It’s no secret that large disasters wreak havoc on almost every modern convenience that we’ve grown to know, love, and depend on in recent years. Modern technology is great until we are suddenly thrust back into a stone-age-esque way of life, even if only for a short period of time. When the grid-based services these tools depend on are ripped off-line, we must be prepared to communicate and navigate using tools that are less (or not at all) dependent on infrastructure. They must also be portable. Communication and navigation are critical components to prepping a BOV that are often underestimated or overlooked all together.
The key to all survival tools is to practice using them before you have to use them. This is especially true with communication and navigation tools, such as radio transceivers and global positioning systems (GPS). Some of the tools listed in this chapter can take many hours to program and/or become adequately familiar with.
This chapter has an infinite number of Bug Out implications. The ability to effectively receive information, communicate with others, and navigate during times of complete chaos is critical for a huge variety of reasons. Below are some very practical applications you may have never considered:
Communications tower vulnerable to disaster
Militaries and governments around the world have multiple layers of communications options in the event that one is interrupted. Certain military positions are still trained with how to communicate messages using Morse code and signal lamps. These communication layers include the most sophisticated technology in the world all the way down to a series of beeps and flashes that can be made by tapping a pipe or flashing a window on a kerosene lantern. The lesson here is that communications during times of unrest is incredibly important. There are no guarantees. We, too, should have a multilayered communications plan.
When it comes to Bug Out Communications, there are two main categories: receivers and transceivers. It’s important to understand the difference. Receivers only receive information. Transceivers receive and transmit information. Both are excellent Bug Out resources and should be considered as pack items in your BOV. One-way communication tools only receive information. These include scanners, shortwave radios, and emergency radios. Two-way communication tools send and receive information. These include cell phones/smartphones, satellite phones, and two-way radios including walkie-talkies, Citizen Band (CB) radio, and handheld amateur (HAM) radio.
Primary Function: Radio scanners are used to listen to a variety of radio frequencies including but not limited to local police, fire, commercial, airport, amateur radio, FRS/GMRS/MURS signals, CB, marine radio, and more.
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Keeping abreast of local disaster-related information is critical during a Bug Out Scenario. Traditional information sources, such as television, local radio stations, and Internet services will most certainly go off-line in a large-scale disaster. The next best source of reliable intelligence is the discussions between a variety of local radio operators.
Often referred to as a police scanner, radio scanners can actually tune into a variety of frequencies. Some of these include police, fire, AM, FM, emergency medical services, CB radio, air traffic control, marine communications, amateur radio bands, and NOAA weather broadcasts. They cannot transmit (send) information, but you can absorb an incredible amount of information by just listening. Oftentimes, the ability to receive disaster-related information is more important than being able to transmit and communicate. Scanners come in both handheld and desktop models. I’d recommend a portable handheld unit for use in a BOV.
Scanners can be manually tuned to a specific frequency. Local emergency/medical/transit frequencies can be found online at this URL: www.radioreference.com/apps/db. Local HAM radio repeaters/frequencies can be found online at this URL: www.artscipub.com/repeaters.
A printed list of these with your communication tools for the ZIP codes along your Bug Out Route is a good idea. This allows you to immediately tune into specific channels. Scanners are also designed to scan the airwaves and stop when they find an active transmission. If no one’s talking, the scanner won’t stop on that channel. If you don’t know local frequencies, the scanner will find them, but it may take some time to locate an active channel with active chatter. The addition of a larger external antenna helps, but isn’t necessary.
In recent years, radios have become increasingly complex. This includes trunking radio systems and digital transmissions. Older scanners and many cheap models will not pick up these signals, but many small towns and other services still use the older analog systems. Digital scanners are available but as of this writing are in the five-hundred-dollar range. A digital scanner will do everything an older analog model will do plus pick up the new digital signals. One of the best units on the market is the Uniden HomePatrol. It has a built-in database of all ZIP codes in the United States and will instantly pull up available frequencies with the touch of a button. You can even update the frequencies through the Internet. It’s pretty much foolproof. If you’re serious about being able to scan multiple frequencies quickly and easily, you should consider this model. It’s the one I have. You can use it in your home or in your BOV and it comes with a DC and AC charger for both locations. It’s very simple to operate—even for a communications novice like myself. Some scanners can be difficult to use and program.
Note: Some states have restrictions on the use of scanners in vehicles. Criminals like to use radio scanners to hear the police chatter while committing a crime. Check your local laws and regulations before using a scanner in your vehicle.
