We Can’t Predict What Will Work—But We Can Prepare

Carol sat in my office, and we were deep in conversation about disaster preparedness. One of the key points we discussed was the importance of having an Out-of-Area Contact—a single phone number that all family members can call in the event of a disaster.

Here’s the truth: we don’t know what communication tools will be available in a disaster. Will cell phones work? Will social media be accessible? Will local networks be overloaded or down entirely? Until an earthquake or other emergency happens, we simply don’t know what we’ll have to rely on.

But one thing is certain—the more options you have to connect with your loved ones, the better your chances of actually reaching them.

That’s where having an Out-of-Area Contact becomes so valuable. Designating one trusted person who lives outside your area or province simplifies communication. Instead of making multiple frantic calls, your family can check in with that one contact, who can then relay messages and updates.

Carol thought this was a fantastic idea. She lived in Christchurch, New Zealand, and after a thoughtful pause, she looked at me and asked, “Jackie, will you be my Out-of-Area Contact?”

I was honoured and said yes without hesitation. I wasn’t anyone’s Out-of-Area Contact, mostly because I live in a high-risk area myself. But we exchanged information, and Carol returned home feeling a little more prepared for the unexpected.

Then the Call Came

Several months later, I was at home watching Dancing with the Stars when my phone rang. I almost didn’t answer. But I picked it up, and all I heard was static—until a faint voice came through:

“Is this Jackie?”

“Yes,” I replied. “Who’s calling?”

“You don’t know me. I’m Carol’s daughter in Christchurch. We’ve had a massive earthquake, and I can’t reach my mom.”

My heart pounded. Carol’s daughter explained that she and her family were safe. Their home had some damage—the floor near the back door had buckled, but the front door was fine. They had supplies and were managing. But what scared her most was the silence. Every attempt to reach her mom had failed. She was desperate for news.

I promised I’d try to get through. After many failed attempts, I finally heard a click—and Carol answered.

“Carol, it’s Jackie in Vancouver. How are you?”

Her voice trembled. “We’ve had a massive earthquake. My house is badly damaged. I can’t reach my daughter. I don’t know if she’s—”

I interrupted. “Carol, I’ve spoken to her. She’s safe. Everyone’s okay.”

The sigh that came next was something I’ll never forget. It was like hearing fear lift right through the phone.

Be the Connection When It Matters Most

Who would have thought a call through Vancouver would reunite a mother and daughter in Christchurch? But that’s exactly what happened. And that’s exactly why an Out-of-Area Contact is so critical.

But remember—it only works if you set it up before disaster strikes.

ACTION: Take a moment today to choose someone outside your province as your family’s Out-of-Area Contact. It’s a simple step that could make all the difference when the unthinkable happens.

Meet Jackie Kloosterboer – Disaster Preparedness Expert

With over 30 years in disaster preparedness and Emergency Support Services (ESS), Jackie Kloosterboer is a sought-after speaker, trainer, and media contributor across Canada. She’s delivered hundreds of engaging workshops, keynotes, and corporate trainings that inspire families and teams to get truly prepared, without the overwhelm. Jackie's practical tips have been featured in TV, radio, and print interviews, earning praise for making preparedness simple, relatable, and actionable. When she’s not leading sessions or featured in the media, she’s helping organizations build resilient communities through her signature online program, Mom's Disaster Preparedness.

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