Communication blackouts are an intrinsic part of many doomsday scenarios. Mega solar flares, power grid hacks, electromagnetic pulse (EMP) bombs, extreme storms, and even zombie apocalypses all result in comms going dark. There are too many specifics to cover for each of the above situations, so today we’ll answer a question they all bring up: what do you do when mainstream communication goes out?
Buy a UHF/VHF Radio
Ultra High Frequency (UHF) and Very High Frequency (VHF) are bands of the electromagnetic spectrum allocated for specific uses. Each frequency range has too many uses to cover here, but think of applications involving digital TV signals, military comms, and aircraft navigation when you hear UHF/VHF.
The FCC sets aside frequency ranges for specific purposes. That’s how you’ll communicate with others when the world goes dark.
Spend 30 bucks for a UHF/VHF radio before doomsday arrives. It will let you stay in touch with other survivors while keeping abreast of changing conditions.
These radios aren’t as easy to use as your cell phone — they operate by line-of-sight instead, and that means anything tall or large might block your signal. With that said, proper utilization of high-ground can enable you to talk to others up to 30 miles away.
UHF/VHF radios have a great battery life. Even still, you’ll want to stock up on batteries and store everything in one bag you can simply grab and go. The last thing you want to do in a dire situation is frantically search for your survival equipment.
What’s Special About UHF/VHF?
The FCC allocates special frequency ranges for UHF/VHF usage. Walkie talkies purchased from most sporting goods stores all use the same, or similar, frequencies. That means your two-way radios won’t be two-way when everyone starts using them during an emergency.
Given the wide range of applications involving UHF/VHF bands, you’ll be able to find dedicated channels for specific purposes. Whether you’re looking for a community to contact or you want to partner up with another solo survivor, UHF/VHF radios are your best (if not only) chance to establish unbroken lines of communication.
UHF/VHF frequency bands are currently restricted to specific use cases, and not all of them are for public use. But, when radio and cell towers breakdown in an apocalyptic situation, they just might save your life. Buy one today and get some practice in before real trouble knocks at your door.
