Your Tiny World Without Communication & Transportation
Thinking once again about hypothetical results from an event or events that may happen in our future: The loss of our electrical grid.
That is, power grid infrastructure damage either from man made circumstances (EMP, electromagnetic pulse) or that from our own nearby fireball, the sun (CME, Coronal Mass Ejection).
This time however I thought about it from a slightly different viewpoint than previous articles on the subject.
I thought about how tiny our world would become.
Our personal spheres would shrink to become incredibly small. That alone would be shocking for most people living in today’s modern world.
Without even considering the other incredible problems that would confront the affected population, just imagine for a moment how isolated you would effectively become.
Here’s what I mean:
Communication Breakdown
The potential debilitating effects from either EMP or CME will likely crush our current ability to communicate with each other beyond shouting distance.
Think about that. Not only will you not be able to communicate with those who you may know across the country, you also won’t be able to communicate with anyone across town either! And they won’t be able to communicate with you!
Imagine a grid down event whereby you turn on your portable battery operated radio, and there’s nothing. No stations are on the air. The TV’s dead. Cell phone doesn’t work. Even those with landlines will pick up the phone to discover dead quiet.
That would probably scare the bejesus out of most everyone. I can imagine the creeping panic that would set in for many of today’s generation who are used to instant communication with their support network. Suddenly it’s gone…
Your world has just become tiny.
Transportation Breakdown
Either instantly or eventually when your vehicle’s gas tank runs dry, most or perhaps all of today’s modern methods of transportation may grind to a halt.
When The Trucks Stop It’s Over
You may not be able to simply hop in your car and drive to wherever it is that you may go, or to get whatever it is that you may need.
You will essentially be stuck where you are.
Your world has just become tiny.
Think about it…
Today’s post isn’t necessarily to debate the likelihoods of such a breakdown or to argue the hypothetical results of EMP or CME (solar super storm).
Rather it is intended to get you to think about your tiny world if and when such an event takes place.
It sure does put a perspective on it.
You will be alone with whoever you are with, and your nearby neighbors (if you have nearby neighbors).
(Most) all potential communication will be limited to the extent of shouting distance or traveling on your own two feet.
Yes we’re touching on a subject of extreme disaster. It’s healthy to do that once in awhile. The thought process shines a light inwards onto your own tiny sphere or world where you live.
It may motivate you to think about your own communications mitigation plan, and who or why might it be necessary or helpful.
It may motivate you to think about transportation issues and how it might affect you, given your current state of preparedness at your present physical location.
Note: I have (and regularly use) a number of the following specific 2 way radios for local communications:
Midland FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio
BaoFeng 8-Watt Dual Band Two-Way Radio
Midland 40 Watt Mobile (or Base Station) GMRS Radio
You might also consider ‘HAM Radio’ communications, HF, VHF & UHF.
All of the above will function without any existing network infrastructure. Many of these radios will operate on 12 volts DC or their own batteries or battery packs. Consider alternative energy sources. Also consider protecting some radios in a Faraday Cage environment.
Food for thought…