The DLARC Dispatch

Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club • [Month], [Year]

In This Issue

On the Air & On the Calendar

Wavelength Wisdom

Member Spotlights

Stay Connected!

On the Air & On the Calendar

Wavelength Wisdom

Technical Article of the Month

Your Family's Lifeline: Building a Smart Emergency Communications Plan

In an emergency whether it's a severe storm, a power outage, or another crisis one of the most stressful challenges is staying in touch. When cell towers are down and power is out, how do you make sure everyone in your family is safe? The key is to have a simple, well thought-out communications plan in place before disaster strikes.

A comprehensive family emergency plan goes beyond a simple list of phone numbers. It establishes a clear chain of communication using multiple tools, ensuring you can connect even if your first choice fails.

Key Elements of a Strong Plan

Multiple Communication Channels: Don’t rely on just one method. Your plan should include:

• Cell Phones: Your primary tool. Remember that text messages often go through when calls don’t, and messaging apps can work on low bandwidth.

• FRS/GMRS Radios: These short-range radios are reliable in local areas, especially when cell service is down. They are perfect for staying in touch with family members who might be just a few miles away.

• An Out-of-Area Contact: Designate a friend or family member who lives far away as a central point of contact. This person can act as a message relay, as they are less likely to be affected by the same crisis.

• Other Tools: Consider old-school options like a landline, or even a pre-arranged plan with a trusted neighbor to pass messages in person.

A Clear Meeting Strategy: Your plan should include specific, pre-determined meeting places.

• Primary Meeting Point: A safe location near your home, in case you are separated when a disaster occurs.

• Secondary Meeting Point: A backup location farther away, in case your home or neighborhood is unsafe.

Established Procedures: Everyone in the family needs to know what to do.

• Check-in Protocol: Agree on a simple check-in message, like “I’m OK at [location],” to be sent as soon as it’s safe.

• Radio Etiquette: If using radios, establish a primary and backup channel, and agree on set times for check-ins (e.g., every 15 minutes on the hour). This helps conserve battery life.

• Emergency Situations: Clarify when it’s okay to use emergency-only procedures, like using any radio channel to call for help in a life-threatening situation.

Practice and Maintenance: A plan is only effective if everyone knows it by heart.

• Regular Drills: Conduct a family drill twice a year to practice your plan.

• Maintenance: Test your radios monthly, keep power banks charged, and update all contact information every six months.

Your family’s safety is a priority. Taking the time to create and practice an emergency communications plan can provide peace of mind and, when the time comes, serve as your family’s lifeline.  Click here for a great video on this subject.

Technical Tips & Tricks

Member Spotlight

What our Members are up to!

Stay Connected!

Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club

Club Email List: w0emz@gaggle.email

Find us on...