Uniden HomePatrol portable scanner
Power and Tower Dependence: This is the phrase I use to describe a piece of equipment that must be plugged in by cord to a power grid or that depends on a signal or service projected from a tower that is connected to the power grid.
Faraday Cage: Read chapter ten to learn how to build a Faraday cage to protect sensitive electronics, such as communications and navigation tools in the event of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
Faraday cage
Primary Function: Shortwave radios are used primarily to listen to long distance national and international radio broadcasts. However, they can also receive a variety of other transmissions including but not limited to amateur radio and transoceanic travel.
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Shortwave is best known for long distance broadcasting. In addition to transoceanic aircraft and vessel transmissions, AM radio and FM radio, some military communications, and commercial communications, shortwave radios can also receive shortwave programming from all over the world and are a great resource for national and international news. Many shortwave radio enthusiasts regularly listen to many different radio stations including the BBC, Radio Australia, Radio Netherlands, and many more. Thus, shortwave radio is a good source of national and global news while many of the typical grid-based systems we normally depend on are off-line. This “long distance” reception is a very unique aspect of shortwave radio bands versus many other receivers.
Shortwave radio can be tuned into a variety of frequencies, including the amateur radio bands. Make sure to purchase a radio that also receives what is referred to as side band. It’s also often indicated as SSB on the packaging. Most amateur radio operators transmit on upper or lower side bands and your shortwave radio must have this feature in order to hear these transmissions. Receiving FM and AM signals is pretty standard and many shortwave radios have NOAA Weather channel built in as well.
I prefer a digital shortwave radio. This allows you to tune into the exact frequency you wish, as well as store frequencies for quick access later. Analog models can be difficult to “dial in” and in my experience, reception is never as clear. Be sure to also choose a model that is battery powered so it can remain portable. An external antenna jack option is a good idea as well. Attaching a larger external antenna drastically affects reception.
This RadioShack website lists specific shortwave frequencies and is a great guide to print out and keep with your supplies: http://support.radioshack.com/support_tutorials/communications/swave-5a.htm.
Radio bands are listed as kHZ, MHz, and METERS and are often used interchangeably. It can be really confusing! Here’s how to covert between the three:
Portable battery-powered Shortwave radio
Primary Function: Listen to news and/or disaster-related information on AM, FM, or NOAA Weather channel.
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There are many makes and models of emergency radios available. You should already have one of these in your BOB but if not, it’s a must for the BOV. Many of the other communications products detailed in this chapter have the emergency radio functions already built in. The hand-crank emergency radio pictured has a built-in hand-crank cell phone charger and an LED flashlight. The hand crank can also power the radio should the batteries and built-in battery pack die. There are small emergency radios available with fewer options. In my opinion, though, the hand-crank power option is a must.
When selecting an emergency radio, it is critical to choose a model that is equipped with NOAA Weather Radio. Almost all modern scanners, shortwave radios, and two-way radios (discussed later) have this feature as a standard option. National Weather Radio (NWR) is a public service from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The NOAA broadcasts weather alerts, warnings, and disaster information twenty-four hours a day through over one thousand transmitters that cover most of the United States. Even when local radio and TV stations are not broadcasting, you should be able to get a NOAA signal. Radios must be equipped with special receivers to receive this NOAA signal and typically this station is clearly marked on emergency radios that have this feature.
In addition to weather-related information from the National Weather Service, the National Weather Radio stations can also transmit a variety of other disaster-related information by collaborating with other government entities such as FEMA and the Emergency Alert System (EAS). This can include state and local emergencies, hazards, environmental threats, and even AMBER alerts. Each state has their own EAS in place. I would suggest becoming familiar with your state’s EAS policies and plans. You can find that information from the FCC at www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/state-eas-plans-and-chairs.
Hand-crank emergency radio from etoncorp.com
Charging cell phone with USB cable using hand-crank feature
Primary function: Global private (I use that word loosely) two-way communication over cellular networks using voice, e-mail, and texting services.
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After Hurricane Katrina, many cell phone companies installed backup power equipment for their cell sites and cell towers. Consequently, when Hurricane Sandy struck the East Coast and the electrical grid went down, a huge number of people in that area still had cell service. Even though backup power doesn’t last forever, cellular communication has gotten a lot better during large-scale disasters in recent years. My conversations with hundreds of other disaster victims throughout the world confirm this.
