There’s a lot we take for granted.
Clean water
Working power
Cell service
And the idea that when we dial 911, help will come.
But in the last few years, we’ve seen massive 911 outages, from Michigan to Alaska. Some lasted minutes. Others stretched into half a day. Whether it’s a cyberattack, a systems crash, or a local storm that knocks out communication lines, the truth is simple…
Sometimes the cavalry can’t come.
If that happens, you don’t panic. You pivot.
Here are 10 things you can do when 911 is down or overloaded.
🚨 10 Things to Do When 911 Is Down
1️⃣ Know your local non-emergency numbers.
Most dispatch centers have a direct line that reaches the same people as 911. Program it into your phone and write it down on the fridge.
2️⃣ Keep more than one cell carrier in your home.
If Verizon’s down, AT&T might still work. Redundancy is a prepared parent’s best friend. I like having a cheap phone from a secondary carrier like Pure Talk, because many of the secondary carriers will use whichever towers are working at the moment.
3️⃣ Hold on to that “old phone.”
Even without a SIM card or plan, it can still call 911 when the system is up. Keep one charged and in your vehicle or go-bag.
4️⃣ Get a reliable radio.
A basic ham radio (or even a scanner) lets you monitor emergency traffic and request help when cell towers fail.
HERE is a great radio to have around for listening purposes. To go further than that and be able to communciate, you need to take a class and get a HAM license.
5️⃣ Learn Text-to-911.
Many areas now support it, but test it in advance or call your local dispatch to confirm.
6️⃣ Build neighborhood comms.
Share radios or create a group text thread for emergencies. In a crisis, neighbors are your first responders. It goes without saying that you need to get to know your neighbors first and identify which ones will be an asset in an emergency, which ones to avoid, and which ones might need your help, especially widows and single moms.
7️⃣ Create a home signaling system.
Something as simple as a blue porch light, whistle, or yard flag can signal distress when phones are down.
You can buy some really inexpensive LED strobe lights to attach to your mailbox and front door to help signal incoming cops or ambulances. HERE is a great one for that.
8️⃣ Write down your family’s medical info and allergies.
Keep copies in wallets, glove boxes, and first-aid kits. When help finally arrives, you won’t have to explain under stress.
9️⃣ Train for self-reliance.
Basic first aid, CPR, stop-the-bleed, and fire safety can save lives long before outside help arrives.
Of course, the best training for any of this is in person, but if you can’t find appropriate in person training for now, I conduct a lot of these classes online.
🔟 Keep a contact chain.
One relative or friend out of your region should serve as your “relay.” If local lines are down, everyone checks in with them.
Preparedness doesn’t start when something breaks.
It starts with knowing what you’ll do before it does.
Because when the system fails, you are the system.
Stay safe out there,
Dr. Dave
P.S. Always thank your local emergency responders and dispatchers when you have a chance to. If the system does go down or get overburdened, it’s never going to be their their fault. They’ll be stressed out and doing their best to help everyone.
The best way you can help them when things go bad is being as prepared as you can.
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