Sorry to Invoke Cinderella at a Time Like This

I’m not afraid to admit it – I’m a fan of Cinderella, the ‘80s glam rock band. So much so that in 1987, at the tender age of 10, I tried to screw my friend out of his “Night Songs” tape by surreptitiously replacing the master with a copy. Unfortunately for me, he discovered the switch. Fortunately, he later forgave.

This post, however, isn’t about my questionable music taste or mistakes made during a misspent youth; it’s about emergency communications.

Outside the snow is really flying, which I suspect has contributed in large part to this morning’s complete lack of Internet access. I discovered this outage when I got to the office and remembered how helpless I tend to be in these situations. No Web research. No news sites. No tracking Web hits or media mentions of clients. Clunky e-mail, thanks only to my mobile, which seems, at this point, to still be working.

It’s the absence of a tool which we’ve all grown reliant upon that got my brain working in two directions – first, it led to me start humming Cinderella’s “Don’t Know What You Got [Til It’s Gone].” Then, with Tom Kiefer’s signature throaty vocals echoing in my mind, I started thinking about all the ways that technology helps us communicate, and all the ways (likely in the most inopportune times) that technology can fail us.

I’m thinking beyond the obvious and annoying reduction in business productivity, and tips such as regularly backing up the files on your computer. From a personal perspective, how prepared are you and your family to communicate if technology really breaks down?

In a scenario with a major widespread power outage, this means no heat, no light, no cell phone towers or landlines and, of course, no precious Internet access. It’s not hard to find good ideas online so you are prepared, but here are three things that I’d recommend you consider from an emergency communications perspective:

Radio
Be in a position to remain informed about developments in any emergency situation. Perform a search on “hand-crank NOAA radio” and find one that meets your needs and budget. The hand-crank part is important, as you won’t be able to rely on batteries or electrical power in an emergency.

Wallet Cards
For some things, going “analog” is best. This is true when it comes to contact information of select friends and family. Instead of relying on the phone book in your cell phone (that will be worthless after a couple days without a charge), carry a wallet card of family members’ contact information in your wallet. Also, designate a family member or trusted friend at least 75 miles away who can assist with relaying communications among family members if telecommunications fails in your area.

Rally Point
In a worst-case scenario, communications will be down and families will be spread across a wide area. Establish and agree upon two rally points that will serve as default family gathering places – one local and one far away to make sure there are alternatives to cover multiple contingencies.

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A little thought and planning now can have you avoid singing another Cinderella song in an emergency – “Somebody Save Me.”

Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 10/28 at 10:17 AM

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Posted by kelly lampard  on  01/13  at  01:45 AM

Nice post.I like the way you start and then conclude your thoughts. Thanks for this information .I really appreciate your work, keep it up

Posted by Electrical Contractor Houston  on  01/16  at  07:43 PM

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