Communication is imperative in survival situations. This article attempts to cover some of the basic pros and cons of various forms of prepper communications and introduce the reader to some additions that should prove helpful in crisis and bug-out situations.
Different Types of Prepper Communications
TWO WAY RADIOS
can come in handy when a group is out of direct visual range, they are simple to use and relatively lightweight. However, they can also give away your position. Not only are they noisy but the messages can be intercepted, and interference created.
- Two-Way Communication -Maximize your ability to keep in touch with loved ones or manage group activities effortlessly with our advanced two-way radios. Featuring long-range connectivity, these walkie talkies ensure you're always in the loop, no matter where your family or friends are. Walkie talkies are essential for any group outing. Ideal for anyone needing reliable long-range walkie talkies, weather-proof radios, or GMRS handheld radios for efficient communication.
- Features - These walkie-talkies feature 50 GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) channels, along with a channel scan so you can quickly check for activity. The JIS4 waterproof protection makes these radios splash-resistant, making them ideal for outdoor use. Also comes with 5 Animal Call Alerts (turkey, duck, crow, cougar and wolf), a vibrate feature to silence all tones, and the Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camouflage pattern make this an ideal walkie-talkie for hunters.
- Stay In Touch - Experience unparalleled communication reach with our advanced radios, up to 36 miles. Equipped with EVOX technology (Easy Voice and Sound Activation Transmission), our radios offer 9 sensitivity levels for effortless hands-free operation. Enhance your privacy with privacy codes and up to 3,000 channel options to prevent eavesdropping and secure your conversations. It is ideal for those requiring reliable, long-distance communication with the added benefit of privacy and convenience.
- What's In The Box - This package includes a pair of high-quality radios, secure belt clips, a convenient desktop charger, long-lasting rechargeable battery packs, both AC and DC adapters for versatile charging options, a pair of superior boom mic headsets for clear audio, and a comprehensive owner’s manual. Perfect for those in search of a complete set that combines functionality with ease of use, whether for professional or personal needs.
- NOAA Weather Scan & Alert - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 10 available weather (WX) band channels and locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of severe weather updates.If the National Weather Service issues a severe weather alert for your area, the radio will sound an alarm.
CB RADIOS
A favorite for long-distance truck drivers and can be used over short distances to converse when two-way walkie-talkies may not be an option. They can be mobile (in a vehicle) or stationary. Anyone on the same channel can hear the discussion, so definitely keep that in mind. Use coded messages, preferably phrases that sound like a normal conversation, to ascertain if any allies are in your vicinity.
- Portable CB Radio – This Portable CB radio from Midland features 40 CB channels, Dual Watch monitors channel 9, 10 NOAA channels, and 4 Watts of output power. Its lightweight design can be converted into a mobile radio with the required accessories.
- Power Source – Power your CB radio with six AA batteries or use the included cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use. 4-watt output power delivers maximum communication range. Hi-Low power mode.
- NOAA Weather Alert – You’ll have instant access to NOAA weather/hazard information 24/7. Instant channel provides immediate access to emergency channel 9 and informational channel 19. Last channel memory turns to the last user selected channel.
- LCD Screen – A large, backlit LCD screen provides a multifunctional display that’s easy to read, day or night. ANL (automatic noise limiter) and squelch control for improving reception and eliminating noise
- What’s In The Box – CB Radio, AC wall adapter, alkaline battery compartment, rechargeable battery compartment,cigarette lighter adapter for mobile use, antenna, hand strap, belt clip, and the owner’s manual.
HAM RADIOS
Ham Radios are not as common as two-way radios and CBs. They are more complicated to use, and in you need special licenses to operate one with any significant level of power. They provide some added security because they are less likely to be used by amateurs.
They are also a good way to transmit Morse Code. In a SHTF situation, where current regulations are no longer regarded, these will allow you to contact others across much greater distances.
- ✔️Long Range:Real 8watt high power radio have higher output power and TD-771 high gain antenna,greatly expands the signal transmission distance and enhances signal reception.
- ✔️Tri-power switch, allow you to choose between high power to maximize range or low power to conserve battery life.
- ✔️Power Source:Larger 3800 mAh battery;The extended working time of your favourite ham radio is almost 2.5 times longer than original baofeng radio 1800 mAh battery;Supports you longer, especially in outside activity.
- ✔️Easy Programming:More convenient to manual programming most of settings via the keypad, as well as PC programming with the Driver Free cable in the box;TD-UV5R radio is also compatible with CHIRP;Plug and Play with Windows, MacOS and Ubuntu systems.
