Family communication plan

The cell network problem

During a disaster, local cell networks fail in two ways: physical damage to towers and equipment, and overload from everyone calling simultaneously. A cell tower that handles normal traffic fine can be overwhelmed within minutes of a major earthquake, tornado, or explosion.

The result is that voice calls do not connect. People redial obsessively, which makes the overload worse. Meanwhile, families have no way to confirm each other's safety.

Why texts get through when calls do not

FEMA's family communication planning recommends texting as the primary fallback when voice calls fail. Text messages require far less bandwidth than voice and can queue on the network until capacity opens. A text that takes 1 second of network time replaces a voice call that would occupy 30 seconds or more.

Establish the habit before a disaster: if you cannot reach a family member by phone, text instead. Keep messages short and specific: "I am safe at work. Staying here. Will text when I leave."

Your relay point

Long-distance calls sometimes connect when local calls cannot, because they route through infrastructure outside the affected area. FEMA recommends designating an out-of-area contact person (a relative or close friend in a different state) who serves as a central relay point.

Each family member checks in with the out-of-area contact instead of trying to reach each other directly. The contact can relay status: "Your husband called from work, he is fine and staying put."

Choose someone reliable, share the plan with them, and make sure every family member has their number memorized or on the paper contact list.

The backup that needs no battery

Most people cannot recall phone numbers stored in their phone. A printed or handwritten contact list in the emergency kit solves this. Include names, phone numbers, email addresses, the out-of-area contact, and a designated meeting point.

Laminate the list or store it in a zip-lock bag. Give a copy to each family member, keep one in the car, one in each go-bag, and one at work or school.