The Power of Connection
Even for the technically challenged like me who doesn’t even own a smart phone and doesn’t Text, Loss of modern communication was the hardest thing for me to lose. Nestled between foothills our small mountain community doesn’t have cell signals. And Cable? Forget about it.
When the roads and power lines were washed into the river for miles in both direction cutting us off from ‘civilization’ we built a new footpath and eventually a 4 wheeler path that clung to the side of the mountain so we could hitch a ride on the other side to get supplies. Many of us had generators so it was just a matter of carrying 5 gallon jugs of gas across the two mile ‘Gap’ in the highway so we could power our freezers and even get Dish, for a few hours each day. Gas was heavy and in limited supply. Those who didn’t have generators begged, borrowed or bought generators since the flood. But our phone lines were out for months.
We were lucky to find a high point in the community that we could drive up to and get limited cell reception. How cherished were those few minutes when someone actually answered their phone and you could talk to family and friends and let them know you were safe and well and to send prayers, we needed them. You found God on that hill. Whatever God you chose. And you realized just how precious friends and family are and what a miracle that little piece of technology that I normally despise can be. It was our link with the rest of the world. Emergency Communication. That would be my advise.
What lessons do I wish to share for the next generation?
Buy a pack of 2 way radio’s. Buy enough for each person in the family. Keep them plugged in and charged in some obscure out of the way place. When an emergency hits, break out the radios. Give everyone one. If someone needs to go anywhere have them take a radio with them. I’m going to check on the barn…. Take a radio! Check the road conditions…. Take a radio! Going to town…. The last thing you want to do is lose contact with someone who ‘was just here a minute ago’ and create a whole new emergency.
And if your neighbors have some two ways everyone find a common channel. Just talking back and forth can be reassuring and fun! I still remember getting wakeup calls at 6 AM from an old German man on the other side of the community. It actually became a ritual and then the radio would be full of ‘Good Mornings’ and ‘Coffee Is Hot’ and basically “We are still alive’ sort of thing shared by all the neighbors.
With no power and no phone or TV or Internet, you better find a way to entertain yourself and keep your sense of humor. The silence is Loud! A two way radio will help you do that. And you can find them on Craig’s for $10.00! And just don’t use them during emergencies they are great for hiking or camping or at the fairgrounds to keep track of everyone. Just a warning BUY BATTERIES! You will go through a bunch! Good Luck! Hope you don’t need it.
Story submitted by John Koch, Pinewood Springs / Lyons CO resident
