Emergency communication and navigation: radio, offline maps, walkie-talkies

Communication and navigation in a crisis: a practical guide

⏱ 2 min read

Radio, offline maps and contact without the network. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

Communication

A battery or wind-up radio is the most reliable source of official announcements. Find out which frequency your regional station uses.
A charged phone, power bank and matching cables. Switch on battery saver.
Walkie-talkies (PMR446) or CB radio for short-range contact with family and neighbours.
Turn on emergency alerts on your phone. In the EU, cell broadcast alerts reach phones in the affected area automatically.

Navigation

A paper map of your area or a road atlas. GPS may not work.
Download offline maps on your phone in advance.
A compass, and knowing how to find direction. Without a compass: at midday the sun is roughly in the south.
Mark family meeting places, shelters, hospitals and help points on the map.

Beware of disinformation

Check news against official sources: government websites, official alerts and public radio.
Don't forward unverified information, especially about evacuations and threats.

Watch out

In a crisis, keep mobile calls to what matters most. The network is needed by emergency services.

Frequently asked questions

What radio should I have for emergencies?

A battery or wind-up radio that receives FM and your regional station. It is the most reliable source of announcements when the internet is down.

How do I navigate without GPS?

With a paper map and compass. Download offline maps in advance, as there may be no network in a crisis.

How can I contact family without the network?

With PMR446 walkie-talkies over short distances and, above all, through meeting places and times agreed in advance.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other guides

All scenarios →

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-08.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.