Off-grid communication: How to stay connected when the system fails

CB radios are independent of infrastructure, durable and solar or battery-powered. Their range varies from 1–25+ miles.
Ham radios boast long-distance capability but require licensing, technical skills and expensive equipment.
Walkie-talkies are short-range and battery-dependent—ideal for local coordination. Prioritize rechargeable or solar powered ones.
Satellite phones are reliable but costly and conspicuous. It is also at risk of being stolen in times of crises.
Faraday cages shield electronics; smoke signals, mirrors and Morse code serve as non-electric backups.
In an era where smartphones and Wi-Fi dominate daily life, few consider what happens when the grid collapses—whether by cyberattack, natural disaster or deliberate sabotage. For homesteaders, preppers and self-sufficient families, losing communication could mean isolation in a crisis. But solutions exist—from low-tech smoke signals to high-frequency radios—that bypass reliance on fragile infrastructure. The key is preparation. …