If you do not have the ability to know what is going on in an emergency situation, you feel helpless.   Communication lets us know when help is coming, where to get it, emergency shelters and more.

During emergency situations some radio stations will run continuous information about where you can buy or get items that you need.

Walmart, the Red Cross, and the LDS church are often first at the scene in the aftermath of a disaster.  The radio will keep you updated.

Every mini prepper should have a radio.  Besides all of the above, we may find ourselves listening to the radio to keep calm, and for something to do.

Some of your options for emergency radios are battery operated, hand cranked and solar.  Many preppers have ham radios.  That is also an option, but takes more money and training.

One word of caution, be careful with hand-cranked devises.  They break if not slowly and carefully wound.

Telephone Communication

Often landline telephones work during emergencies.  If they go down, you may have use of your cell phone, unless the towers go down; although after disasters temporary cell phone towers are often brought in.   Keep a cell phone charger that works with your automobile with your emergency equipment. 

Cell phones that are satellite connected are also great options, but very expensive, and usually only used by emergency personnel.

One word of caution- do not listen to hour after hour of storm or disaster coverage.  You need a break.  It can "wear you down" and stress you out if you listen to too much of it.  Pull out a board game, read a book, or do something else to distract you and lighten your mood.