Disasters and emergencies come in many forms and can strike at any time. Building collapses, earthquakes, floods, explosions, and wildfires, for example, can occur without warning and have devastating impacts on communities. While emergencies are impossible to entirely prevent, their impact can at least be mitigated through proper emergency preparedness.
One of the most important parts of any emergency response plan is communication. Access to timely and accurate information is vital for first responders and, in certain situations, can be the difference between saving a life and tragedy. However, during a disaster, traditional communication channels, such as phone lines and internet access, are often unreliable or offline entirely. The solution is satellite communication.
The Advantages of Satellite Walkie Talkies
A satellite walkie talkie has several features that give them an advantage over regular two-way radios and cell phones. Most importantly, their satellite network gives them a truly global reach. Whereas regular walkie-talkies have ranges of 100 miles or less and cell phones are limited to areas with sufficient coverage, satellite radios can be used anywhere on the planet.
During a natural or man-made emergency, satellite access is much more reliable than mobile and radio networks. Cell phone and radio towers, along with telephone lines, can be damaged or destroyed by earthquakes, wildfires, floods, and other disasters. They can also overload during an emergency when too many people are trying to use them at one time. Satellite radios, on the other hand, remain reliably accessible in any emergency situation.
Using Satellite Walkie Talkies for Emergency Preparedness
Satellite radios should be a part of every organization’s emergency response planning. Best practices for including them in preparedness kits include:
- Train everyone who will use the walkie-talkie so they are familiar with how to operate one. People should know how to place and answer a call, send text messages, and use emergency features such as the SOS button.
- Keep the walkie-talkies fully charged at all times. Set a regular schedule to check the charge level and fully recharge the unit if power levels drop.
- Periodically check that the units can fully connect to the satellite network with a strong signal strength. Verify signal strength by standing outside without any overhead obstructions.
- Create a communications plan, like a phone tree, to facilitate a clear and orderly flow of information.
- Train potential users on privacy and security measures, such as avoiding revealing sensitive information and using encryption features.
Also read: Wepbound Simplified: A Beginner’s Guide to Web Integration
Choosing the Right Solution for You
First, decide where you will be using your satellite walkie-talkie. Will you be communicating in the wilderness over long ranges, or do you need two-way radios that will operate better in an urban environment? Consider your durability needs – do you require units that are waterproof or shockproof? Consider what extra information or features you will need during an emergency. Some units include GPS functionality, weather information, or large screens for easier reading.
Emergency situations can be impossible to prevent or predict, so preparation is key to responding. Ensuring reliable communication should be your top priority for any readiness plan. Satellite two-way radios offer reliability, durability, and extra features to keep you connected during any emergency.
