The ONEMI Radio is a low-cost emergency radio with photovoltaic cells that needs neither conventional electricity nor batteries, and which facilitates obtaining information immediately after an emergency: knowing when to evacuate, for example. Access to verified information gives the public the assurance that the authorities are doing what needs to be done, thus reducing people’s uncertainty, anxiety and distress. The ONEMI Radio was conceived to become a must-have element that every family should include in their Emergency Kit, in order to stay connected and informed after an earthquake or other emergency. ONEMI has carried out comparative studies exploring different methods of communication – these have shown that the radio is the most secure method.

The radio is made up of:

-A casing made of recycled cardboard

-Radio circuitry

-ON/OFF and Volume knobs

-Scanner dial

-Photovoltaic cells

The production process is divided into 4 steps:

-Cutting the cardboard using laser.

-Screen-printing.

-Assembling the circuitry and solar panel.

-Packaging.

The Radio is handed out free in the different emergency prevention community courses organised by ONEMI through their CERT department and delivered all over Chile.

The campaign launch benefited 350 families who can now keep lines of communication open after an emergency. It is expected that during 2016 another 3,000 families will benefit from having an ONEMI Radio in their emergency kit.