Being prepared for emergencies goes beyond just having supplies—it’s about staying connected when communication systems break down. With September being Emergency Preparedness Month, now is the perfect time to think about how you can ensure your family remains connected during critical moments, from school emergencies to backcountry adventures and even while traveling.

In this blog, we’ll explore how fathers can prepare for communications emergencies, including tips for staying in touch during school lockdowns, backcountry medical situations, and unexpected travel disruptions. We’ll also go over a few essential tools—like radios, satellite communicators, and having digital and paper copies of critical documents. Finally, we’ll outline plans for two specific scenarios that you can implement in your own family preparedness strategy.

Why Communication Preparedness Matters

Emergencies can strike when we least expect them, and often, one of the first things to go is communication. Whether cell towers are overloaded during a school lockdown or you’re deep in the wilderness without a signal, staying connected with your loved ones is crucial.

Having a communication plan in place ensures that:

• You can get the information you need in real time to make important decisions.
• Your family knows what to do, even if you can’t reach them directly.
• You have backup methods to stay in touch if phone lines or the internet go down.

Let’s dive into how you can prepare for communication emergencies in various scenarios.

Scenario 1: School Lockdown or Active Shooter

One of the most frightening situations for any parent is hearing that your child’s school is on lockdown or, worse, there’s an active shooter. Clear communication during such an emergency can ease panic and help you stay informed.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Have a Family Communication Plan

   • Create a step-by-step plan for how you and your spouse will stay informed and communicate in case of a school emergency. Make sure your child knows to follow the school’s emergency protocol and not to call or text during a lockdown, as this could compromise safety.
   • Discuss with your child what they should do if their school experiences a lockdown. Reassure them that it’s important to stay calm and follow instructions from teachers or administrators.

2. Use Multiple Communication Channels

   • Ensure that both you and your spouse are signed up for school notification systems, which provide real-time updates via email or text during lockdowns or emergencies.
   • Pre-designate an out-of-town contact whom your child can call in case local networks are overwhelmed.

3. Backup Communication Devices

   • Keep a family radio or satellite communicator at home, which can provide an alternative method of communication if phone lines are down or overwhelmed.
   • Make sure your child has an emergency contact card with phone numbers for parents, relatives, and a trusted family friend.

Tip:

Educate your child on emergency texting: If networks are down, text messages often go through when calls don’t. Teach them that texting may be a more reliable method of communication during an emergency.

Scenario 2: Backcountry Medical Emergency

Whether you're on a hiking trip or a camping adventure, communication in the backcountry can be difficult. Cell service is often unreliable or non-existent, which makes planning ahead essential for ensuring your family's safety.

Steps to Prepare:

1. Invest in Satellite Communication Devices

   • Consider purchasing a satellite phone or a satellite messenger (like Garmin inReach), which allows you to send text messages or call emergency services from remote areas without cell service.
   • Make sure your family knows how to use the device before heading into the wilderness.

2. Leave a Trip Itinerary

   • Always leave a detailed trip plan with a trusted friend or relative. Include where you’ll be, when you expect to return, and how to contact emergency services in the area.
   • Set a time for check-ins, and if you don’t return or communicate by a certain time, your contact should notify authorities.

3. First Aid and Medical Information

   • Keep digital and paper copies of important medical information with you, including insurance cards, allergy details, and any medical conditions.
   • Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit and make sure at least one person in your group is trained in basic wilderness first aid.

Tip:

Practice situational awareness: Before venturing into the backcountry, teach your children about reading maps, identifying landmarks, and navigating without GPS. This empowers them to help in case you are incapacitated during an emergency.

Essential Tips for Communication Preparedness

To ensure your family stays connected during any emergency, it’s important to have multiple layers of preparedness. Here are a few tips to help you stay ready:

1. Have Backup Communication Tools

• Radios: Consider investing in two-way radios with a good range. These are useful for short-range communication between family members during power outages or when cell towers are down.
• Satellite Communicators: Devices like Garmin inReach or SPOT Gen4 are excellent for backcountry trips, allowing you to send texts or SOS signals via satellite.
• Portable Battery Chargers: Keep a portable battery charger or solar charger handy for charging devices in the event of a power outage.

2. Create and Share Emergency Plans

• Different Scenarios, Different Plans: Create specific plans for different situations, such as home emergencies, school lockdowns, or while traveling. Review these plans with your family regularly so everyone knows what to do.
• Share Contact Information: Ensure every family member, including children, knows how to contact other family members or trusted friends in case of an emergency. Have printed copies of key contacts in case phones die.

3. Keep Digital and Paper Copies of Important Documents

• Digital Copies: Store important documents such as insurance cards, IDs, and medical records in a cloud-based storage service that you can access from any device.
• Paper Copies: Always keep paper copies of these documents in a waterproof folder as a backup. Keep them in your emergency kit for quick access in case of evacuation or emergency.

Conclusion

Being prepared for communication breakdowns in emergencies is a vital part of ensuring your family’s safety and peace of mind. Whether it’s a school lockdown, a backcountry medical emergency, or unexpected travel issues, having a plan and the right tools can make all the difference. At Legacy Father, we believe that staying prepared and keeping your family informed is one of the most important roles a father can play.

Take the time this Emergency Preparedness Month to develop a communication plan, gather the necessary tools, and make sure your entire family is ready for anything that comes their way. Stay safe, stay connected, and lead by example.

Let’s be prepared, because it’s not just about the emergency—it’s about ensuring your family stays connected when it matters most.

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