When a storm takes out the towers or a grid failure drags on for weeks, the first thing most people lose is contact. Food and water matter, but they are hard to arrange if nobody knows you need them. Being able to reach emergency crews, check on family and hear what officials are saying counts for as much as anything in your stockpile. It also does something less tangible: knowing a loved one is safe makes it easier to keep a clear head.
This guide covers the devices worth considering, from the phone already in your pocket to satellite gear and a few purpose-built off-grid gadgets. It also covers how to choose between them and how to keep them working. No single item will cover every situation, so think in layers.
Start with what you already have #
Cell phones #
When the grid goes down, your phone may still work. It may have charge, or you may have a power bank. The problem is the network. A disaster can destroy the nearest tower, although some towers have backup generators that keep them running when the grid fails. Don’t write the phone off. It is cheap, portable, easy to use and can reach almost anywhere. If voice calls won’t connect, text messages sometimes go through, because they need far less bandwidth.
Keep it charged, carry a backup power source such as a portable charger, and store emergency contacts and local authorities’ numbers in it. Treat the phone as the first thing you try, not the only thing you own.
Landlines #
The old corded landline looks out of date in most homes, but in an outage it is an asset. A traditional landline draws its power from the phone line itself, so it can keep working when the electric grid is down. It also doesn’t suffer from the congestion that locks up cell networks during a crisis. One caveat: VoIP phones look like landlines but need electricity and an internet connection, so they won’t work when the power is out. If you still have a copper line and a corded phone, keep one in a closet for exactly this situation.
Radios you can use without a network #
Two-way radios #
Two-way radios, or walkie-talkies, work on radio frequencies and need no cell service or internet. They suit short and medium distances: coordinating a group, relaying urgent information, keeping in touch on a hike or across a neighborhood. Look for models that use the Family Radio Service (FRS) or General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) bands for better range and clarity. Keep spare batteries with them.
Expect less than the packaging says. Terrain, weather and obstacles all cut range. A set sold with a long-range claim may reach only a mile or so in difficult conditions.
CB radios #
Citizens band radios use frequencies set aside for public use. Truck drivers and off-road enthusiasts use them, and so do some emergency services. CB radios have a longer reach than handheld two-way sets, which makes them a reasonable option for longer distances without a license.
Hand-crank and weather radios #
A hand-crank radio is one of the most useful receivers you can own, because it lets you hear what is going on even when you can’t send. Look for a model that picks up AM, FM and weather band frequencies and can be powered by cranking or a solar panel. A weather radio gives real-time updates on severe storms and other hazards. These devices don’t let you talk to anyone, but information about what’s coming is valuable all by itself.
Ham radio #
Amateur radio is the most capable option for long-term and long-range communication. Licensed operators communicate over long distances on designated frequencies, using voice, text and data, without any traditional infrastructure. In a real emergency, ham operators provide vital communication support for their communities. The tradeoff is that you need a license, plus equipment and practice. If you want to take it seriously, plan on studying for the exam and joining a local club. The steps are simple, and the exam is the main hurdle.
Satellite gear #
Satellite phones #
A satellite phone doesn’t rely on cell towers. It connects to satellites in orbit, so it can work in remote areas and in places where the terrestrial network is down or overloaded. You can make calls, send text messages and in some cases reach the internet. They work best with a clear or partly cloudy sky, and they generally run on a subscription model, which is why they are popular for expeditions and professional guiding. Newer models are built for more casual use and let you pay a modest monthly or one-time fee to send texts out via satellite. They are expensive, but as a backup they are hard to beat, especially if you go off the grid often.
Personal locator beacons and emergency beacons #
Personal locator beacons (PLBs) and Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs) are made for a single purpose: sending a distress signal to search and rescue authorities. Press the button and the device transmits your identification and, in the case of GPS units, your coordinates. They are compact, built for hikers, boaters, pilots and others in remote spots, and they give you a way to summon help without having to explain where you are. Don’t treat them as a toy; use them for real emergencies only.