- ✔️Wide Compatibility:TIDRADIO uv5r ham radio covers most commonly used frequency range, makes it compatible with other brand radios such as the baofeng uv-5r and baofeng uv-82/baofeng bf-f8hp series.
HAND SIGNALS
Hand Signals have long been used by military forces to quietly communicate in tactical situations. This is both a benefit and a drawback. They only work if everyone has a clear line of sight. Many people already know some of the gestures, and for those that don’t, there are countless YouTube videos that demonstrate them and their meaning.
Therefore, if you are inadvertently seen, you are also relaying your exact moves to the onlooker, potentially compromising the location of the rest of your team. A way out of this problem might be to create some variations that only your group is aware of.
A particular motion that alerts your team that you have been seen, followed by whatever signal you want the opposition to think you are going to do next. This may work if you already have an agreed-upon protocol for the scenario.
Another option might be to completely switch them around and create some of your own. Additionally, if you have a group of ten people, and only fully trust five, these unknown signs can be used to indicate when it is time to desert the others.
MORSE CODE: is one of the best forms of communication. Although the code itself is universal, the language you use is not. If anyone intercepts a message of “frog legs” they probably won’t know that the meaning might be to stay away from the pond, it has been compromised.
The messages can be transmitted over airways, by light signals, or even in writing, or in the arrangements of rocks and sticks along a path. The real disadvantage of Morse is the level of difficulty. Learning the code is not for the faint of heart, or the memory impaired.
I recommend creating short acronyms and memorizing them. BLB=bug out location B. NGC= no go, the area has been compromised, etc.
SMOKE SIGNALS
Smoke signals can be a good way to advertise your location if that is what you want to do. The color of the smoke, and the frequency and pattern of puffs can also be used to relay messages, but again, this only works if you don’t mind letting everyone know where you are.
COLORS
Colors such as flags can be used in lieu of hand signals when traveling in formation. Ribbons, paint, and chalk can be used to mark trees, buildings, or other landmarks as needed. Marking bags and gear by color can also be useful in case you quickly have to decide what to grab.
ANIMAL CALLS
Wild Animal calls are an alternative that can work well in a rural setting. Invaders may mistake them for the real thing, and/or be unfamiliar to the patterns of the native animal calls. In this manner you can effectively send basic messages across hostile territory without detection. Be sure your pattern is different enough from native species that you don’t misinterpret a real duck call as a message from your other party.
BOOBY TRAPS
Traps that alert you to intruders are always a good idea. Some can be set up in such a way as to be widely seen. I’ve read of people who attach a charge to their tripwires that can set off a small firework. Marauders do not always have the intention of a hostile takeover, and there may be other bands of unpleasant characters wandering the area.
Now everyone knows the location of the prowler. If you are forced to camp out and build a fire, keeping some black powder and smoke bombs on your person can be helpful. If your camp is ambushed, quickly throwing both into the fire creates a wall of smoke and flares, thus producing a useful diversion as well as an audible distress signal.
GRAFFITI
This staple is a common sight in most urban areas, as it has long been used by misfits and gangs for marking territory (hence the name “tagging”). Knowing the meanings of certain tags can be useful. Having symbols of your own is also beneficial. In a situation where graffiti is popping up everywhere, a simple character hidden in a midst of urban art can communicate to the others in your party. Avoid using words or marks that are too obvious or easily counterfeited to avoid being led into a trap by imposters.
HOBO CODE
This is the simple pictographs etched into old telephone poles and drawn on buildings and railroad ties that vagrants who hopped trains utilized to identify if there were camps nearby or known friendlies/hostiles in the area. Many train station museums have examples of these signs and their meanings. Not many people are familiar with it, giving it a certain appeal.
If you do attract actual wanderers, be sure you are set to deal with either hostility or recruiting them into your ranks. This is a possibility for those who have a loose association with other preppers and are only interested in full collaboration during an invasion or other ‘worst case scenario’. If you have such a set of connections, then learning this code will help these smaller cells find each other and form a more cohesive resistance.
RENDEZVOUS
Rally points or another plan of action for when contact is lost should be a central element of all communication plans. Everyone in your group (be it your family or your entire neighborhood) needs to know how to reach one another in an emergency, what the signal or code means, and what to do if they lose contact. Practice makes perfect.
This is only a preliminary list, and is not meant to be all inclusive. It is important to assess your individual circumstances when developing your plan. Take into consideration which methods you have easy access to and can rely on.
Editor’s Note: This post is another entry in the Prepper Writing Contest from S.S. Gregory.