We are reliant not just on cell phone service but also on the internet. When the juice stops flowing, my internet is gone and I can no longer access ETS. Withdrawal symptoms begin immediately - shakes, nausea, etc.

But these are added avenues to existing communication modes. I recently listened to a test of the emergency alert system while listening to FM radio the other day.

During the Thomas fire, we first received an emergency alert via cell phone after our electricity had died, and a few minutes later a sheriff's deputy, speaking loudly on his bullhorn, drove through the neighborhood, telling us to get out.

The more strings to your bow, the better .