Our modern means of communication are marvellous, but not infallible. Internet and traditional communication networks can fail temporarily for various reasons: technical failures, cyber attacks, extreme weather conditions or power cuts. It is then useful to know how you can communicate. In the Low Countries we have already seen concrete examples of this.
These incidents demonstrate that we are wise to have alternative communication methods to hand. Just as we have a first aid kit for physical emergencies, it is equally sensible to be prepared for communication challenges. In this article I share practical knowledge so that you can stay connected even without our usual digital aids.
1. Alternative means of communication
If mobile networks and the internet are not available, there are still other ways to communicate.
Radio and emergency services
Portable radios on batteries or solar power are indispensable in your kit. They enable you to receive news and government messages when all other channels go silent.
Emergency radios with long-wave and short-wave connections can pick up signals from distant stations, even when local infrastructure has been disabled.
Walkie-talkies and CB radios
Walkie-talkies (PMR radios) are effective for communication within a limited range such as a neighbourhood or district. A set of good PMR radios with spare batteries belongs in every survival kit.
CB radios and HAM radios (amateur transmitters) offer a substantially greater range. For HAM radios you need a licence, but this investment pays off during prolonged crises. Take steps now to obtain your licence before it’s too late.
Paper messages and noticeboards
Organise a central information point with neighbours where messages can be left and read.
Agree in advance with friends and family on specific locations where you can leave notes.
Signals and distress signals
Whistles, smoke signals or mirrors can be life-saving for passing on signals at a distance.
Learn basic skills in Morse code. With a torch you can send messages over considerable distances at night.
2. Obtaining information without internet
In the event of internet and television failure, there remain ways to access essential information.
Analogue radio
Local and national stations broadcast updates about the situation via AM and FM radio. Make sure you know and have noted these frequencies:
In the Netherlands you must tune in to NPO Radio 1 for official emergency messages and updates:
- In Almere, Amersfoort, Arnhem, Breda, The Hague, Eindhoven, Haarlem, Nijmegen, ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Tilburg, Utrecht, Zaanstad and Amsterdam: 98.9 MHz
- In Rotterdam: 98.6 MHz
- In Apeldoorn, Deventer, Enschede and Zwolle: 98.4 MHz
- In Assen, Groningen and Leeuwarden: 91.8 MHz
- In Maastricht: 105.3 MHz
- In Middelburg: 104.4 MHz
- In Venlo: 104.8 MHz
In Belgium, VRT NWS Radio 1 is the most important source for crisis information:
- In Antwerp: 94.2 MHz
- In Flemish Brabant: 91.7 MHz
- In Leuven: 98.5 MHz
- In Limburg: 99.9 MHz
- In East Flanders: 95.7 MHz
- In West Flanders: 95.7 MHz
For French-speaking areas in Belgium, RTBF (La Première – 95.1 FM) provides updates.
Short-wave radios can pick up signals from international stations, which is crucial during large-scale crises affecting national infrastructure.
Print media and community information
Local newspapers and flyers from aid organisations often contain crucial local information that is not available via radio.
Explore in advance where in your area physical information points would be set up by government agencies and aid organisations.
Speaking to people and spreading oral information
Maintain contacts with neighbours and local community groups to exchange information in times of crisis.
Initiate regular meetings at central locations to share information together and coordinate collective action.
3. Location and arrangements with family and friends
A prolonged communication failure requires a robust plan that has been drawn up in advance and is understood by all those involved.
Agreed meeting points
Establish with your family and trusted friends specific meeting points for different scenarios.
Choose strategic locations that:
- Be easily recognisable
- Remain safe in various crisis scenarios
- Not become overloaded by crowds
Define a primary meeting point nearby for smaller incidents and secondary points further away for large-scale evacuations.
Emergency plan and contact persons
Create a physical contact list with all essential addresses and telephone numbers. Make several copies of this for in your rucksack, car and in your home in a fixed place.
Protect this information from the elements through waterproof storage or laminating.
Distribute identical information amongst all important contacts so that everyone has the same data.
Establish protocols for waiting times and follow-up actions if someone does not appear at the meeting point.
4. Remaining self-sufficient without digital technology
Modern humans are often helpless without digital aids. Here follow essential skills you must develop.
Navigating without GPS
Learn to work with traditional paper maps and a compass. Practise these skills regularly.
Mark important locations on your maps in advance: water supplies, shelters, meeting points, hospitals and evacuation routes.
Finances without online banking
Keep a strategic cash reserve in a safe location. Digital payment systems are the first victims of network or power failure.
Develop a network for barter trade in your local community. Take stock of which goods or services you can offer in a time of crisis.
Safety and preparation
Put together a complete emergency kit that contains at minimum:
- Drinking water supply (at least 3 litres per person per day for at least a week)
- Non-perishable food for at least two weeks
- Comprehensive first aid kit with essential medicines
- Various types of batteries and rechargeable power banks
- Multiple light sources (torch, candles, oil lamp)
Build relationships with neighbours and local community members. When systems fail, strong communities are the best security guarantee.
Conclusion
A world without internet and modern means of communication need not be a disaster if you are well prepared. By mastering alternative communication methods, making clear arrangements with loved ones and developing practical skills, you can deal with confidence with temporary technological interruptions.
Do not regard this preparation as a sign of pessimism, but as a form of self-reliance. Just as you insure yourself against all sorts of risks in life, it is sensible to have a Plan B on the communication front as well. In challenging times, knowledge and preparation make the difference between panic and calm action. Share this knowledge with your community – a well-informed environment is a resilient environment.