and fear that often comes with a real disaster.