Just like interruptions of electric service, a widespread and prolonged digital disruption is a question of "when," and not "if." Many households that rely on internet connectivity will be completely unprepared for a long term interruption of service. This will be true even in households that are technologically savvy.
Treat an internet outage like the loss of an essential utility service. As a best practice, develop a family emergency plan detailing escape routes, exact meeting spots and check-in intervals for loved ones. Create a physical, laminated plan document that is readily available in the household, and include provisions for working around the loss of connectivity. Local networks can be congested during disasters, so contacting someone outside the area for help may be an option..
If you have not made a family emergency plan, make a note to do one as soon as possible. As a bare minimum, keep a paper record of important contact information, since digital records may be inaccessible. Have physical copies of vital records in a “grab n go” folder
Although loss of internet service is not the same scope as an electrical outage, consideration about electricity must be included in your plan. Keep portable power banks charged, and stock batteries for a radio as well as flashlights. Consider a portable power station or generator.
Interruption of service might be limited to your provider, however it is possible that an internet outage could be regional or national. Determine all of the options that your family can use to access the internet. Learn how to use your phone's hotspot, and where cellular signal is available in the area around your home. Find out where public access points are in your community, such as at the library. Familiarize yourself with satellite based messaging platforms to maintain communication in an emergency.
If there is a widespread breakdown, financial resources may be impacted. Keep emergency cash in small bills in a waterproof place, since both ATMs and digital banking services could become unavailable.
As always, being intentional about the use of technology pays off. Take practical steps to build resilience now to lay the groundwork for getting through the next disaster, whether or not it will be internet related.
Don't wait for a crisis and then find out you're cut off. If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact me at the Cherokee County Center.
