We’ve all experienced that moment of panic when our phone dies at a crucial moment. Now imagine that happening during a proper emergency – no power, no Wi-Fi, and definitely no chance to check if anyone’s liked your latest Instagram post. Suddenly, staying connected isn’t just about social media; it’s about survival.
In this guide we’ll give you a long list of low-tech steps you can take ahead of time to have the best chance at staying safe and connected during disasters and other emergencies.
Before we go any further, remember that disaster preparedness and resilience go far beyond just the content of this page. This article only contains general information and suggestions for you to consider. It is not a comprehensive, all-inclusive guide to disaster preparedness. Do your own thinking about what may or may not apply to your situation. Do your own research. And, make sure to consult official disaster management resources in your area to ensure whatever preparations you make are useful for the type of potential disasters and emergencies you may come up against there.
Your emergency tech kit
Your emergency tech kit needs careful consideration. It’s not about having the fanciest gear or the latest gadgets – it’s about reliable tools that work when everything else fails. From basic power banks to old-school paper maps, each item serves a specific purpose in keeping you connected and informed when modern infrastructure crumbles.
Power banks
Let’s start with power banks – and not those tiny ones that barely charge your phone once. A proper 20,000mAh beast might seem excessive when you’re lugging it around, but during an emergency, it’s worth its weight in gold. Think of it as a portable power station that can keep your devices running for days. When everyone else’s phones are dying and the queues for public charging spots stretch around the block, you’ll be sitting pretty with enough juice to stay connected.
Charging cables
Those 3-in-1 charging cables might seem gimmicky when you’re browsing Amazon late at night, but they’re surprisingly brilliant in a crisis. Instead of rummaging through a rat’s nest of different cables, you’ve got one that handles everything. When your neighbour’s iPhone is gasping for power and your mate’s Android is on its last legs, you’ll be the hero with the cable that fits them all. Plus, they take up barely any space in your emergency kit.
Light
A torch might seem old school, but get one with USB charging capability and suddenly you’re living in 2024. These clever little devices often double as emergency phone chargers, and some even have built-in radios. When the power’s out and you’re trying to read those important documents or signal for help, you’ll be glad you’ve got something more reliable than your phone’s flashlight – which, let’s face it, is useless when you’re trying to save battery.
Radio
Remember when everyone had a radio in their kitchen? Well, it’s time to bring that back, but with a modern twist. A small battery-powered or wind-up radio might feel like a relic from your gran’s era, but it’s often the last thing standing when mobile networks crash and the internet goes dark. During recent disasters, while social media was awash with rumours, it was good old radio keeping people properly informed about what was actually happening.
Contacts – on paper
That laminated card with your essential numbers might look like something from the 90s, but here’s the thing – it works when everything else doesn’t. Write down those important contacts, emergency service numbers, and basic instructions. When your phone’s dead and you’re trying to remember your sister’s number at a public payphone (yes, they still exist), you’ll be thankful for this low-tech lifesaver.
Spare phone
A spare phone might seem like an unnecessary expense, but think of it as your communication insurance policy. Those basic Nokia-style bricks might look prehistoric next to your shiny smartphone, but they’re brilliant in a crisis. With a pay-as-you-go SIM and a battery that seems to last forever, they’ll keep you connected when fancier phones have given up the ghost.
Solar chargers
Solar chargers used to be proper hit-and-miss affairs, but modern ones are surprisingly capable. Sure, they won’t charge your phone as fast as a wall socket, but when the power’s been out for days and you’re desperate to check emergency broadcasts, that trickle of solar-powered energy becomes precious. Plus, they work brilliantly with those power banks we talked about earlier.
Important documents
A waterproof document pouch filled with printed copies of important information sounds terribly old-fashioned, doesn’t it? But when your phone’s drowned in a flood or your laptop’s fried by a power surge, having physical copies of your ID, insurance details, and medical information is worth its weight in Bitcoin. Keep it updated and somewhere easy to grab.
