When disaster strikes, calls, texts and emails don’t always work. After 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and Hurricane Sandy, cell phones were rendered useless when transmission towers were destroyed and networks became overloaded. Having an alternative way of reaching family and loved ones at these critical moments is essential. With this in-depth guide, you learn the best tips, tricks and expert secrets for surviving when phones and the internet fail.

This comprehensive guide covers everything needed to be fully prepared for when the grid goes down, including the best types of radio for every disaster scenario from HAM radios (used by most search and rescue groups) to walkie talkies (small and easy to use, ideal for children). And since survival communication goes beyond the short term, there are also instructions for longer term solutions like hand cranked or solar powered batteries.

I’d like to clarify a couple of things with regard to Prepper’s Communication Handbook. While ham radio is an important tool for emergency communications, it is but one tool among many. Naturally, I do discuss ham radio in the book but it is just one chapter among several. Further, entire books have been written that cover all the ins and outs of ham radio, in far greater detail than I could cover in this book. If you’re looking for step-by-step instructions on how to use a ham rig, you’re going to have to look elsewhere.

There are essentially two parts to Prepper’s Communication Handbook. The first half or so is devoted to covering many of the communication options available today, from emergency radios to ham transceivers, CB to text messages. Pros and cons for each method or tool are discussed. The second half is devoted to communication skills, such as interpreting body language, conflict resolution, and using codes and ciphers. The idea being that communication doesn’t start with technology, it starts with us. Improve your people skills and you’ll be better able to communicate with one another.

I share with with y’all because I don’t want people disappointed if they buy the book thinking it is something that it isn’t.