Communications for Survival and Self-Reliance

In 2003, I wrote a book, Communications for Survival and Self-Reliance. When the publisher, Paladin Press, went out of business at the end of 2017, my book went out of print.

Since 2003, many things have changed in the world of personal communications, but one thing that has remained the same is this: In and increasingly uncertain world, the ability to have 100-percent control over your communications is crucial to maintaining personal security.

Today most people have some type of a cell-phone, and today's smartphones are pocket-sized computers capable to accessing the Internet, sending and receiving e-mail, and using messaging apps to communicate instantly almost anywhere in the world -- anywhere with cellular service that is!

But what happens when cellular service fails, becomes overloaded, or is blocked by the government? While it seems that cellular service is available in every city and most towns, there are still rural areas without reliable service, and in remote and wilderness areas we generally don't expect to have a cellular connection.

When there is no cellular service, you may still have WiFi - a technology for wireless local area networking - access to the Internet. You can also use apps, such as FireChat, to communicate directly with another person using the same app on his or her smartphone.  Devices like goTenna allow you to extend your WiFi communication range between two devices.

Radio communication is an option that should not be overlooked when considering personal security options. The FRS/GMRS walkie-talkies are an option for short-range communication. The more powerful Midland Micromobile GMRS radios, available in 5, 15, and 40 watt output, will extend your communications range.  These micromobile radios can also be combined with portable power systems for use in remote and wilderness areas.

 

 

GMRS radios require a license in the United States. There is a license fee, but no exam is required.

The Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS) provides you with five channels for unlicensed communication, at 2-watts or less. Citizens Band (CB) radio may be an option in some areas as well, although I find that CB channels are often crowded with multiple trying to use a channel at once. If you are a boater, you may want to have a radio that includes the VHF Marine Channels.

Amateur Band (HAM) radio is a world-wide endeavor of licensed radio hobbyists. With the proper equipment and skill you can communicate anywhere in the world using HAM radio. There is an exam required to earn your HAM radio license, but the basic Technician license exam is not too difficult. If you are interested in earning your HAM radio license, visit the ARRL for more information.

With your HAM radio license you will gain access to repeater networks that allow you to communicate over long distances. With systems such as the Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System (WIRES-X) you can have world-wide communication with a hand-held radio. You may also want to access services like the WinLink Global Radio E-mail system to send and receive e-mail from your radio.

Now radio communication is not private. Generally speaking anyone can tune into your frequency and monitor your communications. However, having the ability to communicate when others do not greatly enhances your security; and there are some things that you can do to protect the content of your radio communications from eavesdroppers.

Having a communications plan is an important part of personal security and preparedness. Ask yourself, if the cellular network failed how would you communicate with others during an emergency?

Creating your Family Emergency Communication Plan starts with one simple question: "What if?"

For demonstrations of various radios and communications techniques, I like the CommsPrepper YouTube channel.  

If you would like a PDF (22MB) copy of Communications for Survival and Self-Reliance you can download it from my Google Drive.

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