Emergency Communications
Mobile networks go down in major emergencies — either from damage or overload. Having backup communication methods means you can get information, contact family, and call for help when everyone else is staring at 'No Service'.
A wind-up/solar DAB radio is your lifeline for BBC emergency broadcasts. The BBC is the UK's official emergency broadcaster — local radio stations carry specific instructions during floods, storms, and incidents.
Agree a family communication plan: if phones are down, where do you meet? Who is the out-of-area contact everyone checks in with?
Text messages often get through when voice calls can't — they use much less network capacity. In a crisis, text first, call second.
PMR446 walkie-talkies (licence-free in the UK) give you short-range comms (1-3km) with no network dependency. About £25 for a pair.
Buy a wind-up/solar DAB radio. Test it. Keep it with your emergency kit
FAMILY PLAN: Agree a meeting point near home if you can't communicate (e.g. the local pub, a specific park bench)
Designate an out-of-area contact (relative who lives elsewhere). Everyone checks in with them if local comms are down
Save emergency contacts on paper (not just in your phone). Include ICE (In Case of Emergency) contacts
Buy a pair of PMR446 walkie-talkies for short-range family comms. Test the range in your area
Know your local BBC radio frequency — keep it written in your emergency kit
Keep a USB power bank charged for phone backup. Solar charger as a secondary option
In an emergency: text > call (less network load). Use WhatsApp/Signal (data uses different infrastructure to voice)
Amazon UK links carry our affiliate tag — no change to the price you pay.