However, cellular service still cannot be trusted. While the electrical issue has been addressed in many places, disasters can impact the fragile cellular network in many other ways including physical tower damage, flooding, and even high call volume. Furthermore, in the midst of a disaster Bug Out, it’s not hard to imagine a cell phone getting broken or wet.
If cell towers aren’t destroyed by the disaster, a cellular network can be overwhelmed by call volume. This happens quite often during disasters, large sporting events, and high-profile news events. We’ve all heard the message at some point in time: Your call cannot be completed or all circuits are busy. Verizon Wireless spokesman Ken Muche shed some light on this issue when interviewed by the Los Angeles Times in response to a 5.4 earthquake that struck Los Angeles in 2008:
“Mobile carriers project how many people will be using their phones during a crisis and try to ensure that their networks can handle that call volume, Verizon Wireless spokesman Ken Muche said. Today’s call volume was 40 percent higher than what Verizon had projected for a crisis. During last year’s wildfires, call volume was 600 percent higher, he said. Because of high call volume, Verizon had to start blocking some calls so that others could get through.”
Knowing all of this, one would still be foolish not to bring a cell phone in the event of a Bug Out. It is an amazing tool even if the phone portion doesn’t work. Below is a short list of survival-related uses for a cell phone that is not able to connect to a network:
Cell phone dropped and broken during hasty Bug Out
Cell phone GPS navigation with predownloaded maps
If you can’t get a call to go through because of high call volume, try sending a text or e-mail. Texts and e-mails require less bandwidth and signal stability than voice calls. And, both can be kept in queue for the momentary bit of signal you might need to successfully complete the transmission.
Texting may be more reliable
Primary Function: Global private (I use that word loosely) two-way communication using satellite networks.
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Extreme situations call for extreme communication tools. Unlike cellular and landline phones, satellite phones are typically unaffected by large-scale disasters. They don’t operate on Earth-based networks like landline and cellular phones. As long as you have an unobstructed view of the sky, you’ll be able to make a call from right smack dab in the center of ground zero. You can call landlines, cell phones, or satellite phones, but if the calling destination is also affected by the same disaster, they will also likely need a satellite phone to communicate. Many models now offer e-mail and texting features as well. Satellite phones are an excellent grid-down communication tool. They aren’t cheap, but they are certainly a top-shelf Bug Out communications tool.
SPOT Global Phone from www.findmespot.com/GlobalPhone
iTriage Health by iTriage LLC: Packed with great medical information
Kindle by Amazon Mobile LLC: Use this app to read books and resources stored on your phone (consider keeping survival manuals and books on your phone for easy reference during a disaster)
CoPilot Live: Excellent off-line GPS app (maps stored on phone memory card and do not require cell service to navigate)
Brightest Flashlight Free by GoldenShores Technologies LLC: Flashlight app
Scanner Radio by Gordon Edwards: Listen to police and fire scanners, weather radios, and amateur radio repeaters
Radio communication is incredibly popular among members of the survival community. Many professional sectors use some form and frequency of radio communication including police and fire services, ships and marine vessels, amateur radio operators, school buses, taxi drivers, and commercial trucking operations. During large-scale disasters when most other forms of communication have failed, it is very well known and documented that radio operators are an excellent source of disaster-related communication and information. These individuals frequently volunteer and work with first responders to weave a web of off-line communications that help to facilitate recovery. Below is a list of radio communication tools to consider for your BOV.
Primary Function: Nonprivate two-way communication over short distances. Can also listen to others who may be communicating on same channels.
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Family Radio Service (FRS), Multi-Use Radio Service (MURS), and General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS) are very similar. These are all two-way radio walkie-talkies that you can find at most outdoor retailers. FRS is the least powerful. MURS is a step up but not by much. Neither of these two-way radios requires a license to operate, but believe it or not, the more powerful GMRS two-way radios do require a license from the FCC to use. It’s eighty-five dollars for five years. (I wonder if all those families at Disney World I saw a few years ago got their GMRS license from the FCC before they used those walkie-talkies I saw all over the place.) You can buy GMRS radios at virtually every outdoor retail store in the world without a license, but you are supposed to get one before you use them. For many of you, I’ll bet this is the first time you ever heard of that. Look at them like a fishing pole. You can buy one, but you have to have a fishing license to use it.
