How to Build an Emergency Communications Kit (That Doesn’t Rely on Cell Service)

When cell towers go down, and the internet’s gone, how are you reaching anyone?

Let’s break down how to build a real-world comms kit that works when everything else doesn’t.

1. Know Your Options

• FRS/GMRS Radios: Good for neighborhood comms. No license needed (FRS).

• HAM Radio: Long-range and reliable. Requires a license, but worth it.

• CB Radio: Old-school but still useful—especially in vehicles.

2. Build the Kit

Here’s what we include in ours:

• 2+ handheld FRS/GMRS radios with spare batteries

• 1 CB radio + mobile antenna (for your car or base station)

• A dual-band HAM radio (Baofeng UV-5R is solid and cheap)

• Printed frequency cheat sheets

• Notebook + pen

• Maps with marked meeting points

• Flash drive with digital docs (encrypted)

3. Power Your Kit

• AA/AAA batteries (rechargeable)

• Portable solar charger

• Hand-crank charger as backup

4. Communication Plan

• Who are you contacting?

• When and where do you check in?

• What channel/frequency do you use?

• Practice it with family. Print it and stick it in every go-bag.

5. Bonus: Low-Tech Backups

• Signal mirror

• Whistle

• Colored cloth flags

Final Thought

Communication is power. Build your kit now, learn the tools, and sleep better knowing you’re not cut off if things go sideways.