B.O.B.- Communications
Valparaiso Ward, Nov. 3, 013
When large-scale disasters strikes, “Normal” will be nonexistent for hours, days or even weeks.
Communication; sending, receiving, recording information & navigation services will go off the grid. Most
likely cell phones and landline phones will not work. Local radio & TV stations will not be broadcasting.
Digital GPS systems may be inoperable. And NO Internet. In large-scale disasters the affected area is
disconnected from the rest of the world. To be successful at navigating through the chaotic aftermath, you
need to make preparations in advance.
CELL PHONE:
Either local towers will be destroyed or the networks will be overwhelmed with volume. Bring your cell phone with
you just in case. Past recorded disasters show that survivors have had more success sending & receiving texts than
actual phone calls. Even a sporadic text is better than nothing. The remote chance of receiving a text makes it an
incredibly valuable asset. Many cell phones will not last 72 hrs. on one charge. Pack either a 2nd fully charged battery
or a manual hand-crank charger. You can buy affordable hand-crank chargers w/ optional adaptors to fit nearly
every cell phone. Also be sure to have a car cell phone charger. There are also solar chargers. But don’t rely on solar
alone as disaster conditions may block the sun.
EMERGENCY RADIO:
This may be your only source of incoming news while on your journey. Knowing disaster updates can help you
coordinate your travel, providing info about safe or dangerous areas as well as recue points, supply schedules or
imminent threats. A radio from the Eton Corp. (etoncorp.com) has a built-in hand-crank cell phone charger & LED
flashlight. The crank can also power the radio. It is crucial to choose a radio model that is equipped w/ NOAA
Weather Radio. The NOAA broadcasts weather alerts & disaster info 24-7. Even when local stations aren’t able to
broadcast you should be able to get NOAA. Radios must be equipped w/ special receivers to receive the NOAA signal
& this station is clearly marked on emergency radios. Get familiar w/ your states EAS (Emergency Alert Systems)
policies & plans. fcc.gov/encyclopedia/state-eas-plans-and-chairs
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS:
If you’re bugging out, it’s safe to assume there is risk your house will be destroyed, looted or robbed. That’s the
reality. Be prepared in advance w/ a portfolio of your most important personal documents. They are critical to
getting your life back in order during the ‘recovery stage’. Authorities may require proof of ID & you don’t want
anything holding you up. Don’t let something as simple as a DL or Passport delaying your travel to clear check points.
Your Survival Document Portfolio should contain;
ID DOCS: Drivers License, Birth Certificate, SS Card, Passport, Military ID, and Marriage License.
INSURANCE DOCS: Property, Auto, Life and Rental Insurances. Include account #s w/ contact info.
MEDICAL DOCS: Health Ins cards, Immunizations, list of prescript. Drugs, docs related to disability, allergy info, will.
FINANCIAL DOCS: Bank accounts, C/C info, loan accounts, mortgages. Include contact info of companies.
Keep the above docs in a watertight map case & inside a waterproof safe that is bolted down. Don’t keep your
important docs inside your BOB year round. This is one item you will grab during a bug-out situation along w/ your
BOB. Also keep some cash.
CASH: In an emergency the unprepared will swamp ATMs. They may not even work anyways. In a Bug Out situation,
split up your cash reserve & keep in 5 different places on your person. There WILL be need for money at some point
in your journey. A roll of quarters is also a good idea. You may find a need for coin.
AREA MAP: A disaster may destroy or block roads. Or they may be jammed w/ traffic. Don’t depend on a GPS or
Smart phone. Get a map of your local area & highlight 3 routes for travel to safety.
COMPASS: Get a Boy Scout model & learn how to use it.
TWO WAY RADIOS: Needed if you are Bugging Out w/ a Family. Splitting up may be a necessity.
NOTE PAD & PENCIL: Recording info or leaving notes is very important. A company called Rite in the Rain makes a
very unique all-weather writing pad that sheds water & enhances images when wet. Their paper is widely used
throughout the world for recording critical field data in all kinds of weather. We will be doing a group order as a
ward for the 3X5 or 4X6 pads soon. Cut a pencil in ½ & keep in the spiral binding.
SIGNALING TOOLS: A critical component. One of thee best ways to signal is a small whistle. The Fox 40
(fox40world.com) makes a whistle that is water & rust proof. It can even be blown under water. It’s 120 decibel blast
travels for miles. A whistle blast is much louder & travels much farther than a scream for help. It also takes less
energy to blow a whistle that to scream. Other ways to signal include a signal mirror, survival blanket, flashlight,
glow stick, & signal fire.
Information for this newsletter comes from the book, “Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag”, by Creek Stewart