FRS/MURS/GMRS radios are great for short-range communications. In a grid-down scenario I suspect they will be overloaded with chatter. MURS frequencies are the least popular and will probably have less traffic than the more popular FRS and GMRS models. Keep in mind the ranges quoted on the packaging are in optimal environments. Ranges in and around buildings or trees and hills are significantly shorter. However, these are ideal communications tools for a team of BOVs evacuating at the same time. As long as you have batteries (or car chargers), they will work. They are also great if a member of your Bug Out Team needs to leave the vehicle for some reason.
These are perfect patrol and scout radios. While not private, most GMRS radios have twenty-three channels and also privacy sub-channels. I’ve been at large sporting events with my GMRS radios and have been able to find an “almost” private channel. I say “almost” because you can never tell if someone is listening in and just not speaking. There is absolutely no privacy with any of these radio systems.
I definitely recommend getting a nice pair of GMRS radios for your BOV. I bought an extra DC charger just in case I have to give the second unit to another vehicle. This way we can both have a radio and charger for each vehicle. I use a pair of Midland GXT Pros which have an integrated NOAA Weather Radio (discussed earlier). These have rechargeable battery packs with both a DC (cigarette lighter vehicle port) and AC charger (regular 110v plug). They are also waterproof and I’ve been really impressed with the range.
Midland GXT Pro GMRS Radios from midlandusa.com
Pack extra batteries! You never know when you’ll need more batteries. These are much more durable than just keeping extra batteries in the packaging they come in from the store. They are cheap and an organizational wonder!
Plastic battery storage cases from www.inanycase.com
Primary Function: Nonprivate two-way communication over short distances. Can also listen to others who may be communicating on same channels. Very popular on roadways.
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I grew up on a farm with several relatives who lived nearby. We used CB radios as a regular form of communication between homes and homes, between homes and vehicles, and between vehicles and vehicles. We could talk from home to a friend or relative in a car many miles away and often did.
CB radios are what truck drivers use, and there are forty CB radio channels. The normal range can be anywhere from one to twelve miles(ish) and depends greatly on the size of antenna, terrain, and weather. They are very popular on the roadways and operate on a different frequency than FRS and GMRS radios. Otherwise, I’d say get one or the other. For disaster preparedness, GMRS radios are excellent communication options between you and your Bug Out Team, though other people may be able to hear you if they are on the same channel. CB radios can be used the same way, but they are a better source for outside information because many users often communicate on just a couple channels. People who use CB radios typically listen to one of two main channels: 9 (emergency channel) or 19 (traffic channel). Consequently, CB radios are great for communicating information among people in a similar geographic area. However, messages can travel long distances very fast. On the roads, truck drivers will warn other drivers on the expressway of police officers who may be hiding many, many miles ahead. The news travels fast from vehicle to vehicle and I’ve gotten as much as fifty miles notice before. In his book Adrift, Steven Callahan writes about surviving on an emergency survival dingy for seventy six days. After finally being spotted by fisherman off the coast of Marie-Galante near Guadeloupe, he writes this about his experience with CB radios:
“It seems that my parents have already heard the news. In fact, they knew of my arrival before many of the local authorities. Mathias was among the crowd when I was carried up from the beach, and he immediately sent a message on his CB radio to his friend Freddie in Guadeloupe. Freddie has an amplifier and rebroadcast the message. A man named Maurice Briand was fishing off the coast of Florida when he picked up the signal. He called my parents less than an hour after I stepped ashore. For days I won’t believe that this was all possible with CB radios and not HAM units, but it turns out to be true.”
I’ll often flip on the CB radio when I see a traffic jam. Channel 19 is a popular channel. It never fails that the truckers from miles ahead have relayed information about the accident or event that has taken place. Then, those of us “downstream” can make decisions on the road accordingly, which typically means taking the nearest exit and mapping a detour. This is very similar to how you would use information on the CB airwaves during a disaster Bug Out.
The CB radio I use is the Guardian Alert CB Radio also made by Midland. It too has a built in NOAA Weather Band channel for instant emergency and weather updates. I chose to use a dash-mount model over a handheld unit because of the power and range, though I have both. I keep an extra handheld unit just in case I need to hand it off to another vehicle. Dash-mount CB radios do require an external antenna. These are purchased separately and are typically plug and play. These units are powered by the vehicle’s electrical system and are often hardwired directly to the car battery.
Large truck stops on the freeways tend to have the best selection of CB radio units and accessories. Another great source of information and equipment is Midland USA at midlandusa.com.
