Emergency Texting - Part 3

We started out this series reminding you that, during emergencies, cell phones may not work very well due to overloading. But sending text messages will almost always work.

(Part one is here http://www.securitydawg.com/2007/08/cell-phone-overload-during-emergencies.html, and part 2 is here http://www.securitydawg.com/2007/08/emergency-texting-part-2.html)

We ended up with suggesting a code "777", which means "OK, details in our private blog". That will require a bit more advance setup, and a few more skills, it may be quite effective.

The concept is that your family/circle of friends has access to a private blogging area. Since this place lives at Blogger, we'll use the features of Blogger to get started.

First, someone (that's you) create a blog in Blogger. That's quite simple to do; you can get that done in just a few minutes. Go to www.blogger.com , sign in (create an account if you need to), and just follow the easy on-screen instructions.

Next, create the first entry in your blog, so there will be something there initially. Doesn't have to be fancy, just get something there.

Now go into the Settings screen, click on Permissions, and then Add Authors. Get out your family email address book, and invite your family as authors of the blog. Send off the invitations, and wait for their response. (Make sure that you put your email address in the Email tab on the Settings screen.)

Once your family responds to the invitation, they should be able to add to the blog. Have them try it out.

Now you are all set. Let everyone know that a '777' code means "Everything is OK, but go to our family blog for more info".

All you need is Internet access to use this process. You can use your computer, the one at the local library/community center, or any computer you can get to. Keep in touch via your blog.

Whatever process you use, make sure your family and friends know about it. And practice sending your text messages (teach others).

"Be Prepared".