Attached is a .pdf file with some of my thoughts on alternative communications systems when radios cannot be used.
In addition to those in the attachment, here are a few more that can be used, as long as a plan is developed ahead of time and all users understand it use.
1) Bread bag ties: Bread bag clips are color coded for the day the bread or baked goods were produced. Various companies use various colors for the days, so there are many color options available. Those in a group keep all the tabs they acquire and a code system is developed so placing a certain color tab in a certain place, or a combination of tabs, can convey from simple to sophisticated information.
2) Odors & smells: While masking or eliminating cooking smells is usually a good idea during a major event to avoid hungry people showing up on your doorstep, the use of various easily created odors can be dispersed in various ways to indicated some type of information. It would need to be fairly simple and easily recognizable. Probably be best if those in a group have a training session or two to allow everyone to experience each of the odors and link a message to it.
Depending on weather conditions, the wind mostly, odors may not be very effective at times. Especially some of the more subtle ones that might be used. However, the odors do not have to be dispersed into the air in quantity. Often, just like a drop point, applying a scent to something that will hold it for a while at a specific location that those in the group would be passing during regular activities can be used in the same way.
3) Directional lights: Much like a heliograph or signalling light, low powered lights such as LEDs can be mounted in one end of a small diameter pipe, which is then carefully aligned with a location so only someone in that direct line of sight can see the light. Various colors or patterns can be used. If care is taken to avoid any light leakage or splash at the end of the pipe, it will be next to impossible for anyone to see any light at all, especially if the inside of the pipe is coated or painted black so there would not be any light reflected inside.This can also be used with inexpensive laser pointers but there can be a significant risk if the person on the receiving end is not wearing laser protective glasses. Plus, a laser passing through any type of dust, fog, etc. can be seen quite easily and the source located. Plain LEDs are not as susceptible to this as lasers. Two way arrangements can be set up if needed or a message relay system used to pass a message down a line of senders/receivers. While using an interrupter to form dits and dahs with the light would work, the low levels and risks of missing something are too high in my opinion to risk it. Simply a different color of light and arrangement of more than one light can get specific information from point A to point B, with little chance of interception.
4) Specific activities or actions at specific times and places: Many things tend to be done on a fairly regular schedule, such as washing clothes. In a major event, being seen hanging out laundry to dry at a different than normal time can be a signal that people need to take notice. Various activities and/or various times can mean different things. Again, mostly a broad signal that many people can see, but only those that know the code will understand the meaning.
If there are any questions or suggestions to add to the possibilities feel free to ask and include the ideas in a post.
Just my opinion.
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