Midland xT511 Base Camp Radio with built-in NOAA Weather Radio and five power sources including Dynamo Hand Crank
Guardian Alert CB Radio from www.midlandusa.com
External CB antenna on Creek’s BOV
Don’t have a car charger? Consider a solar-powered charger with rechargeable batteries for charging communications tools on the go.
Solar battery charger
Primary Function: Nonprivate global two-way communication across a network of repeaters. Can also listen to others who may be communicating on the same frequencies.
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Amateur radio (HAM radio) is considered a noncommercial recreational radio service. It fills the gap for those serious about radio communication, but it’s not for commercial or public safety use. HAM radio broadcasts can be local, regional, national, and even international. A wide network of stations set up and run by amateur radio clubs and individuals makes this possible.
Using HAM radio does require a license. And, you have to pass a written test to get it. HAM operators are then assigned a call sign for legal identification. It is definitely the most powerful of the radio communication options, but also the most regulated. I am not a licensed HAM operator but am studying to take the test later this fall. I’ll also be the first to admit that I am not an expert by any means on this subject. However, I do own a couple handheld HAM radio transceivers. I can’t legally transmit but I can still listen, and sometimes just listening to information is the important part. You don’t have to have a license to purchase an amateur radio or listen. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned just by listening in.
HAM radio was very instrumental in helping to maintain communication among disaster relief personnel both during the September 11th terrorist attacks in New York City and Hurricane Katrina. The cool thing about HAM radio is that you can develop a network of like-minded friends—a communication network around your home and BOL and everywhere in between. Then, using a mobile HAM system during a Bug Out, you can have access to disaster-related information directly from trusted sources. Under FCC law, one must identify himself during HAM transmissions using the unique call signs. HAM radio is not private, but the call signs help to keep track of who you are communicating with when all other forms of communication are disrupted.
Repeaters allow amateur radio operators to communicate locally, but you do have to know the specific frequency to tune in. The website www.artscipub.com/repeaters has a full list of local repeaters and frequencies. Some repeaters will go down during disasters, which can have negative effects.
Many HAM radios can also be dialed in to receive many other frequencies including police, fire, public transit, medical, airport, and even raceway bands. You should print out a list of any frequencies you wish to monitor in advance. Below are web-sites where you can find the frequencies for your area:
You may wish to familiarize yourself with police codes that are frequently used in radio transmissions. For example, 10-4 means “Message received and understood” and 11-65 means “Signal light out.” A complete list of these codes can be found online at: www.radiolabs.com/police-codes.html
For more information about amateur radio, visit the National Association for Amateur Radio at www.arrl.org.
Handheld amateur radio transceivers
Morse code is still very popular among HAM radio enthusiasts. In Morse code, the dots are called “dits” and the dashes are called “dahs.” An internationally recognized survival emergency signal in Morse code is SOS, represented by …---… The entire alphabet is below.
International Morse code chart
The ability to communicate in code when traveling in a convoy (multiple vehicles evacuating together) and using public communications tools like CBs and GMRS radios is very important. As many preparedness enthusiasts often say, “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst,” or “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” Having a pre-planned system of private code language is a great way to prepare for a worst-case scenario.
I mentioned briefly in Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag that myself and the other members of my Bug Out convoy each carry a code card. This is a card that lists different “FLASH” codes for a variety of commands and/or responses. We can communicate basic codes to one another using flashlights or beeps from our GMRS two-way radios should the need arise for “secret” communication. It’s our own private version of Morse code. I keep a code card attached to the back of the sun visor on my BOV as well as in my Bug Out Bag.
A similar concept is to develop communication code words for popular phrases you might use to communicate with your convoy during a Bug Out. These could be used to communicate under the radar if you know others are listening. Below is a list of ideas to get you thinking:
Private code systems not only provide a crude backup form of off-line communication but are also really fun to practice with your family and other members of your Bug Out Team. Before too long, you’ll have your own coded language with a little practice.
Navigating by the sun, moon, and stars is fine and well if you are Lewis and Clark and don’t have to mitigate through and around roads, cities, fences, buildings, bridges, and concrete jungles. Modern society presents a vast myriad of hurdles to navigate, and it is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to travel without a digital or paper map. Let’s explore your BOV navigation options.
Use the hours of an imaginary clock face to communicate directional coordinates to other members of your Bug Out Team. For example, “Watch out, fallen tree at 2 o’clock.” This method is very quick and easy to communicate. It’s also easy to understand. Short, sweet, and to the point.
