2nd October 2023

Flood communication: How to keep in touch with loved ones

From earthquakes and hurricanes to flash floods, disasters can strike unexpectedly and at any time. One of the first things people think about in these situations is what the condition of their loved ones is and how they can contact them.

Communicating with family during and after a disaster can be difficult due to communication breakdowns and lack of awareness. That's why it's critical to know what emergency communication plans are in place during a flood: How to stay in touch with loved ones.

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Flood Communication Plan

Not surprisingly, many people overlook the importance of an emergency communication plan when preparing for a disaster. We have become so accustomed to the conveniences of modern technology that we have taken it for granted that we can contact our loved ones on our cell phones at any time from almost anywhere on the planet. Unfortunately, however, when a severe natural disaster strikes, it is possible for communications infrastructure to be "down" and that is when regulators initiate an emergency communications plan. You should not panic if you are unable to contact your loved ones at a moment's notice. Wait for some time to pass and try again when phone lines are restored. Don't take rash action and avoid going 'into the field' in serious flooding because you could be putting your own life at risk!

It's not a bad idea to have your own plan for contacting your loved ones in a disaster situation - be it flood, earthquake or otherwise.

How to make a flood communication plan

In order to make a successful plan for communicating with your loved ones, in a flood, you need to follow a few basic steps to make sure you can find them if you get separated during a flood. What should you do?

Print a paper copy of the contacts from your phone

Few people can remember the phone numbers of their loved ones. This means that if something happens to their phone, they have no way of contacting them. Therefore, the first and foremost in your emergency communication plan should include a backup contact list.

What contacts to include on the list

Here's a list of the most important contacts this list should include:

• Each family member's phone numbers;
• Contact information for work, school, child care;
• Address of meeting places;
• Phones and addresses of local hospitals and police departments;
• Information on local emergency shelters;
• Contacts of medical providers and other important services;
• List of channels that will broadcast emergency information.

Where to keep the paper copy

The paper copy with contacts should be printed and laminated to protect it from water. Make enough copies for each member of your family and give everyone one to carry in their wallet or purse. It is a good idea to have a copy at work, school or in the car.

Ways to communicate

There are various ways you can keep in touch with your loved ones in a flood. The more options you have, the more likely you will be able to get in touch quickly.

Mobile phones

The easiest way to contact your loved ones in a flood is undoubtedly via your mobile phone. After disasters, however, cell phone lines often flood, the lines are tied up, but calls cannot go through. In this situation, emergency calls cannot go through either because everyone is trying to check on their loved ones. If you have to call them, then keep the call short so as not to cut the lines.

Text message

Text messages don't use as much network bandwidth as calls, so they're more likely to go through even when the network is congested. For convenience, create a group on your phone so you can send a message to everyone in your emergency contacts at once.

Landline phones

Landlines use copper wires buried underground, which means they're less likely to be damaged during a flood. Plus, they don't require electricity to operate.

Social media messages

Social media and emails are great ways to send group messages to friends and family during a flood. Just send one message to everyone to let them know you're okay instead of calling everyone individually.

Two-way radios

One more way to contact your loved ones during a flood is by using two-way radios. These have their drawbacks, such as limited range, but are often the most reliable method of communication in such disasters.

Set meeting points

The next part of your plan for contacting loved ones in a flood is meeting points. These are the places you will go if you are in danger or to get together. Depending on the extent of the flooding, you will need several meeting points:

• A primary meeting place, which will likely be your home;
• A neighborhood meeting place - the place you will go if your home is not safe;
• A meeting point in the city - if you are not home when the flood hits and can't get home, this is where you will go. This should be a safe place, preferably with shelter;
• A rally point outside of town - the place you will go if the whole region has become unsafe and you need to evacuate without your family. Could be the home of a relative in a nearby town, etc.

How to keep in touch with loved ones in a flood, via the Pavel Andreev Foundation

At the Pavel Andreev Foundation, we believe that kindness and humanity are some of the most important qualities. The desire to help has always accompanied every member of our team, ready to help, through charity or participating in various donation campaigns. Through our platform PavelAndreev.ORG, we aim to contribute to the common good. In addition to organizing and participating in charity campaigns, we, and Pavel Andreev himself, help many people to contact their loved ones during a flood or other natural disaster. It is extremely important for us to actively participate in solving these problems and to be of help to everyone in need.

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