Paper maps
Paper maps? In 2024? Absolutely. When your phone’s GPS is having a meltdown and Google Maps is showing nothing but a blank screen, a good old-fashioned paper map becomes your best friend. Get ones covering your local area and mark important locations like hospitals, emergency meeting points, and those community centres we mentioned. They never need charging, they work in any weather, and they won’t suddenly decide to update themselves when you need them most.
Communication plan
And finally, a technology-adjacent tool… Prepare a personal communication plan for yourself and your family for when disaster strikes. Start with your inner circle – write down their mobile numbers, work numbers, and email addresses in both digital and physical copies for your wallet, car, and emergency kit. Note their typical locations during weekdays and weekends. Establish an out-of-area contact as your family’s central point when local networks are congested, and ensure everyone knows to contact this person if they can’t reach you directly. Include work contacts, your manager’s number, and HR emergency contacts. For emergency services, list direct numbers for local police, fire department, hospitals, GP, and pharmacy. You could even create a simple status update template: “Safe at [location]. Staying/Moving to [place]. Will contact again at [time]. And of course, make sure that everyone in your family has a copy of the plan.
When things go wrong
When disaster strikes, your first instinct might be to grab your phone and start frantically calling everyone you know. Don’t. Instead, immediately switch all your devices to low-power mode and turn off battery-draining features like Bluetooth, location services, and background apps. Your power bank is precious resource now – use it strategically. That car charging port might seem like a good backup, but save it as a last resort – you might need that vehicle battery later, and you don’t want to risk draining it for a phone charge.
Text messages are your best bet when networks are congested – they’re like little digital parcels that can squeeze through when full voice calls can’t. Keep them brief and factual: “Safe at home. No damage. Will update at 6pm.” That kind of thing. Your first message should go to your designated out-of-area contact – they can relay updates to others, reducing the strain on local networks. Remember those emergency contact numbers you wrote down? This is when they prove their worth.
That battery-powered radio you packed away becomes your most reliable friend now. While others drain their phone batteries endlessly refreshing social media feeds, you’ll be getting clear, official updates without using precious power. Listen to multiple stations if you can – local radio often has the most relevant updates for your area, while national broadcasters might have the bigger picture. Cross-reference information to avoid confusion or misinformation, but don’t obsess over every update.
Now’s the time to consider switching to that basic backup phone you prepared. It might not have all the fancy features of your smartphone, but its superior battery life and reliable signal strength make it perfect for maintaining essential communication. Save your smartphone’s capabilities for specific tasks like checking emergency alerts or using offline maps. If you prepared a dual-SIM setup, you’ve got the flexibility to switch between networks if one becomes overwhelmed.
If it’s safe to do so, use your phone’s camera to document any damage for insurance purposes – but remember, this is a lower priority than maintaining emergency communications. Take photos and videos if needed, but be strategic about battery use. Those solar chargers and power banks you prepared aren’t just for your own devices – they might become valuable community resources, helping others maintain crucial communications when they need them most.
Your prepared communication plan now becomes crucial for coordinating with neighbours and local authorities. That laminated card with emergency numbers and meeting points isn’t just for you – it’s information you can share with others who might not have been as prepared. Your solar charger or power bank might help someone else maintain crucial communications, and sharing resources often leads to better community outcomes during emergencies. Remember those paper maps you thought might be overkill? They become invaluable when helping others navigate to safety points or emergency services.
Looking Forward
When it comes to disaster preparedness, simple usually works better. New satellite phones are becoming affordable, and emergency apps are getting cleverer. But during disasters, basic tech is often what kept people connected.
The key isn’t having the fanciest gear – it’s knowing how to use what you’ve got when things go wrong. Practice using your emergency kit occasionally. Check those backup batteries. Update your emergency contacts. It’s like having insurance – a bit boring until you desperately need it.
Remember: Technology should help during emergencies, not become another problem to solve. Keep it simple, keep it practical, and keep that old Nokia charged up. You never know when it might save the day.
