If SHTF, one of the very first things to be shut down is cell phone service. If you think you can rely on your cell phone to work in a disaster, think again. In a crisis, everyone reaches for their phone. Cell sites can only handle about 150 to 200 calls per second per sector. Anything more than that and they just start generating busy signals. The network can't handle a sudden surge of calls at the same time. Also, the networks can be switched to "emergency calls only". If SHTF and you can't call on your cell phone (which will probably happen)... try sending a simple word text. NO emoji's, no graphics, no photos... just simple text. Cell phone towers treat that differently and handle it as a small byte data transfer. A simple text will often go through when a cell phone call is impossible.
One excellent solution that will work for neighborhoods, nearby relatives, etc... is to go online to Amazon, Walmart.com, etc... and order a set of LONG RANGE ADULT WALKIE TALKIES. Many of the models only cost about $60 for 3 Long Range walkie talkies, or right around that price range. You can get 4 for about $80.
In a rural area, you can get 10 miles of range on a lot of the models. In the suburbs and neighborhoods, you can expect to get 2 to 3 miles of range. In a city, it may only be 1/2 mile to 1 mile range. Still, that's enough to keep in voice contact with grandma or your other relatives. :>) You can all keep tabs on each other, hear each other's voices and trade information even if cell phones are completely shut down.
In a neighborhood situation, if you needed to organize things with the few neighbors who are reliable... maybe 4 or 6 walkie talkies would help coordinate happenings in the neighborhood or you could alert each other to things. It's also a great way to protect your neighborhood.
It's a really small investment and you can get them in 2-days or so. It might make a world of difference if needed. Just pre-plan what channel everyone will be on and practice beforehand to make sure everyone is on board.
I am a licensed HAM operator.
2615
Q - Should we be prepping for some kind of SHUTDOWN?
Should we disregard the power outages and attacks that we've already had?
Just get a cheapy cb radio and cheapy antenna.dont need anything special to talk within your city and to a couple surrounding towns.
Excellent advice. Up here in the mountains, a "talkie" is right up there with your weapon. We don't leave the porch without it. And Xtra batteries in your first aid kit is as important as your Quick Clot kit.
Some cheap HAM radios would work better.
In a SHTF situation, no one is going to care if you don't have a license to operate them.
several people are pushing satellite phones.
NO!
Ham radio would get a lot of people in trouble.
You have to be licensed to operate and knowledgeable about protocols, particular frequencies... basically, Ham radio is great for experienced people. If you have never used one... don't try to go that route.
Long range walkie talkies are on public frequencies, don't require a license and there is virtually no way to get in trouble with one. They are also so easy to operate that a child can do it.
OP has a valid concern, and offered a solution. Walkie talkies would work in perhaps a suburb. I would presume majority of people live in that sort of environment: flat land, minimal trees, range of WT can be successful. Neighbors are close.
You offer a different solution that is to be considered. I don't have a HAM radio but have had access to one while in Africa. They were the only communication that was reliable. I do not know how to use them.
For me a CB is something I would look at. However the range is not as far as I need. Closest neighbor is 1 mile. He does not have a CB radio either. So a network would need to be established. I live in a forest. Closest town in 25 miles away.
With your experience what do you suggest?
Running a 450 watt mobile is illegal too. But i never heard of anybody getting busted and never been busted myself