Emergency communication for families
Stay in contact with your partner, children, and family members during emergencies in the Netherlands – even without internet or power. MeshCore gives you the certainty that you're always reachable.
Why every family needs emergency communication
As a parent, partner, or family member, there's one question that occupies your mind during a crisis: "Is my family safe?" But what if your phone doesn't work? What if the internet fails? How do you know if your partner arrived home safely, if your children at school are okay, or if your elderly parents need help?
In the Netherlands, we rely completely on internet and mobile networks. Until they fail. During a major power outage, cyberattack, or natural disaster, you're suddenly isolated from your loved ones. No WhatsApp, no phone, no way to make contact.
MeshCore emergency communication gives families a reliable way to stay connected, regardless of what happens. No internet needed, no provider, no central infrastructure. Just direct communication between family members via mesh network technology.
Why emergency communication is essential for families
Families are vulnerable during crisis situations in the Netherlands. Here's why you should prepare now:
Reassure children
During a power outage or disaster, children are frightened. They want to know that mom or dad is coming, that everything will be okay. A simple message "I'm coming, everything is fine" can prevent panic.
Reach partner at distance
If you're at home and your partner is at work, or vice versa – how do you know that person is safe? MeshCore lets you make direct contact without waiting for internet or mobile network.
Check on elderly family members
Elderly parents or grandparents are especially vulnerable. They may need medical help, or just reassurance. With MeshCore you can reach them, even when traditional communication fails.
Coordinate family during evacuation
During floods, fires, or other disasters, you must act quickly. Where is everyone? Who picks up the children? Where do we meet? Without communication, chaos ensues.
Real scenarios: When families need emergency communication
These are not theoretical situations. This really happens in the Netherlands:
⚡ Power outage during workday
It's 2:00 PM. Suddenly power fails throughout Zuid-Holland. Your partner is at the office in Rotterdam, you're at home in Den Haag, the children are at school. Mobile network fails after 3 hours. No way to make contact.
With MeshCore: You send a message to your partner: "I'm picking up the kids. Come home when you can." Partner confirms: "Okay, on my way. Everything good?"
🌊 Flood threat
Weather forecast warns of extreme rainfall in the Netherlands. Authorities advise evacuation of low-lying areas. Internet overloaded, mobile network struggling. You don't know where your family is.
With MeshCore: Family members share their location. "I'm at grandma's, helping her evacuate." "I'm on my way to meeting point at sports hall." Family stays coordinated.
🏥 Medical emergency
Your elderly father urgently needs medication, but during a crisis 112 is overloaded. You must organize help yourself, but you can't reach anyone.
With MeshCore: You send message to family and neighbors: "Dad needs insulin, does anyone have supply?" Neighbor responds: "I have insulin, coming over."
🔥 Fire in neighborhood
A fire breaks out in a nearby industrial building. Smoke is blowing your way. Fire department advises keeping windows and doors closed. Your partner is on the way home but knows nothing.
With MeshCore: "Stop! Fire in neighborhood, don't come home. Go to sister's in Voorburg." Partner receives message and changes route. Danger avoided.
How MeshCore protects families
MeshCore is designed for reliable communication in the Netherlands, even under extreme conditions:
Works without internet or power
LoRa radio signals work independently. No WiFi, no mobile network, no provider needed. Just direct contact between devices.
Battery lasts for days
Devices work 3-7 days on one battery. During prolonged crisis situations you stay connected without power.
Suitable for all ages
Children, teenagers, adults, seniors – everyone can use it. App is as easy as WhatsApp.
Share location
Show where you are on the map. Essential during evacuations or when family members need to find each other.
Private and secure
Private messages are end-to-end encrypted. Only your family members can read them.
No subscription costs
One-time purchase from €50 per device. After that completely free, no monthly costs.
Create family emergency communication plan
Prepare your family for crisis situations in 5 steps:
Discuss it with your family
Explain why emergency communication is important. Discuss scenarios. Make sure everyone understands why you're doing this.
Get devices for each family member
Each family member who operates independently (work, school, travel) should have their own MeshCore device. For young children, one parent can carry the device.
Set up and test devices together
Install all devices on the same day. Configure with family-specific settings. Test by sending messages to each other.
Make agreements for emergencies
Where do we meet if we must evacuate? Who picks up the children? What do we do if one person doesn't respond? Establish this in advance.
Practice regularly
Do a test every 3 months. Send messages, share locations, check if devices are charged. Keep it current.
What does your family need?
-
✓
LoRa radio devices: One per family member (from €50 per device)
-
✓
Smartphone or tablet: To pair with the LoRa device (optional – some devices also have a screen)
-
✓
Chargers and power banks: To keep devices charged
-
✓
Family emergency plan: Written plan with agreements and contact persons
-
✓
Regular tests: Practice at least 4 times per year
Total investment for family of 4: €200-300 one-time (no monthly costs). Compare this to 4 mobile subscriptions costing €80-160 per month that don't even work during crisis situations.
Frequently asked questions about emergency communication for families
Do my children need their own device too?
For young children (0-10 years) not necessary – they're usually with a parent. For teenagers who go to school or activities independently: absolutely recommended. From age 12-13, having their own device is wise.
How far apart can family members be?
Direct range is ~1km. Via repeaters it can go much further. In urban areas in the Netherlands with active repeaters you can send messages over several kilometers. The network is continuously growing.
Does it work if my partner is in another part of the city?
Yes, if there are repeaters in between. In Den Haag, Amsterdam, Rotterdam there are active networks. The more people participate, the better it works.
Can my elderly parents use this too?
Absolutely. The app is simple to use. Help them set it up and practice together. Many seniors find it especially reassuring to have a backup communication method.
What if we have to evacuate and devices stay home?
That's why it's important to always carry devices with you. Make it part of your routine: phone, wallet, keys, MeshCore device. Keep it with your car keys or on your bag.
Does it work abroad when we're on vacation?
MeshCore works anywhere in the world, but you do need other MeshCore users nearby. In some countries there are active communities. For vacations it's especially useful if you're traveling with multiple family members and want to reach each other without roaming costs.
Protect what matters most
Your family is the most important thing. Emergency communication for families is not a luxury, it's a necessity in our dependent digital world. Don't wait for a crisis – prepare now.
Join thousands of families in the Netherlands who are already prepared with MeshCore.