Staying Connected When the Grid Goes Down: Emergency Communication for UKSN Members

In a world that’s more connected than ever, we often forget just how vulnerable our communications systems can be. Whether it’s due to a severe storm, cyberattack, power failure, or natural disaster, a grid-down scenario could disrupt mobile networks, Wi-Fi, and even emergency services communications.

For UKSN members and preppers alike, the ability to communicate during such events is more than a convenience — it's a vital part of self-sufficiency, preparedness, and community resilience. In this guide, we’ll explore grid-down communication methods, dive into options that are legal and effective, and highlight the tools and training that can keep you connected with your Charter and loved ones when it matters most.

Why Grid-Down Communication Matters

It doesn’t take a national emergency for communication networks to fail. A power cut, overloaded mobile network, or local flooding can bring down the systems we rely on daily. When disaster strikes, your ability to communicate can determine how quickly you get help, coordinate with your group, or simply check in with family members.

At UKSN, our focus is on practical, legal, and community-driven solutions to real-world challenges. Our members are families, bushcraft enthusiasts, weekend campers, and dedicated preppers — all united by a shared desire to be more self-reliant and better prepared.

Key Principles of Emergency Communication

When planning your grid-down comms strategy, keep the following principles in mind:

• Redundancy is key – Don’t rely on a single method. Combine options for best results.

• Power management matters – Make sure your devices stay charged, even off-grid.

• Keep it legal – In the UK, there are strict laws around radio usage. Stay compliant.

• Train before you need it – Knowing how to use your equipment in an emergency is crucial.

• Community = strength – Connect with fellow UKSN members through our Charters, camps, and radio network.

The UKSN Radio Network: Member-Only Communication

One of the standout benefits of being an Advanced or Ultimate Member of UKSN is access to the UKSN Radio Licence. This community-operated licence allows qualifying members to legally communicate across a network of other UKSN members — without needing an individual amateur radio licence.

This system creates a vital communication backbone in times of crisis. You’ll be able to link up with nearby Charters, share local updates, request mutual assistance, or just check in during a power outage or blackout.

While this radio access is a fantastic member benefit, we highly recommend taking an accredited amateur radio course where possible. Essex Ham, one of the UK’s leading online training providers, offers friendly and free Foundation Licence training, making it an ideal starting point for any prepper or outdoor enthusiast.

Understanding Your Communication Options

Let’s explore several practical and legal methods to stay in touch when traditional communications go down in the UK.

PMR446 Radios (Licence-Free)

PMR446 radios (Personal Mobile Radio, 446 MHz) are legal to use in the UK without a licence. They’re limited in range (typically 1–2 miles depending on terrain), but they're affordable, durable, and easy for the whole family to use. Look for models with:

• Rechargeable battery options

• Weatherproof design

• Privacy codes (CTCSS/DCS) for clearer comms

Best Use Case: Local group or family coordination during day hikes, camping, or blackouts.

Shop PMR (Amazon)

Amateur (Ham) Radio

If you’ve taken the Foundation Licence course (or plan to), amateur radio opens up a much larger world of communication. With handheld or base station transceivers, you can speak with other licensed users across the UK and even internationally.

Advanced and Ultimate UKSN Members benefit from access to the UKSN Radio Licence, so you can practice and communicate with other members while you work towards your own call sign.

Best Use Case: Charter coordination, long-range comms, real-time situational updates.

Shop HAM (Amazon)

Project LoRA & Mesh Networking with Meshtastic

One of the most exciting developments in off-grid comms is mesh networking. UKSN is actively exploring Project LoRA, which uses Meshtastic — an open-source, off-grid messaging system based on LoRa (Long Range) technology.

Using small, low-power modules (often Raspberry Pi or ESP32-based), Meshtastic devices form a mesh network, passing encrypted messages between users without needing mobile service or Wi-Fi. When combined with solar charging setups, this becomes a near-permanent comms solution.

• No SIM cards or subscriptions

• Private and secure

• Super customisable

• Very affordable

Best Use Case: Group coordination, Charter-to-Charter messaging, and tactical mesh networks during events or emergencies.

Learn About LoRa

Mobile Phones in Offline Mode

Even when networks go down, smartphones can still serve a purpose:

• Offline messaging apps like Bridgefy work over Bluetooth/Wi-Fi mesh.

• Offline maps (e.g. Google Maps) help navigate without a signal.

• PDF survival guides or UKSN documents stored locally on your phone can become lifesavers.

Tip: Set your phone to “Airplane Mode” to conserve battery when not in use.

Powering Your Communications Off-Grid

Of course, none of this works without power. We recommend investing in deployable solar panels and a portable power station such as those offered by EcoFlow, Anker, or Bluetti. These setups can recharge radios, phones, mesh devices, and even small laptops. A good starter kit might include:

• A foldable 60W–100W solar panel

• A power station with 200Wh–500Wh capacity

• A mix of USB and DC outputs

• Weather-resistant casing

These tools are perfect for car camping, base camps, bug-out setups, or simply keeping your kit ready at home.

Prepping Your Charter: Group Comms Planning

If you’re part of a local UKSN Charter, now is the time to create a comms plan. Here’s how:

1. Agree on Primary and Backup Methods – PMR radios, UKSN radio access, or Project LoRa.

2. Designate Frequencies/Channels – Especially for PMR or UKSN radio sessions.

3. Share Call Signs and Handles – Know who’s on the air.

4. Set “Comms Check” Times – Daily or weekly radio checks build confidence and habit.

5. Incorporate Comms into Drills – Practice scenarios where mobile service is unavailable.

UKSN encourages Charters to organise training days or meetups where members can learn and test their setups in a safe, family-friendly environment.

Comms for Families: Teaching the Basics

For many UKSN families, prepping and outdoor skills are a shared adventure. Teaching children how to use a walkie-talkie, identify a call sign, or send a message over a mesh network is not only fun — it's empowering.

Start with short-range radios and gradually introduce more advanced tools. Keep things positive and engaging, and always focus on practical use over paranoia. Remember: preparedness is peace of mind.

Recommended Gear List for Grid-Down Communication

To help you get started, here’s a legal, UK-friendly comms kit list for various levels:

Basic Kit

• 2–4 PMR446 walkie-talkies

• Solar USB charger (10–20W)

• Printed UKSN radio frequency list

• Map and compass

Intermediate Kit

• UKSN Radio Licence access (Advanced/Ultimate Members)

• Baofeng UV-5R or another low/mid range UHF/VHF radio

• Rechargeable AA/18650 batteries + charger

• Compact deployable solar panel

• Power bank (10,000mAh+)

Advanced Kit

• Meshtastic LoRa nodes (x2 or more)

• EcoFlow River 3 or similar power station

• Foldable 100W solar panel

• Ham radio base station or mobile rig (licensed use only)

• Waterproof gear case

Final Thoughts: Community is Our Signal Boost

While gear is important, community remains the strongest signal in any emergency. The real power behind UKSN isn’t the tools we use — it’s the people. When members train, share, and plan together, we create resilient pockets of preparedness that can weather any storm.

So if you haven’t yet, connect with your local Charter (or consider starting your own), upgrade to Advanced or Ultimate Membership for radio access, and start building your communication toolkit today.

When the grid goes down, UKSN doesn’t. We’re still out there — still communicating, still prepared, and still connected.

Ready to boost your comms game?

Join one of our UKSN events or Charter meetups, upgrade your membership, or explore Project LoRa!

Stay safe. Stay connected. Stay prepared.