Emergency responders must often work off the grid without access to public utilities like telecommunications. While an estimated 89% of the world lives with electricity, factors like isolated areas and natural disasters can keep people off the electrical grid.
When in truly remote areas, you must stay connected if there’s no mobile phone signal. For instance, you may need wireless connectivity when assisting in disaster-struck areas. Check out this Meraki MR70.
Here’s how first responders can prepare for areas with no cell phone signal.
Back Up Cell Phone Battery
In case your mobile phone battery dies, you’ll have a spare. The caveat is you may not have a phone signal. You can use some old-school tools in this situation, including:
Global Positioning System (GPS) Device: Track your location
2-Way Radio: Communicate with other emergency responders in the area who are out of earshot
Use Satellite Messenger
This device allows you to send messages like your location to emergency services. Besides the satellite messengers themselves, you must also pay a monthly or yearly subscription fee.
Some satellite messengers contain GPS functionality with onboard maps. These devices can provide communication when you’re in the wilderness, for instance.
A major drawback of satellite messengers is that they aren’t cheap and generally cost more than personal location beacons (PLBs). On the other hand, many first responders use them in remote areas for off-grid communication.
Satellite messengers include not only a GPS locator beacon but also different degrees of messaging abilities. They can be an invaluable tool if you’re out of cell signal ranges long-term.
Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
A PLB is an electronic satellite-synced device that sends SOS (save-our-ship) signals and your location to parties such as rescue agencies. It provides a stronger signal versus satellite messengers. Battery life is also up to ten years.
This product functions like other beacon devices. The difference is that instead of being kept on aircraft or boats, this equipment is carried by first responders. Additionally, you can only activate PLBs manually.
PLBs contain a built-in-low power beam that transmits at a particular frequency. Thus, groups like rescue workers can locate you when a satellite system provides the required position data.
A global positioning system (GPS)-enabled unit integrates the technology into the device’s distress signal. As a result, the PLB provides a more precise location accuracy of approximately the size of a football field.
You can pack PLBs easily with your gear due to the small size and light weight.
Some emergency responders attach the devices to their backpack’s shoulder harness. If you’re boating, you can attach PLBs to your life jacket’s shoulder area for easy access.
Remember that you must register your PLB so Rescue Coordination Centers (RCC) can respond quickly. The process is quick, easy, and possible to accomplish online. Contact the NOAA Registration Database.
Devices like PLBs and satellite messengers prepare for unexpected situations when you’re in remote areas on land or in water. If you’re an emergency responder, they can help you stay in touch when off the grid.
Talk to our experts at International Satellite Services today to remain connected with no mobile signal.
References
1. More people have access to electricity than ever before, but world is falling short of sustainable energy goals
2. Emergency beacons
https://www.sarsat.noaa.gov/emerbcns.html
3. Looking after your beacon
https://beacons.amsa.gov.au/maintenance/