Off-grid gadgets for preppers #
A handful of newer devices fill the gap between a phone and a radio. They pair with your smartphone and let you communicate without cell service.
- goTenna Mesh. This turns phones paired with it into a self-sufficient mesh network that works without mobile reception. It offers complete privacy, according to its makers, and it was developed in 2012 following Hurricane Sandy.
- Beartooth Smart Walkie Talkie. It lets you speak to other people through your phone without a signal, using technology similar to Bluetooth. Voice calls reach about 5 miles. Text messages go as far as 10 miles.
- Gotoky. It pairs with a smartphone to send text and voice messages, form a mesh network and run group messaging. It also supports emergency location beacon activation, real-time tracking, navigation, route recording and GPS sharing, and all messages are encrypted.
- Fogo Adventure device. It lets you communicate with no active signal and works with a smartphone. It also packs a 1200 lumen LED flashlight, a 6800 mAh USB backup battery, a motion sensor, a fitness tracker, waypoint navigation, crash detection, a bike computer and a Bluetooth speaker.
Ranges are those quoted by the makers. Test any of them in your own terrain before you rely on them.
Low-tech signaling tools #
Don’t forget things that need no power at all. Whistles, signal mirrors and flashlights are small and cheap. Signal flares emit a bright light seen from a distance, and you should keep a few in your kit along with instructions for using them safely. A loud whistle belongs on your person at all times, and three short blasts is a universal distress signal.
Choosing the right devices #
Start with where you will use them. If you live in a rural area with poor cell coverage, a satellite phone or a ham radio may be more useful than a pair of walkie-talkies. If your main concern is staying in touch with family across town, two-way radios may be enough.
Reliability. Choose items with a proven record in hard conditions. Look for waterproof, shockproof gear that handles extreme temperatures, with backup power and durable construction.
Range. Think about the area you need to cover. Terrain, weather and obstructions all affect signals, so look for adjustable power levels or the option of an external antenna.
Battery life. Long emergencies mean limited electricity. Favor rechargeable batteries and low power consumption, and carry spare batteries, solar chargers or power banks.
Ease of use. In a stressful moment you won’t figure out complicated controls. Pick devices with intuitive controls and clear displays, and practice with them.
Compatibility. If you want to talk to your neighbors or to public safety agencies, think about whether your gear can use the same frequencies and protocols. Devices that fit into a wider network are more useful than ones that stand alone.
Using your devices well #
Owning gear is a start. Using it well takes a few habits.
Read the manuals and learn the controls before you need them. Keep contact lists, frequencies and emergency channels current. Agree on channels, roles and signal codes with the people you will be communicating with, and run radio checks and set check-in times, so everyone knows what to do when regular communication fails.
Monitor emergency channels, weather alerts and public safety traffic. Local news, bulletins and evacuation orders affect your decisions, and if you hear a distress call you may be able to relay it.
Maintain everything. Inspect devices for damage, corrosion and wear, clean them, and replace old batteries. Test each device in your kit at least once a month, checking battery life, signal strength and overall performance. Do range checks and run mock emergencies. A radio that has never left the box is a gamble.
Finally, consider working with others. Registering your equipment with local emergency management, joining community drills and taking part in amateur radio groups all help, and following official guidelines keeps you on the right side of the regulations.
A sensible kit #
Build in layers, starting with the least expensive. A charged phone with a power bank and a hand-crank radio come first. Add a pair of two-way radios with spare batteries, a whistle and a signal mirror. If your budget allows, add a satellite messenger or a personal locator beacon for remote trips, and consider getting a ham license for the long game. Keep a landline if you still have one. Whatever you buy, make sure that the things you rely on are reliable, simple to use and tested. Backups for backups beat a single expensive gadget.
Related reading: Security and comms · Best survival walkie-talkies · How to build an emergency communication plan · How to build an off-grid communication network