Table of Contents
Welcome to the companion resources for “How Can I Communicate
When Networks Fail?
Thank you for purchasing this guide from The Prepared Home Series. This dedicated webpage provides the additional resources promised in the book to help you implement effective emergency communication solutions.
Having reliable communication methods during emergencies is essential for safety, coordination, and peace of mind. The resources collected here complement your reading with practical tools, current product recommendations, and printable materials to ensure you’re ready when networks inevitably fail.
On this page you’ll find:
- Budget-Conscious Preparation Timeline
- Equipment Recommendations with current pricing
- Printable Communication Plan templates
- Morse Code Guide and practice sheets
- Basic Encryption Methods for emergency privacy
- Maintenance Schedule templates
- Regional Frequency Charts for different countries
- Don’t have your copy of the book yet? Order it on Amazon today!
I regularly update these resources to reflect new products, pricing changes, and reader feedback. Consider bookmarking this page for future reference—especially when implementing your power outage plan.
New to The Prepared Home Series?
If you landed here without the book, If you landed here without the book, “How Can I Communicate When Networks Fail?” provides a complete guide to maintaining essential communication during emergencies—from basic signal methods to establishing comprehensive communication networks when conventional systems are unavailable.
Budget-Conscious Preparation Timeline
Building a complete emergency communication system doesn’t have to break the bank. This four-month timeline helps spread the cost while ensuring you build capability in order of importance:
Month 1: Core Essentials (€60-90)
| Category | Items | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Information Reception | Weather/emergency radio with multiple power options | €30-50 |
| Documentation | Waterproof notebook and pen, laminated emergency contact cards | €10-15 |
| Basic Signaling | Emergency whistle, signal mirror | €10-15 |
| Planning | Print family communication plan, meeting location map | €5-10 |
Month 2: Local Communication (€60-100)
| Category | Items | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Two-way Communication | License-free two-way radios (pair) | €40-80 |
| Power | AA and AAA lithium batteries | €15-20 |
| Visual Signaling | Colored bandanas for visual signals | €5-10 |
Month 3: Extended Communication (€70-130)
| Category | Items | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Power Solutions | Portable solar charger with power bank | €40-70 |
| Range Extension | Better antennas for two-way radios | €15-30 |
| Documentation | Community information board materials | €15-30 |
Month 4: Advanced Options (€100-200)
| Category | Items | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Extended Range | CB radio or entry-level amateur radio | €80-150 |
| Backup Power | Hand-crank generator | €20-40 |
| Mesh Networking | Mesh network adapters (optional) | €80-150 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT: €290-520
This gradual approach provides immediate basic capability from the first month, while building toward a comprehensive system over time. Adjust timelines and budgets based on your personal circumstances and regional emergency risks.
Communication Equipment Recommendations
Essential Equipment by Category
Weather/Emergency Radios
| Model | Features | Power Options | Price Range | Region Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Midland ER310 | AM/FM/NOAA, Alert Function, Flashlight, USB Charger | Solar, Hand-Crank, AA Battery, Rechargeable Pack | €50-70 | North America |
| Sangean MMR-88 | AM/FM/NOAA, Public Alert Certified, LED Flashlight | Solar, Hand-Crank, Built-in Battery | €60-80 | North America |
| Retekess HR11W | AM/FM/SW, MP3 Player, Recording | Solar, Hand-Crank, 18650 Battery | €30-40 | Global |
| Sony ICF-B01 | AM/FM, LED Flashlight, Siren | Solar, Hand-Crank, Built-in Battery | €30-40 | Europe, Asia |
Two-Way Radio Systems
| Model | Type | Range (Realistic) | Power Options | Price Range | Region Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorola T800 | FRS/GMRS | 0.5-2 km urban, 3-5 km open | Rechargeable Pack or AA | €70-90 pair | North America |
| Midland G9 Pro | PMR446 | 0.5-1.5 km urban, 2-4 km open | Rechargeable Pack or AA | €60-80 pair | Europe |
| GME TX6160 | UHF CB | 1-3 km urban, 3-8 km open | Rechargeable Pack or AA | €70-100 pair | Australia |
| Baofeng UV-5R* | Amateur Radio | 1-5 km urban, 5-30+ km open | Rechargeable Pack | €30-40 each | Global (license required) |
*Note: Amateur radio equipment requires appropriate licensing in most countries before transmission.
Power Solutions
| Solution | Capacity/Output | Application | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium AA Batteries | N/A | Long-term storage | €2-3 per battery | 10+ year shelf life |
| Anker PowerCore 10000 | 10,000 mAh | Smartphone/Small devices | €20-30 | Compact size for EDC |
| BigBlue 28W Solar Charger | 28W | Multiple device charging | €60-80 | Foldable, weatherproof |
| Runningsnail Hand Crank Radio | Varies | Emergency power generation | €20-30 | Includes radio and flashlight |
Signal Enhancement
| Solution | Application | Improvement | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagoya NA-771 | Handheld Radio Antenna | 30-100% range increase | €15-20 | For amateur radios |
| ABBREE Foldable Antenna | Handheld Radio Antenna | 100-300% range increase | €25-40 | Tactical antenna for various radios |
| Diamond SRH805S | Handheld Radio Antenna | 20-50% range increase | €20-30 | For FRS/GMRS radios |
No-Tech Solutions
| Solution | Application | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fox 40 Classic Whistle | Audible signaling | €5-10 | 115+ dB pealess design |
| Coghlan’s Signal Mirror | Visual signaling | €5-10 | With sighting hole |
| UST StarFlash Mirror | Visual signaling | €10-15 | Military grade |
| Waterproof Notebook | Documentation | €10-15 | All-weather writing capability |
Printable Family Communication Plan
The Family Communication Plan includes:
- Contact information sheet for all family members
- Local and distant emergency contacts
- Designated meeting locations (three tiers)
- Communication protocols and check-in procedures
- Out-of-area contact instructions
- Regional emergency broadcast frequencies
- Communication window schedule template
Instructions for Use:
- Complete all fields in the plan
- Make copies for each family member
- Laminate or place in waterproof containers
- Store copies in multiple locations (home, vehicles, work, school)
- Review and practice the plan at least twice yearly
- Update contact information when it changes
Download the PDF plan here
Morse Code Guide
Morse code remains a remarkably effective communication method during emergencies. It can be transmitted using sound, light, or even touch when other methods fail.
