How do you stay in touch with family during a disaster?
Written by Andy Kruger
BuildSOS CEO3 min read
The short answer
Set up a group chat now, before you need it. WhatsApp or a similar app works: create a group called “Disaster Communication,” add everyone, and make sure each person has the app installed. Add one out-of-state contact too, since local lines can jam when everyone’s trying to reach each other at once. Ten minutes now means you’re not searching for phone numbers mid-crisis.
Why a communication plan matters
During a disaster, communication infrastructure can get overwhelmed fast. Cell towers go down or get jammed with traffic, and the moment you most need to know your family is safe can be the moment it’s hardest to reach them.
Nearly half of Americans (46%) expect to rely heavily on neighbors in the first 72 hours after a disaster (FEMA). A plan set up in advance closes the gap between “I hope everyone’s okay” and actually knowing.
How to set up your circle, step by step
- Pick one app everyone already has, or can easily install. WhatsApp works well: group chats, location sharing, and it doesn’t rely on cell signal the same way text messages do.
- Create a group called something clear, like “Disaster Communication,” so it’s easy to find under pressure.
- Add every household member and close family. Include kids old enough to have a phone.
- Add one out-of-state contact. Local lines can jam even when out-of-state calls go through fine. This person becomes the relay point if local contact fails.
- Agree on a simple check-in habit: one message, “I’m safe, I’m at [location],” the moment it’s safe to send it.
Frequently asked
What if some family members don’t have smartphones?
Make sure they have the out-of-state contact’s phone number written down somewhere physical, like a wallet card, as a backup.
Should we pick a meeting point too?
Yes, if you’re building this out further. A physical meeting point outside the neighborhood is a strong addition once the communication group is set up.
How often should we test this?
Once a year is enough. A quick “test message” to the group confirms everyone’s still in it and the app still works for them.
Sources
- FEMA — Citizen Corps National Survey (2009) · webarchive.library.unt.edu
About the author
Andy Kruger
Andy Kruger is CEO of BuildSOS, author of When the Storm Comes, and sits on multiple boards and advisory groups shaping disaster resilience policy and research.
About Andy