[wludavid]

This isn't specific to Katrina, but this disasterand the one that occurred 5 years ago next sunday has really struck home the idea that our beloved communications network is very very delicate. Wireless phone networks were not built to take on the load of the entire population calling at once, and obviously natural or man-made disaster can take out the landline based phone and cable systems.

It's got me thinking about how I'd go about getting in touch with my loved ones if something really bad happened suddenly. I live about 5 miles from my sister - close enough for a good CB, and easily close enough for an (armed) jog down the street to find her, so that's not a big deal. My parents are a bigger problem. They live about 25 miles away, which may as well be the midwest as far as getting in touch with them in the wake of a disaster. Road closings, bandits, and injuries could all prevent getting out to them - and there's no guarantee they'd be there when I got there.

I'm thinking I need to get a set of HAM radios or something similar to be able to get in touch quickly and reliably. Not for a long conversation, but just to confirm the plans that we've made in advance. And oh yeah, plans. Gotta nail down some good contigency plans as well.

Anyone else been thinking about these lines, or have anything to add?