Best strategies for maintaining communication during evacuations?

Prioritizing Communication

In the event of a wildfire evacuation, maintaining communication with family members and emergency services is crucial. Designate a primary and secondary contact person for each household member to ensure everyone knows who to reach out to in case of separation. Use two-way radios with a range of at least 5 miles to maintain contact with family members and other group members.

Choosing the Right Communication Tools

Satellite phones are ideal for wilderness evacuations due to their ability to connect to the nearest satellite from anywhere in the world. However, they can be bulky and expensive. Two-way radios are a more practical option, with options like the Motorola T6000 offering up to 28 hours of battery life on a single charge. Consider purchasing a handheld satellite phone like the DeLorme or Garmin inReach, which offers location sharing and SOS capabilities.

Pre-Evacuation Planning

Before the wildfire evacuation, plan a meeting point outside the immediate area where family members can gather if separated. This could be a landmark, a specific building, or a pre-designated location. Make sure everyone knows the meeting point and the plan for contacting each other. Practice using two-way radios or satellite phones before the evacuation to ensure everyone is comfortable with the equipment. Keep important phone numbers and contact information easily accessible during the evacuation.