How to communicate when phones are down: radios, mesh texting and check-in times

The short answer

In a big outage the cell network can be slow, jammed or down. Plan in layers. First, send texts. Second, agree on check-in times and a meeting place. Third, add radios that do not need cell towers. And always have a radio for news.

Layer 1: Text before you call

The FCC and FEMA say that for non-emergencies, texting is a better choice than calling, because texts may go through when a call does not, though they can be delayed when the network is busy. Short calls save battery too. Our phone charging guide has more.

In a real emergency, call 911 if it works. Do not rely on texting 911, which only works in some areas. Ask your local county or city office if text-to-911 is available.

Layer 2: A plan everyone knows

Ready.gov suggests deciding how you will contact each other and reconnect if you are separated. Here is what to agree on:

• An out-of-town contact. Everyone messages that one person: "I'm OK, at home."
• Check-in times. For example 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Everyone tries to report at those times, then saves the battery.
• A meeting place. See the family emergency plan.
• Code words. Pick a few that kids can remember: one for "I'm safe," one for "I need help," one for "go to the second meeting place." A code word also lets a child know a stranger is really sent by you.

Layer 3: Short-range radios (FRS)

FRS radios are the small walkie-talkies sold in pairs. They need no licence. They are good for the street, the neighborhood, or a house and yard. Buildings and hills cut the range a lot.

Tips:

• Put in fresh batteries and leave them off until needed.
• Pick a channel and a "privacy code" together, and write it down.
• Test them in your own neighborhood so you know the real range.

Layer 4: GMRS (more power, needs a licence)

GMRS radios can use more power and reach farther, especially with a roof antenna or a repeater. They need an FCC licence. Based on the current rules reported by secondary sources, the licence costs $35, lasts 10 years, has no exam, and covers your close family members. Check the FCC GMRS page for the current fee and rules before you apply.

Layer 5: Meshtastic text messaging

Meshtastic is a free, open system. Small devices use LoRa radio to pass text messages and position reports along a mesh, with each device repeating messages for its neighbors. It works with no internet or cell service. Each device pairs with a phone over Bluetooth.

• It can reach several kilometers when conditions are good, but trees, buildings and hills reduce that, so test it.
• Channel messages are encrypted with the channel key. The default channel uses a well-known key, so make your own private channel with its own name and key.
• Buy US 915 MHz devices if you live in the United States, because the radio band differs by region.
• Set it up before the emergency. Pair it with each phone and test it with Wi-Fi off.

The more people near you who run a node, the better it works, so ask a neighbor to join.

Layer 6: News radios

Information is also safety. Keep two kinds of radios that need no internet:

• AM and FM radio for local emergency broadcasts. Many crank radios include both.
• NOAA Weather Radio for official alerts. See setting up a weather radio.
• Shortwave for national and international news when local stations are down.

Listen to news at set times, not all day, to save batteries.

A sample one-page radio plan

Next steps

• Write it down: family emergency plan.
• Keep batteries up: keep phones charged.
• Plan the first days: the 72-hour blackout plan.
• See the Family Kit.