Emergency Communication & Navigation

During emergencies and survival situations, information is always critical. Navigation and communication equipment give you that crucial information when you need it most. Whether you are listening to a weather radio to stay informed or sending messages to family to coordinate plans, communication gets it done. One-way and two-way emergency communication makes the difference between life and death since information is key to reacting and responding to disasters, emergencies, and even SHTF situations.

Besides the devices that you’ll need on hand to communicate and navigate, you’ll also need ways to protect and power them and the knowledge of how to send signals and codes. Creating your emergency contact list is a great starting point, but we’ll go much further in-depth in this emergency nav/comm guide.

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Contents (Jump to a Section)

• Emergency Communication
  • Bug Out Bag Comms Kit
  • One-Way Communication
  • Two-Way Communication
  • Emergency Signaling
  • Languages, Codes, and Markings
  • Gather Contact Information
  • OPSEC and Unwanted Communication
• Survival Navigation
  • Navigation Gear
• Powering Nav/Comm Devices
• Protecting Nav/Comm Devices
  • Faraday Cages and Bags
• Organizing Nav/Comm Supplies
• The Final Word

This is an updated post on emergency communication and navigation, where our first post was published in 2017. We’ve added even more information about the subjects in this comprehensive guide. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Disclosure»

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Emergency Communication

A comms kit belongs in every survival kit, not just bug out bags- but we’ll cover the standard go bag first. They are limited in weight and capacity, so the communication gear we suggest is lightweight, on the smaller side, with minimal power requirements. We’ll get into the larger and more niche equipment further down when we talk about one-way and two-way communication.

Bug Out Bag Comms Kit

Here is the essential communication gear:

• Emergency Radio – Best emergency weather radio – The stalwart of staying informed with WB/AM/FM bands is a priority pick in any survival kit. The crank and solar power, plus the power banks, give great versatility.
• Cell Phone Charger – Don’t leave home without a spare charger- an accessory to your most powerful communication device.
• Survival Mirror – Best survival signal mirror – Signal miles away or just around the corner for mere ounces in your pack. This is another versatile tool for first aid and hygiene use, too.

Optional comms gear:

• Whistle – Best emergency whistle – Usually used for signaling or messages with short bursts, whistles are lightweight enough to go in any kit.
• Signal Flares – Best emergency flares – Ideal for vehicles (especially boats), flares can help you be seen and are a universal distress signal.
• Ham Radio – Best ham radio – Amateur radio is the big one that covers the most ground as far as receiving and communicating on different bands. You’ll need a license to send communication, and handheld transceivers are more practical for mobile kits.
• Other Two-Way Radios – Other smaller radios can be useful in kits, depending on their unique bands, and if you have a license for some.
  • FRS Walkie Talkies – Best walkie-talkies – No license needed, relatively inexpensive, and easy to use. The main drawback is the limited range and lack of privacy.
  • MURS Walkie Talkies – Best MURS radios – No license needed with less channel congestion. Limited range.
  • GMRS Radios – Best GMRS radios – License needed (no test), longer range than walkie-talkies, but reliant on repeaters for distances comparable to amateur radio bands.
  • CB Radios – Longest range without a license needed, uses different modulation than the other radios above.
• Satellite Phone – Those with big budgets can go for an option that doesn’t rely on resources inside our orbit, although sat phones and communicators aren’t without their weaknesses.

Some signals can be sent with other gear included in a bug out bag (lights, fire, etc), but we’ll get more into signaling later on. For now, we’ll move on to all the one-way communication devices and methods that are usable not just with your bug out loadout.

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One-Way Communication

Staying informed in an emergency is one key component that will help you survive through the worst. When communication falters or you can’t receive information in any way, panic and uncertainty can set in. This is where one-way emergency communication comes into play.

One-way communication describes the type of communication that is sent regardless of the receiver. We will talk about two-way communication later (an easy example is a walkie-talkie). One-way communication covers everything from lighthouses to satellite television and everything in between. Information is communicated in one direction, and cannot (or is not expected) be sent back through the same type of device/medium.

