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Thanks mate. It's really too big a topic for one post, there could be an entire preparedness community to be honest. The Pew is where you can drop stuff though, if you want.

Communication is really import as it allows activities to be coordinated and structured and easily adapted between elements in the group. Of course if someone is broadcasting I've the radio somewhere it can be a good way of gaining information. Power is always going to be an issue as the grid may not supply it which is why I have a couple portable solar panels and two quite large ones which can feed my Landcruiser's auxiliary battery or those on my camper trailer which also has an inverter to permit me to run my laptop etc.