Communication Plans During Emergencies

When disaster strikes—whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, civil unrest, or unexpected violence—communication can make the difference between confusion and clarity… between fear and focused action.

Most people assume their cell phone will always be there when they need it. But when networks go down, power is lost, or you’re separated from your family with no signal, what’s your plan B?

At Sentinel Combatives, we train for reality. That means your emergency preparedness isn’t complete without a rock-solid communication plan. Let’s break down how to build one:

Establish a Rally Point + Contact Tree

Before any emergency, your household or group should have:

A designated meeting place: Home, a family member’s house, church, etc.

A backup location: If the primary spot is unsafe or inaccessible.

A communication tree: Who contacts whom, in what order. This ensures accountability and reduces confusion.

Write It Down. Don’t Rely on Your Phone.

In an emergency, batteries die, phones break, or networks crash.
Create a laminated emergency contact card with:

Names and numbers

Home address and rally points

Out-of-area emergency contact (in another city or state)

Local emergency numbers (sheriff, fire, power company, etc.)

Pro Tip: Put a copy in every family member’s wallet, backpack, glovebox, and go-bag.

Use Communication Layers (Redundant = Resilient)

In the military, we use PACE:

• Primary: Cell phone
• Alternate: Text message, email, or social media check-in
• Contingency: Two-way radios (FRS/GMRS), walkie-talkies, neighborhood communication
• Emergency: Satellite communicator, HAM radio, or even handwritten note via a trusted runner

Train your family to know the sequence. This creates calm during chaos.

Power = Communication

Keep communication gear charged:

Solar chargers

Power banks

Hand-crank radios

Extra batteries

No juice = no signal. Make charging part of your go-bag checklist.

Rehearse. Review. Reinforce.

Just like self-defense skills, communication plans must be practiced.
Run a quarterly family drill. Review the plan. Role-play scenarios like:

“What if you’re at school when something happens?”

“What if the power goes out and we’re at work?”

“What if we’re split up during travel?”

Make it a normal conversation, not a panic moment.

Final Thoughts

Communication isn’t just about talking—it’s about clarity, confidence, and coordination under pressure.

Train your body with us in class. Train your mind by having a plan.
You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall back on your training.

At Sentinel Combatives, we believe preparedness is protection—and that includes communication.

Need help building your family’s emergency plan?
Stop by the studio or message us. Let’s build strength, skill, and safety—together.