Dog at 11 o’clock and car at 3 o’clock
Primary Function: Satellite-based stand-alone navigation tool used to navigate roadway and backcountry travel. Can also be used to log travel and store trips.
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Portable GPS units have come a long way in recent years. From handheld, portable backcountry units to ones designed for vehicles, they are quickly replacing the paper maps people used to depend on for travel. Contrary to popular belief, GPS units are not affected by most large-scale regional disasters. They will still work as long as they have power. In a wide-scale global disaster, this is obviously not the case. GPS units communicate with low-atmosphere satellites that are unaffected by power and tower grids. These are excellent BOV navigation tools to make quick route changes and detours.
Handheld backcountry GPS unit
Primary Function: Smartphone-based navigation tool for traveling and navigating roadways and backcountry (very limited in most cases without special downloaded apps). Cell phone service and/or off-line downloaded maps are typically necessary to use this function when power and tower grids are affected.
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Most smartphones are now equipped with GPS chips and software. Like stand-alone GPS units, many smartphones (not all) can provide off-line navigation that is independent of cell phone service. Most smartphones use what is called assisted GPS or aGPS. This means that the phone uses the cellular connection to “assist” with the GPS data provided by the satellites. This process provides for quicker connection and navigation functions. However, assisted GPS only works when the phone has reliable cell service, which is not likely during a disaster. Many navigation apps (like Google Maps) also depend on a reliable data connection and will not function off-line. However, there are certain apps you can download that also include off-line maps. As long as your phone is GPS capable and you have a navigation app capable of using off-line maps stored on your phone’s memory card, you should be able to use your smartphone as a stand-alone GPS without a cellular data connection. You must try this in advance to make sure it works on your phone! I have a Motorola Droid and can do this using the CoPilot Live app that I downloaded for free. Keep in mind that the GPS capabilities of smartphones aren’t yet as robust as a stand-alone unit, so it will often take a smartphone longer to pinpoint an initial location. Mine takes as much as ten minutes sometimes. And, it is a major battery drain.
A nice dash- or window-mounting system makes using a cell phone for navigation or communication much easier and safer while driving. In a chaotic Bug Out, having your cell phone easily accessible is a must. I’ve found that the best smartphone mount for bumpy rides is the RAM X-Grip from rammount.com.
Window-mount GPS unit and cell phone GPS using RAM X-Grip from www.rammount.com
Electronics come with no guarantee. They are all susceptible to many potential setbacks. No matter what electronic navigation tools you’ve chosen to include in your BOV, you should also include a paper map and traditional magnetic compass. Neither is power and tower dependent. Even though I carry a paper map and compass in my Bug Out Bag, I also have an atlas and window-mount compass in my BOV. I like the idea of keeping my Bug Out Bag intact and not having its contents spread throughout the truck. Just like the map in my BOB, my paper atlas is marked with three different routes to my BOL for easy reference.
Paper atlas and magnetic compass
It’s important to make a quick note about powering your BOV communications and navigation tools. Almost all of the items we’ve discussed can be powered through a 12V cigarette lighter connection, batteries, or direct hardwire to the vehicle’s battery. It’s important to make sure you have these chargers/cables/batteries already packed in your vehicle.
If car chargers are lost or not available, affordable DC/AC inverters can be purchased at almost any retailer that sells automotive supplies. Inverters plug into any DC power port (cigarette lighter) and convert DC power (power from your car battery) to AC power (like in your house). This allows you to plug standard 110V plugs into the inverter. These can be chargers for even larger items, like laptops and radios.
Should you have to abandon the vehicle and continue on foot, you’ll have to decide what, if any, of these electronics will continue on the journey. Mobile power options, such as solar chargers or extra batteries, will need to be considered to power most of them on foot.
12V cigarette-lighter-style power port
DC/AC inverter
The key elements in putting together a good BOV communications and navigation system are as follows:
My first three purchases in the communications department were an SSB-capable shortwave radio receiver (TECSUN PL-660), a pair of GMRS two-way radios (Midland) (license required) with integrated NOAA Weather Band, and a dash-mounted CB radio (Midland). I later purchased a digital scanner (Uniden HomePatrol) and a handheld amateur radio transceiver (Baofeng) to receive a variety of local emergency services transmissions along a Bug Out Journey. I am still very much a novice with amateur radio.