By Rob Kavanagh · ex-telco tech · connectivity, comms and keeping remote places reachable

“After a flood cut our only line in regional NSW, I learned one truth: my $500 satellite phone worked when the tower failed, but my phone battery died in four hours.”

Look, if you're off-grid in Australia and think "I'll just hope for the best," you're already dead. Emergency comms aren't optional. They're survival. Get this right or get ready to explain to the coroner why you didn't have a plan.

1. Your Emergency Plan (No Excuses)

Write it down. Print it. Stick it on the fridge. If you can't explain it to a 10-year-old, you haven't got a plan.

• Who contacts who? (e.g., "If fire, call 000, then SMS 'FIRE' to 0427 000 000")
• Where do you meet if comms fail? (e.g., "Old gum tree 5km north")
• What's your backup if your radio dies? (e.g., "Signal mirror + smoke")

Don't wait for a disaster to write this. Do it now. Seriously.

2. Frequencies That Actually Work (No Bull)

Forget the internet. In bush, you need radio. Here's what matters:

VHF Marine (For Coastal/Inland Water)

Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the emergency channel. Always monitor it. If you're on water, this is your lifeline. If you're not on water, ignore it.

HF Radios (For Remote Bush)

Use 40m band (7.0-7.3 MHz) during daylight. 80m band (3.5-4.0 MHz) at night. No magic, just physics. Get a decent antenna (10m+ wire) or you're wasting money.

Satellite (Last Resort)

Only use if all else fails. Iridium GO! is the only reliable one. No "free" satellite apps. They cost money and work.

3. Contacts You Must Have (Not Optional)

Write these in your emergency binder:

• 000 - Always. Even if you're not in Australia. It's the national emergency number.
• 0427 000 000 - Emergency SMS service. Works when voice calls fail. Text "FIRE" or "MEDIC" to this number.
• Local SES - Find your local SES group. They're your first responders. Google "[Your Town] SES" now.
• Neighbours - Know their contact details. If you're off-grid, they're your closest help.

4. Practical Tips (No Nonsense)

These aren't suggestions. They're rules:

• Test your radio every month. If it doesn't work, fix it. Don't "try it later."
• Keep spare batteries. 2 sets minimum. Store them in a cool, dry place. Not in the shed.
• Never rely on mobile. 90% of off-grid areas have no coverage. If you're in the bush, assume no phone signal.
• Learn Morse code. Just "SOS" (··· --- ···). It works when voice fails. Free app: "Morse Code Trainer" (iOS/Android).

Final Word

Emergency comms aren't about gadgets. They're about not being a statistic. Set up your plan. Test it. Do it now. If you're still reading this while your radio's unplugged, you've already failed.

When to Call a Professional

While many off-grid projects are achievable as DIY, certain situations require licensed professionals:

• Electrical work beyond basic 12V DC additions — requires a licensed electrician
• Structural modifications to buildings or load-bearing elements
• Gas line installation or modification
• Solar array installations above safe voltage thresholds
• Any work that affects the structural integrity of your property

Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permits before commencing work.