Learning from Alabama disaster

We had a small tornado go thru the valley. Never happened before so caught everyone off guard. We didn't need to start the generator since we were only without power about 36hrs. Just never opened freezer or fridge. Kept the extra water in freezer, had bottles of water in root cellar, gas in vehicles & extra gas on hand.

What I wasn't prepared for was no communication. Could not find the storm radio, no TV with no power, no Internet. Computers were charged but with no internet couldn't find out what was going on. Any idea how to be able to access internet with no power? Any suggestions would be appreciated. looks like this is going to be a stormy season. Under another severe thunderstorm this evening.

The no communication, almost got me. But through this all on my cell phone (smart phone) I could txt or email when the voice would not work. the messages might be delayed a little bit (like an hour or so), and then later I'd hear a ping (the notification sound) and I'd look and have a reply to my txt. Then emails would work off cell phone.

Also, the Cell type netbook, worked since it was data. These both worked as you can see from my thread. It was all date getting through on car charged cell and cell/netbook. These two pieces of equipment paid for themselves this week. Otherwise I would not have been able to notify family and get everyone together as fast as we did.

Ham radio is very good. But my Dad who is an active ham did not have generator going until about day 3 and that would not have contacted family directly.

Angie

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