Broadcast Media

Both broadcast television and radio have emergency alert systems, but they also have news and other informational programs that are useful in emergencies. Current events and weather can be critical during disasters and national emergencies.

Take note of helpful news channels in your area so you know where to tune in to get real-time information. In this time of cord-cutting and streaming, many people are no longer familiar with antenna reception and local stations. Broadcast media include:

• FM/AM/SW radio
• Over-the-air television

Emergency Alert Systems

Emergency alert systems are formal alerts that are sent out by authorities to disseminate emergency information quickly. They use existing resources, like broadcast media, SMS, and push notification services, and dynamic highway signs to inform the masses.

Some important alerts may assume that you have resources, like shelter-in-place kits and iodine tablets. Other alerts will assume that you have the means to quickly evacuate, with a bug out vehicle or bug out bag.

Emergency Alert System (EAS)

The emergency alert system is broadcast over radio and television. You’ve likely heard the tests conducted at off-peak hours. This is one of the oldest alert systems that is still in use on AM/FM radio and broadcast/cable/satellite TV.

Wireless Alert System (WAS)

Government agencies can send alerts straight to mobile devices using the wireless alert system. You’ve probably already received several including:

• Public safety messages from state and local authorities
• AMBER alerts for missing and exploited children
• Severe weather alerts from the National Weather Service
• Presidential alerts from the office of the President for national emergencies

NOAA Weather Radio (NWR)

Weather radio is the best option for alert systems because it broadcasts warnings, watches, hazards, and alerts nonstop. You can find weather radios that focus on your specific location by using the SAME (Specific Area Message Encoding) feature.

Weather radios are a staple in any type of survival kit and are important for staying informed through most disasters and emergencies.

Public Address Systems

Besides PA systems at businesses and public places, there are also sirens that can give warnings and notices. Nuclear facilities have very loud sirens that can be heard for miles. Towns prone to tornadoes, storm surges, and tsunamis also have sirens.

A simple siren blast can inform a lot of people quickly without having to say much.

The Internet

If you aren’t commenting back and forth on social media or using interactive communication tools, websites are usually one-way communication. TruePrepper, for instance, has our host server send you this communication guide and expects nothing in return.

If you can access the internet, there are many news outlets and emergency tools that track and inform. During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Johns Hopkins counter was very informative relative to the location-specific spread of the disease.

The internet has always been a powerful resource and will continue to be in an emergency if you are able to access it.

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Two-Way Communication

Being able to receive information is great, but coordinating through an emergency with family, friends, and others is important too. Here are the most common ways to send and receive information.

Phones

Phones come in many different types now, depending on how the two-way communication is handled.

Landlines

Many people don’t rely on landlines for communication these days. While they can come in handy during emergencies, most modern phones connected to them won’t work without external power.

Even if you have power and a live landline connection, it may not be reliable in an emergency. Telecom services can be tied up or shut down due to congestion or other interruptions.

Cell Phones

The most powerful EDC tool is still the best option in emergencies if you can keep it working. As long as a cell tower is up, a cell phone still works during power outages. Although congestion may limit how you can access the internet and throttle call features, most phones will still be able to text since it does not require a handshake.

Keeping your phone powered during emergencies should be a priority, and there are many ways to do it without grid power. Power banks, crank generators, solar chargers, or charging in your car are all options to keep you powered and connected.

Prepare your phone before emergencies with just a few steps:

• Create an ICE contact – Most phones will let you set a contact “In Case of Emergency” that will display if you are unable to respond.
• Update contact list – Keep your contact list updated and remove contacts you don’t need.
• Keep digital documents – Copies and photos of your IDs, insurance, and loved ones for identification can come in handy.
• Get prepping apps – Several prepping apps can help during disasters and survival situations.

Satellite Phones

Satellite phones or messaging devices are beyond budget for a lot of people, but offer a unique high-tech solution for emergencies. One interesting option allows you to convert your cell phone to a satellite messaging device.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

Not necessarily a landline, VoIP lets you talk (or video conference) over an internet connection. It is common for businesses and offices these days, but it’s also the technology behind Skype, Teams, FaceTime, etc.