Download Complete Morse Code Guide PDF
Basic Encryption Methods for Emergency Communications
In some emergency situations, maintaining privacy in your communications may be important. These simple methods can be implemented without computers or special equipment.
Download Emergency Encryption Guide PDF
Regional Frequency Charts
Different countries use different frequency allocations for emergency communications, amateur radio, and license-free radio services. These charts provide the essential frequencies for your region.
Download Complete Regional Frequency Guide PDF
North America Emergency Frequencies
| Service | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NOAA Weather Radio | 162.400-162.550 MHz | 7 channels |
| FRS/GMRS | 462.5625-467.7125 MHz | 22 channels |
| Marine VHF | 156.300 MHz (Ch. 6) | Intership safety |
| Marine VHF | 156.800 MHz (Ch. 16) | Distress and calling |
| Amateur Radio Emergency | 146.520 MHz | 2m calling frequency |
| Amateur Radio Emergency | 446.000 MHz | 70cm calling frequency |
| CB Emergency | 27.065 MHz (Ch. 9) | Emergency channel |
European Emergency Frequencies
| Service | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MeteoAlarm | Country-specific | Via broadcast radio |
| PMR446 | 446.00625-446.19375 MHz | 16 channels |
| Marine VHF | 156.800 MHz (Ch. 16) | Distress and calling |
| Amateur Radio Emergency | 145.500 MHz | 2m calling frequency |
| Amateur Radio Emergency | 433.500 MHz | 70cm calling frequency |
| CB Emergency | 27.065 MHz (Ch. 9) | Emergency channel |
The complete PDF includes detailed charts for North America, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, Asia, and international maritime and aviation emergency frequencies.
Maintenance Schedule Template
Regular maintenance ensures your emergency communication equipment will work when needed. This customizable schedule helps you track essential maintenance tasks.
| Equipment | Monthly | Quarterly | Annually | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weather Radio | Test reception | Battery check | Deep clean | Replace batteries |
| Two-Way Radios | Function test | Battery cycle | Range test | Update frequencies |
| Backup Batteries | Visual check | Rotation | Full replacement | Check expiration dates |
| Solar Charger | Charging test | Clean panels | Capacity test | Check connections |
| Documentation | Contact updates | Storage check | Full review | Update copies |
| Signal Equipment | Function test | – | Replacement check | Test in various conditions |
Important Notes:
- Prices listed are approximate ranges in Euros based on market research as of 2024.
- Actual prices may be lower or higher depending on brand, quality, and current market conditions.
- Always compare prices across multiple retailers before purchasing.
- Check product reviews and specifications to ensure items meet your specific needs.
- This list serves as a starting guide – customize based on your household’s unique requirements.
- Look for sales and bundle deals to maximize your preparedness budget.
Please verify all prices and product details before making a purchase. Links and current pricing can be found on the companion website.
DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on certain links on this website and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps support the creation and maintenance of these guides and allows me to continue providing updates and new resources. The items listed on this page are personally selected based on quality, performance, and value – I only recommend products I believe will genuinely benefit your preparedness efforts. Your support through these affiliate links is greatly appreciated and helps fund ongoing research and development of new guides in The Prepared Home Series. Thank you!
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The information provided in “How Can I Purify Water in an Emergency?” and on this companion website is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information presented, it is provided “as is” without warranty of any kind, either express or implied.
Not Professional Advice
The content of this book and website is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Always seek the advice of qualified professionals regarding specific situations. The author and publisher specifically disclaim any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use or application of any of the contents of this work.
Reader Responsibility
Readers are responsible for:
- Conducting their own research before making any purchases or implementing suggestions
- Verifying all information is current and applicable to their specific situation
- Understanding that local regulations, building codes, and safety requirements vary by location
- Ensuring their actions comply with all applicable laws and regulations
- Using appropriate safety precautions when implementing any suggestions
No Guarantees
No guarantees are made regarding the effectiveness of any methods, products, or approaches described. Results will vary based on individual circumstances, proper implementation, and factors beyond the control of the author or publisher.
Product Recommendations
Product recommendations are based on general knowledge and research at the time of writing. The author receives no compensation from manufacturers for specific product mentions in the book (excluding potential affiliate commissions from retailer links as disclosed separately).
Modification of Content
The information on this website may be changed without notice and is not guaranteed to be complete, correct, or up-to-date.
Assumption of Risk
By reading this book or using this website, you acknowledge and agree that you are assuming all responsibility and risk for your use of the information provided.
A Note from Simon de Lafronde
The advice and information in this article come from my experience and expertise. It’s intended to support your journey with evidence-based insights. This is not professional advice. Please consult appropriate professionals for your specific situation.
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