My name is Johnny Diggz and I'm a comms guy. I co-founded more than one startup in the messaging and communications space, I started a non-profit called Geeks Without Bounds, which focused on helping people communicate in times of crisis, I've helped set up cellular networks in the remote desert at Burning Man, and given numerous talks on the subject at hacker conferences, software developer conferences and crisis response conferences.

I've seen some mis-information going around about an app called Zello with claims that it will help you communicate without an Internet connection. Unfortunately this is false. Zello, much like just about every other messaging app (Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, AIM, Voxer...yada yada), requires an Internet Data connection.

The vast majority of you have an Internet Data connection on your cellphone, either through Wifi at your home or local Starbucks, or through your data plan through your cellular provider (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile etc).

During a disaster such as a hurricane, it is likely that one or both of these will be unavailable. Your home Wifi router runs on electricity, and unless you're running a generator or on a battery, when your power goes out, so does your Wifi.

Good news is, even if that happens, your friendly cellular provider may have power at their towers and you can still get a data signal. If you can, you're lucky and can still use your favorite messaging apps. But likely so is everyone else in your area.

When too many people attempt to use the same cellular towers to connect, the quality of service tends to degrade and data may not go through (or go through so slow that it makes it impossible for voice messaging).

The best, and most reliable application (and the one that uses the least amount of bandwidth) has historically proven to be SMS. This is the text messaging application that comes with every cell phone and the only username you need to know to send a message is the recipient's phone number. (collect them now!)

When using SMS, don't attempt to send images or send group texts. This uses a different protocol called MMS, and can clog up the data transmissions. Keep your messages short and simple. "I'm Ok." is a great message for your loved ones to hear, it's simple and gets the point across in a tiny message, at least until power gets restored and more people have access to the larger data networks.

So, in short, keep your cellphones charged. If your phone has a "power saving mode", find it and turn it on. Have some back-up power packs or charge from your car. Use plain-ole SMS/Text and keep your messages short and to the point.

And find a good book to read. :)

+) Johnny Diggz

#irma #crisisresponse #crisiscommons

EDIT 2:30pm EST 9/9/2017: A few people have asked about the free Wifi Hotspots being offered by Xfinity, Comcast, Spectrum and other Internet providers. Messaging apps WILL work if you can get connected to one of these Wifi Hotspots. I've added some links to info on these HotSpots, but note that you will have physically be in Wifi Range (usually within 100 feet, give or take) in order to use these HotSpots...they are similar to what you'd expect if you connect to Wifi at your local Starbucks or anyplace that offers "Free Wifi".

http://www.tampabay.com/…/spectrum-wifi-hotspots-ar…/2336760

http://www.tampabay.com/…/free-internet-in-florida-…/2336508

Also, Walkie talkies are good, but have a limited range and limited number of channels (frequencies). If your neighbors are using them too, try to avoid using the same channel.

If you have a HAM radio and license (or know someone who does) then you're extra lucky :) Plain old AM/FM Radio is great for receiving one way communications. Also, get to know your neighbors...they could save your life (or give you a frozen popsicle when you are hot). :)