The limitation of high-speed internet connections makes VoIP unlikely to come in handy during an emergency, since there are typically better internet-related communication methods, like WiFi calling.

Two-Way Radios

Two-way radios are great emergency communication devices because they are less reliant on external equipment. Whether you are talking a mile away or across the globe, you can get it done with the right kind of two-way radio. This is why they are the ideal backup for your cell phone if you need to get in touch with people or groups.

FRS – Family Radio Service

Typically known as your standard walkie-talkies, these handheld transceivers operate on the UHF band 462-467 MHz. They are widely available, don’t require a license, and don’t use much power to transmit and receive. Their range is usually only a few miles, depending on terrain and conditions.

MURS – Multi-Use Radio Service

A less-common open channel service, MURS operates in the 151-154 MHz spectrum and is very similar to FRS in that it is license-free and low-power. There are fewer channels, but also fewer people, so it can be an interesting emergency option depending on your location.

CB – Citizen Band Radio

With 40 channels at the top of HF, these radios need a long antenna tuned just right. No license is required, and the range is higher than the previous options, usually about 20 miles. Vehicle mounts are popular with CB since they can accommodate the antenna, and plenty of truckers can still be found on the channels.

GMRS – General Mobile Radio Service

GMRS covers the FRS range plus an additional 8 channels, but the difference is that a GMRS transceiver requires a license to operate (no test though) and can go all the way up to 50W transmissions. These radios are also repeater-capable, meaning messages can be transmitted through pre-positioned repeaters (public and private) to go even further than their 50-mile range.

If you are not looking to get too involved with Amateur radio, learn technical radio information, or take a test, GMRS may be the best option for your emergency kits.

Amateur Radio

Amateur radio, also known as ham radio, is the most versatile radio solution by far. You can communicate around the globe using voice, text, and data over a huge range of frequencies.

The big barrier to most is that amateur radio requires a lot of learning (courses), taking and passing an official test, and getting registered with a license. There are a few levels of radio licenses that give you access to broader ranges of equipment and frequencies. The Technician Class license is good enough for most people using radios for preparedness and occasional communication.

Ham radio gear comes in a wide range of prices, spanning $20 for an entry-level handheld transceiver up to tens of thousands of dollars for setups with multiple antennas, amplifiers, and base stations.

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Emergency Signaling

High tech isn’t the only way to go when it comes to emergency communication- we have been sending signals to each other since the dawn of man. We can get this done with light, fire, smoke, flags, whistles, and even just arranged logs.

Technology allows us to reach further than signals, but even today, low-tech signaling still has its place. Some gear that can come in handy for emergency communication using signals includes:

• Flashlights
• Emergency Flares
• Fire Starting Kits
• Emergency Whistles
• Signaling Mirrors

All of these can send limited information, usually in the form of distress signals or Morse code.

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Languages, Codes, and Markings

Besides speaking plain English (or whichever native language for your country), speaking other languages can come in handy in emergencies. Common languages in your region help most, like Spanish in my area of North Carolina, for example. You’ll be able to communicate with more people, which could make a difference in your situation or allow you to help them.

Codes and markings are also important to know. These include:

• Morse Code (especially S.O.S)
• Military Phonetic Alphabet
• Urban Search and Rescue Markings
• Distress Hand Signals and Fire Distress Signals
• Hobo Markings
• Trail Signs

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Gather Contact Information

One of the first communication-related tasks you should do as a prepper is to gather contact information for your emergency plan. You can make a written or typed list with contact numbers for friends, family, and especially emergencies.

Most people don’t memorize phone numbers anymore, so having contacts outside of your cell phone is an important redundancy. Even if you do have some memorized, stressful situations can make those numbers harder to remember when you need them most.

If you keep a digital list, it’ll be easy to print and update when you need to. If you go beyond phone numbers and add addresses, it can also be useful for Christmas cards and other non-emergency uses.

