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When you think about who is best-suited to survive the end of the world or other major disaster, you might imagine the big burly preppers with their massive zombie-destroying caches of weapons, or the families with huge boxes of shelf-stable food and 55 gallon drums of water.
As it turns out, the tech geeks will also have an advantage during the apocalypse as they have an inherent knowledge of gadgets and how a disaster will impact crucial needs like the ability to communicate.
In fact, in addition to focusing on firearms, food, and first aid kits, preppers should channel their inner technophile and determine how they will stay connected when the proverbial you-know-what hits the fan. The following 3 devices will help people communicate through the apocalypse:
1. Satellite Phone
Many of us have become so dependent on our cell phones, it can be hard to imagine life without them. But in the event of a major catastrophe, chances are good that cell phone towers will be destroyed and no longer work. To prepare yourself for the worst-case scenario, you may wish to get ready for off-the-grid forms of communication with a satellite phone.
For example, Roadpost sells a variety of makes and models, including Iridium satellite phones. The Iridium Extreme is the world's first military-grade phone. Rather than cell towers, it connects directly to satellites–and zombies will have to be pretty savvy to knock out satellites. The Extreme is also ultra tough and rugged as well as waterproof and dustproof.
2. Shortwave Radio
As the world is coming to an end, a shortwave radio can also be an effective way to stay in touch with others. For example, the Grundig S450DLX Field Radio features three frequency tuning steps, low background noise and interference and an MW/SW IF wide/narrow bandwidth selection that helps to minimize noise while boosting the audio fidelity. By using shortwave frequencies, the radios can broadcast transmissions through either skip propagation or skywave.
Shortwave radios are ideal for long-distance communication, and they have historically been used during emergency situations. To learn how to use a shortwave radio, Google local classes or see if there is a club nearby that you can join. This way, once the disaster happens you'll be trained and ready to communicate with a handy device.
3. GMRS/FRS Radios
Survival radios are ideal for short-distance communications of around 35 miles over relatively flat lands. So while you won't be able to stay in touch with your family in another state, they can help you talk to your friends and family members in what is left of your neighborhood. The radios are small and easy to tote around in a pocket or bug out bag, and they are affordable and convenient. Although their range is lesser and their batteries tend to drain quickly, they are still a reliable way to communicate.
Radio Shack sells a variety of GMRS/FRS radios, as well as accessories like headphones and cases; for example, the Midland GXT895VP4 42-Channel GMRS/FRS Radio is priced at $89.99 for two, and offers 42 channels, 142 privacy codes and a 36-mile range over either water or open rural land.
