Communications

One of the major problems in Puerto Rico is that the hurricane destroyed all the cell phone towers. There are still places that have no cell phone service and many areas with only intermittent service. Google has deployed experimental balloons to try to restore service, but that hasn't really had an effect yet.

I considered buying two way walking talkies for this type of situation, but, apparently, there are apps that can also work. WhatsApp seems to have held through, and Zello seems to be quite useful. Rescue groups (like the Cajun Navy!) use Zello to communicate, so you're in good company.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/innovations/wp/2017/08/31/the-cajun-navys-secret-weapon-for-saving-lives-the-human-voice/?utm_term=.48bb39ab4ef0

https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/talkingtech/2017/08/31/zello-app-helping-harvey-rescue-efforts/619924001/

https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/listening-to-houstons-desperate-cries-for-help-after-harvey

http://money.cnn.com/2017/08/28/technology/volunteers-harvey-rescue-apps/index.html

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-updates-hurricane-irma-preparing-for-irma-there-s-an-app-for-1505010762-htmlstory.html

http://www.chron.com/local/gray-matters/article/I-downloaded-an-app-And-suddenly-I-was-talking-12172506.php

So I'm going to look into those, particularly the Zello app.

Mom with a prep also recommends that you record a voicemail to let loved ones know how you are and what do you need. This is the kind of easy tip that you may not think of in the heat of the moment.

https://momwithaprep.com/preparedness-quick-tip-53-leave-voicemail/