MeshCore in Emergency Situations
When everything else fails, MeshCore keeps connecting people in the Netherlands
⚠️ Important Notice
LocalMesh is not a replacement for the regular emergency number 112. Always call 112 first in emergencies when possible. LocalMesh is intended for situations where normal communication methods no longer work.
When to Use MeshCore?
<a href="/en/meshcore/" class="text-inherit hover:text-alert-600 transition-colors">MeshCore</a> is designed for situations when normal communication infrastructure fails. Think of:
Major Power Outage
Cell towers go down. Internet stops working. But MeshCore keeps running on batteries.
Natural Disasters
Floods, storms, or other disasters that damage infrastructure. MeshCore works without internet or cell towers.
Mobile Network Failure
Outages at KPN, Vodafone, or other Dutch providers. MeshCore is completely independent of commercial networks.
Cyberattacks
Attacks on digital infrastructure can shut everything down. MeshCore runs on its own network.
Remote Areas
Camping, hiking, or areas without coverage. MeshCore works anywhere people with devices are present.
Large Events
Overloaded networks at festivals or demonstrations. MeshCore remains available.
What Can You Do in an Emergency?
Send Text Messages
Communicate with family, friends, or neighbors via secure, encrypted messages. Let people know you're safe or ask for help.
Share Your Location
Send your GPS coordinates so others know where you are. Useful if you need help or want to find others.
Request Help
Send an emergency message to others in the network. Indicate what you need: medical assistance, water, food, or evacuation.
Coordinate with Others
Organize assistance, share information about safe routes or meeting points. Work together with your neighborhood or community.
Receive Important Updates
If emergency services or local authorities also use LocalMesh, they can send updates about the situation.
How to Prepare?
Good preparation is essential. Here are practical tips to be ready for emergencies:
✓ Checklist: Are You Prepared?
- ☐ Have you purchased an emergency radio device (LoRa)?
- ☐ Is the MeshCore app installed on your phone?
- ☐ Have you paired and tested the device?
- ☐ Is your battery charged or do you have a power bank?
- ☐ Are you in contact with others in your neighborhood who also use LocalMesh?
- ☐ Do your family members and friends know you use LocalMesh?
- ☐ Do you have an emergency kit with water, food, and first aid supplies?
Practical Tips
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Keep Your Device Charged: Ensure your LoRa device always has sufficient battery. Consider a solar panel charger for extended emergencies.
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Test Regularly: Occasionally send a test message to others in your neighborhood. This ensures everything works when you really need it.
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Make Agreements: Discuss with your family or housemates how you'll find each other via LocalMesh if normal communication fails.
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Know Your Network: Know where repeaters are located in your neighborhood. This helps you know where to go for better coverage.
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Store Offline Information: Save important phone numbers, addresses, and instructions offline (on paper!).
Limitations: What MeshCore Cannot Do
It's important to be realistic about what MeshCore can and cannot do in emergencies:
- ⚠️ No Voice Calls: MeshCore only sends text messages and location data, not phone calls.
- ⚠️ Limited Range: Your range depends on how many repeaters are in your area. Without repeaters: approximately 1 km in built-up areas, up to 10+ km in open fields.
- ⚠️ Battery Life: Devices run on batteries that will drain after days/weeks without recharging.
- ⚠️ Not a Replacement for 112: LocalMesh is a backup, not a replacement for professional emergency services.
- ⚠️ Dependent on Users: The network only works if enough people participate and place repeaters.
Be Prepared. Join LocalMesh in the Netherlands.
No one knows when the next outage or disaster will strike. Make sure you're ready.