This Part 1 of the series.  Please click this link for Part 2

By James Walton

In the event of a crisis, emergency agencies lean heavily on their communications systems. They begin pooling intelligence to assure they know exactly what is happening and to build a picture of what the future looks like.

While you may have qualms about how many government agencies do business, its important to understand that not all things theses agencies do is wrong. Some of the processes are very strong and the results get destroyed in the muck of bureaucracy.

If you are not planning on using many methods to gather your own intelligence, you will be shooting into the dark with how you react to a disaster.

I ask you one question: Who do you consult when the power goes out and the news is off the air?

Why Bury a Communications Cache?

You are probably wondering why I am recommending that you bury this cache. It may sound silly. You want quick access to your communication devices in the event of a disaster. Well, you are assuming that you should only have one selection when it comes to your communications preps. Remember the adage:
“Two is one and one is none.”

You should most certainly have comms devices at arm’s length. That is very important. You should also have alternatives that are tucked away safely.

In February of 2016 Iran was supposedly conducting a simorgh rocket launch to place another satellite into orbit. While Iran has conducted these launches in the past, it was clear that many in the defense department thought these launches were dual purpose.

The satellite being one purpose while prepping for a HEMP or High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse being the other. This would be their most effective strike against the US.

With threats of an EMP coming from Iran and North Korea you need to have a backup to those electronic devices in your home. A powerful communications setup can be instantly worthless if you find yourself in the throes of an EMP attack that renders these devices ineffective.

By purchasing or creating an airtight and watertight cache you can store these items underground. You could also insulate the outside of this cache using foam or something similar. The whole thing could then be wrapped in aluminum to assure its protection. Now you have a backup communications plan for any disaster.

What Goes Inside

Building out a useful comms cache does not have to cost a lot of money. We live in a society of constant upgrades. You need only look at the devices you have know and consider what your next step will be or look at stowed away devices you don’t use as much.

You should include the following at the very least in your communications cache.

• Emergency Radio
• Old iPad or tablet filled with local coms info and channels (among other survival info)
• Prepaid Phone
• Two-way radios for family communication
• Portable Ham Radio
• Police Scanner

By having some or all of these items in your arsenal you will be able to paint a very clear picture of what is going on around you.

• How much damage?
• Road Conditions?
• Overall Chaos? i.e. Looting and Burning
• Is There More Coming?
• What Are Others Doing?
• Is It Time to Bugout?
• Can You Bugout?

At best, you will only be able to guess the answers to these questions if you do not have a great communications plan.

With the best police scanner you will be able to listen in on the struggles of the police in action. You will hear when they become overwhelmed. This is a very important thing to consider. From here you will be able to make better decisions.

With your portable ham radio, you can also find out what other people are doing and around your area. You can get reports direct from these individuals without any news filter.

Of course, having an emergency radio will give you access to critical news both nationally and locally. All of which will be very important in the event of a serious disaster. Therefore, these tools are so very important.

Your Survival Depends on Decisions

Survival is all about decisions. It can be one of the most disheartening things to consider but it’s the truth. When we are talking about wilderness survival, one wrong turn could put you outside the den of a mother bear and her cubs or off a steep rockface. Survival is always about decisions.

In the urban setting a bad decision can put you on a closed road that is under assault. It will be nearly impossible to make the best decisions, all the time, in a disaster. What will offer you a lot more confidence is making those decisions when you are informed.

If survival depends on decisions and good decisions depend on information, you must start with having strong communications. Take all the information you can find and sort out what makes sense for you. From there you can plot your next move.

There are no guarantees in survival but there are ways to play the deck in your favor. Don’t attack this thing blindly.

Get your hands on some quality communications gear and protect it!

For tips and techniques regarding building and hiding your communications cache in the city, please see Part 2:

Bury a Powerful Communications Cache – Part 2 Tips and Techniques

About the Author

James Walton is the host of I AM Liberty a podcast that airs on www.prepperbroadcasting.com. He is also the author of Come Unity, Community a book about neighbors and prepared communities. You can read more by James at www.iamlibertyshow.com