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Communication is critical during a crisis and can increase one’s chances of survival. While frustration during an emergency is common, having access to efficient communication channels to keep one updated can improve the situation. Read on to learn why staying connected during emergencies is important.

1. Have a Communication Plan Ready

Miscommunication or missing an important disaster update can lead to fatal tragedies. A solid communication plan can help avoid potential risks that can impact you and your loved ones when faced with a crisis. Knowing how to use the iER App to connect to our emergency response agents can improve your safety in critical times.

Setting up an emergency contact list can ensure you and your loved ones prioritise communication to improve your survival during disasters. Responders can provide efficient assistance more quickly when they know your trusted contacts and who to call when they can’t reach you. Ensure you list your most important contacts, including neighbours and colleagues, keep it safe and ensure it’s easy to find should something go wrong.

2. Low-Bandwidth Tools Are a Lifesaver

In an emergency, the internet and mobile phone networks can quickly become overloaded and disrupt you from connecting with the rest of the world. This is when having low-bandwidth options like text and messaging apps might be useful. Rather than relying on calling, texting can help ensure your messages get through so that you stay connected to people who can ensure you receive necessary and immediate emergency assistance.

Sometimes, you should prepare for instances when you don’t have a signal and know how to navigate contacting response teams when this is what you are faced with.

3. Have Back-up Power

One of the first things to fail during an emergency is often the power grid. Imagine your phone battery dying while you try to send a critical message or check a map. Keeping a portable power bank fully charged is a small step with a big payoff. Ensure you always have backup power tools such as a torch, power bank, or portable inverter charged and stored somewhere that’s easily accessible.

4. Focus on Reliable Sources Only

In times of crisis, fear and confusion can spread misinformation from various online sources. You might encounter a panicked social media post or an unofficial update, which can add unnecessary stress or even put you and your loved ones in danger. Avoid being alarmed and use trusted sources such as local emergency service providers, government channels, or reliable news outlets.

Nowadays, most communities have emergency alert systems and forums that send timely updates directly to your phone. If you don’t have these alerts activated, consider keeping tabs on them and activating your notifications to ensure you don’t miss important updates during an emergency. The information you get can help you stay a step ahead, improve your safety and find practical solutions before it’s too late.

5. Stay Calm and Communicate Clearly

Emergencies usually become a stressful event for everyone involved. They increase your anxiety levels, and communication can become confusing when you are panicking. Taking even a few seconds to breathe, think, and focus can help keep your mind clear to figure out what to do next.

Being mentally prepared can make a massive difference, especially when you’re in charge of helping yourself and others. While emergencies are mostly unpredictable, your response doesn’t have to be. Most importantly, staying calm can improve communication with emergency responders when the situation becomes chaotic.

Whether preparing for severe weather, an evacuation, or any unpredictable event, knowing how to communicate during an emergency can keep you and your loved ones stay calm and safe. Keeping communication lines open even when power lines are disrupted can be the one thing that ensures safety. You can send instant alerts using your FREE-to-use iER App to inform our emergency response agents about your incident so that we can send the appropriate responders to your location.

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