When you have your list, the next most important thing is knowing where to find it. Taping it inside a closet door where first aid kits are is how I handle it, but having it easily accessible but not in the way is ideal.

Don’t forget about the kids- stash important numbers (including your own) in their backpacks and show them how to access them. It’s a good opportunity to talk about preparedness as a whole and why the contacts are important.

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OPSEC and Unwanted Communication

Not all communication is good communication. Be careful what you say and where you say it. Broadcasting trips on social media could be an invitation to have your house checked out by opportunists. Talking about prepping resources on open amateur radio bands could backfire in the long run, as your license can be traced back to your address.

Be mindful of the information you put out into the world and where you communicate. Some people go so far as to keep their phones inside a Faraday pouch to prevent tracking. While I do use an RFID-blocking wallet, I do not keep my own phone in a Faraday pouch when I want it completely without signal- but that could always change as the threats in our world continue to evolve.

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Survival Navigation

Using the maps app on your phone or already knowing your route like the back of your hand is best, but it’s not ideal to solely rely on those in survival situations. You always want a backup plan, and navigating without your phone or from an unfamiliar location should be possible.

Navigation Gear

There are plenty of supplies to consider for navigation, and here are the essentials:

• Smartphone – Yes, that powerhouse of a computer in your pocket should be your first option.
• Maps – Print off survival maps for free.
• Compass – We’ve reviewed the best survival compasses, so get the map compass or lensatic compass that fits best for you.

Less essential gear includes:

• GPS – A standalone GPS is less important due to redundant technology with your cell phone.
• Protractor – A military protractor can help you plot courses on maps to avoid obstacles and estimate distances more easily.
• Ranger Beads – We tested the best ranger beads, so grab some so you can pace count accurately and know how far you’ve traveled.

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Powering Nav/Comm Devices

Electronic communication relies on power sources to work. Even though most only need a little bit of power, you’ll need to plan on how you can supply that in an emergency.

Small power banks typically work well with handheld transceivers and cell phones, but larger equipment and computers may need power stations to operate.

Full-scale solar and other renewable types of energy are best, but inverter-style portable generators can also get the job done as long as you have fuel.

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Protecting Nav/Comm Devices

Besides protecting your radios from blunt force and water damage, protecting their circuits is important as well. Some unique threats that pose risks to communication devices, among other things, include EMPs and CMEs. Both of these can cause damage to the circuitry by introducing current in unexpected places.

EMPs are easily handled across circuits, providing current with something as simple as a surge protector, but radio antennas and internal components are not meant to carry current as a power supply. During the largest CME on record, the Carrington Event, radio stations were severely damaged and caught fire from the atmospheric wave.

Faraday Cages and Bags

While you’ll see some ‘fixes’ for EMPS being sold, they are for circuits that are meant to carry the load, so they are basically marked-up surge protectors. The one accepted way to harden your equipment, according to the military and other leading research, is by using Faraday cages or mesh bags. Faraday cages can be made out of household items, like microwaves or all-metal trash cans, but pouches are much easier to work with.

Faraday pouches and bags use a conductive mesh material to be a flexible Faraday cage for your equipment and work well in your survival kits or even in your pocket. Slipping your phone into a Faraday pouch protects it from any signal as well as atmospheric hazards. We’ve already reviewed the best Faraday bags for your equipment.

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Organizing Nav/Comm Supplies

Nav/comm is a major category of prepping supplies and survival gear, so it often makes sense to hold your gear in an easily identifiable bag, tote, box, or whatever your preferred storage method is.

Using the Color of Prepping system, we’ve assigned Nav + Comms to the purple color. Purple often represents wisdom and information, so it fits pretty well. You can print off a color organization card and use colored tape, paracord, or zip ties to label your nav/comm containers and/or equipment accordingly.

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The Final Word

Navigation and communication supplies are essential components of any survival or emergency kit. They bring you invaluable information to get through disasters and survival situations. Almost all of the gear requires familiarity at the very least, so learn how to use your gear and train with it regularly to stay prepared.

See more of our expert-written guides, resources, and reviews in your search results – add TruePrepper as a preferred source.

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