Disaster Preparedness Kit: Important Communication Items To Include
No matter where you live in Canada, it is always a good idea to have a disaster preparedness kit on-hand. When a large snow storm hits or another natural disaster takes out your power or makes it difficult to travel, it helps to already have the supplies you need to get through a disaster. Here are a few items you should have in your kit to help you communicate in a disaster situation:
CB Radio
A cb radio stands for "citizens band" radio. A cb radio is designed to help you communicate across short distances to other users. It is designed to allow you to receive and send radio transmissions. There are a set number of cb channels that you can use. If someone is sending out a message through a cb radio, you have to wait for their message to end before you responded.
A cb radio is great to have when a disaster strikes. It works even better if everyone in your neighborhood has a cb radio and you have all agreed on a set channel to use. That way, you can communicate with each other and get updates when it is difficult to leave your home. You may even be able to pick up on other radio signals in the area to get a handle on what is going on. For further assistance, contact an outlet such as Western Midland Communications Ltd.
AM/FM Radio
You should also have an AM/FM radio. This will allow you to stay informed about what is happening in your community. You should have a short list of local AM or FM radio stations that regularly provide news updates, so you know where to turn in an emergency situation for information.
Backup Batteries
You will want to have backup batteries for your cb radio, so you are not reliant on electricity for it to work.
You should also keep a set of fully charged backup batteries for your cell phone and computer. Most smart phones only hold a charge for about a day. If you are out of power for multiple days, you could find yourself without access to a phone. That is why you should purchase a set of backup batteries for your cell phone, or one of the new, modern charging devices that you can hook your phone or computer up to and recharge it.
Make sure that your disaster preparedness kit includes items that will help you communicate no matter what is going on outside. Make sure you have multiple ways of communication and receiving information, such as a cb radio and a cell phone. Remember, these items will not work without power, so make sure you have a supply of backup batteries for all of your devices.