Receive first. Local voice second. Paper always.
This sequence is intentionally boring: simple layers, tested equipment, paper notes and redundant ways to do the same essential job.
Battery radio gives you information without the internet.
Power, family, neighbours, care contacts and insurance details.
Agree what happens if phones cannot connect.
Useful for household/neighbourhood coordination, with range limited by terrain/buildings.
Disable unnecessary radios/apps and use low-power mode.
A communications plan that nobody remembers is not a plan.
Paid Amazon UK links use tracking ID dkoms0d-21. Exact product links are marked; other items use a curated search so current sizes and variants can be checked.
Broadcast radio remains useful for official updates when internet access is unavailable.
A second radio with hand-crank charging adds redundancy to stored batteries.
Licence-exempt short-range voice communication without depending on the mobile network.
Phone numbers, radio frequencies, medication lists and meeting points should not exist only on a phone.
A whistle can attract nearby help while using far less energy than shouting.