Emergency Communications
Weather alerts, radios, offline maps, and ways to check in.
Reviewed November 14, 2026
Receive alerts without cell service
Look for a NOAA Weather Radio receiver with battery backup and alert mode. SAME programming lets a compatible radio filter alerts by location. Test reception where you will use it. A hand crank can supplement battery power. Confirm the radio actually receives NOAA weather channels.
Compare U.S. two-way radio options
FCC-certified FRS radios require no individual license or application fee when used under FRS rules. GMRS requires an FCC license, generally with a $35 application fee and no exam. An eligible licensee’s immediate family may operate under it. Amateur radio typically requires passing an exam and a $35 FCC fee for a new license, plus any separate exam fee. Check the FCC’s latest fee schedule.
Plan for lost cell or internet service
Choose an out-of-area contact and agree on check-in times. Try short texts when calls fail. Download offline maps before leaving, carry a paper backup, and mark landmarks. Radio range varies with terrain and buildings, so test the route you expect to use.
Check satellite service before relying on it
Confirm hardware and region support, subscription or activation requirements, and exactly how SOS and two-way messaging work. Many dedicated satellite messengers require an active plan. Trees, buildings, and steep terrain can block the sky. Learn the provider’s test process and carry a whistle for nearby signaling.