Stay informed. Stay connected. Stay prepared.

When a hurricane approaches, accurate information becomes one of your most valuable resources. Knowing where to get trusted updates, how to communicate with loved ones, and what to do when traditional communication systems are unavailable can make all the difference before, during, and after the storm.

A communication plan isn’t just about having a charged phone. It’s about ensuring your family knows how to reach one another, where to meet, and where to find reliable information when conditions change.

Hurricanes can disrupt communication in many ways.

Power outages can disable internet service.

Cell towers may become overloaded or damaged.

Road closures can separate families.

Emergency responders may not be immediately available.

Having multiple ways to receive information and contact loved ones helps reduce uncertainty during rapidly changing situations.

Communication is one of the most important parts of every emergency plan.

Before hurricane season begins, every household should answer a few important questions.

Who should family members contact if they become separated?

Where will everyone meet if returning home isn’t possible?

Who is the out-of-state contact everyone can check in with?

Write these answers down and keep copies in your emergency kit, your vehicle, and with each family member.

Don’t rely solely on phones or memory.

Rumors spread quickly during emergencies.

Always rely on official information whenever possible.

Good sources include:

• National Weather Service
• National Hurricane Center
• Local emergency management offices
• County emergency alerts
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Local television and radio stations

Social media can provide useful updates, but always verify important information through official agencies before making decisions.

Don’t depend on a single device or service.

Your communication plan should include several ways to receive emergency information.

Examples include:

• Wireless Emergency Alerts
• NOAA Weather Radio
• Local emergency notification systems
• Weather apps
• Battery-powered AM/FM radios
• Television when available

Redundancy increases reliability.

During major storms, cell networks may become congested.

If voice calls won’t go through:

• Send text messages instead.
• Keep messages short.
• Use messaging apps when Wi-Fi is available.
• Avoid unnecessary phone calls.
• Charge devices whenever power becomes available.

Text messages often require less network capacity and may be delivered even when calls cannot.

Depending on your situation, additional communication tools may be useful.

Examples include:

Basic

• Battery-powered radio
• Hand-crank emergency radio
• Extra charging cables

Intermediate

• GMRS or FRS radios for local communication
• Vehicle chargers
• Portable battery packs

Advanced

• Amateur (ham) radio
• Satellite communicators
• Satellite messaging devices

Most families won’t need advanced equipment, but understanding your options allows you to choose what best fits your preparedness goals.

If your phone battery dies or internet access is unavailable, digital information may become difficult to access.

Consider keeping printed copies of:

• Emergency contact numbers
• Insurance information
• Medical information
• Maps
• Evacuation routes
• Hotel reservations
• Identification documents

Paper never needs charging.

Your phone may become your most important emergency tool.

Protect it by:

• Charging devices before the storm
• Keeping power banks fully charged
• Using waterproof storage
• Carrying charging cables in your vehicle
• Enabling emergency contacts
• Downloading offline maps before evacuation

One fully charged phone can solve many problems during an emergency.

Communication remains important after the storm has passed.

Use available communication channels to:

• Notify family members that you’re safe
• Contact insurance companies
• Coordinate cleanup assistance
• Monitor road closures
• Check utility restoration updates
• Stay informed about local recovery resources

Reliable communication helps speed recovery and reduces unnecessary stress.

Not everyone has the same access to information.

Consider checking on neighbors who may:

• Live alone
• Have limited mobility
• Be elderly
• Have limited internet access
• Speak a different language

Sharing accurate information strengthens the entire community.

Preparedness is most effective when neighbors help neighbors.

Communication is more than making phone calls.

It’s knowing where to find trusted information, having multiple ways to receive updates, and making sure your family has a plan before the storm arrives.

When power is out, roads are blocked, and uncertainty is high, reliable communication becomes one of your greatest tools for staying safe and making informed decisions.

Prepare your communication plan today, so you can focus on what matters most when the next hurricane threatens.