RECOIL OFFGRID Survival Maintaining Comms During Disaster
Emergency Communication 101 sets out to solve a simple problem that becomes massive in a disaster. When the grid goes down and cell towers fail, most people have no clue how to talk to anyone beyond shouting distance. Creek Stewart and Joe Bassett aim this book squarely at beginners who need a foundation in off-grid communication. They walk the reader through why emergency communication matters, how radios work at the most basic level, and what kinds of tools can keep a family connected when everything modern society depends on suddenly flickers out.
The book begins by highlighting the fragility of modern communication systems. Stewart and Bassett explain what happens when cell networks fail in a disaster, why traditional internet-based messaging collapses, and how this immediate loss of information affects rescue efforts and family reunification. This section reinforces a core survival truth. You cannot rely on infrastructure that depends on countless external systems to function. From there, the authors introduce the concept of resilient communication using radios and satellite tools that operate independently of everyday networks.
A significant portion of the book focuses on types of radios and their practical uses. The authors cover ham, CB, GMRS, and simple walkie-talkies, giving readers the who, what, and when for each option. For beginners, this makes the overwhelming radio landscape feel manageable. They explain licensing requirements, effective range, portability, and the basic etiquette needed to operate responsibly. This is where the book shines for newcomers. It removes mystery and presents radio communication as an accessible skill rather than an intimidating technical hobby.
The authors also explore emergency power solutions. Solar generators, portable battery banks, small panels, and backup power stations all receive straightforward treatment. Instead of deep electrical theory, readers get scenario-driven advice that helps them match tools to their expected disaster conditions. For anyone unfamiliar with off-grid power but eager to protect their communication capability, these explanations provide a solid introduction.
Another key topic is building an emergency communication plan. Stewart and Bassett outline how to identify communication priorities, designate meeting points, assign responsibilities, and incorporate backup methods. They encourage redundancy and simple drills to ensure family members actually know how to use the equipment. Again, the level is introductory but practical, leaning more toward checklists and easy wins than advanced strategies.
Emergency Communication 101 is an excellent on ramp for those who have never touched a radio or considered how fragile modern communication systems truly are. Its value drops for anyone with even modest experience in ham, GMRS, or off-grid power setups because the content remains intentionally basic. This is not a deep dive into advanced radio theory or high-level preparedness communication practices. It is a guided tour for beginners who need clarity, confidence, and a starting point.
For that audience, it succeeds. For intermediate readers, there will be little new ground. Overall, the book delivers on its promise. It teaches foundational skills and encourages readers to take the first tangible steps toward reliable communication in emergencies.
Book & Author: Emergency Communication 101
By Creek Stewart & Joe Bassett
Publisher: Adams Media
MSRP: $19 paperback
Pages: 224
Rating: Thrive | Survive | Die
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Editor’s Note: This article has been modified from its original version for the web.
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