OBG,

FCC rules allow emergency communications without a ham license in a real emergency. So technically you could buy a ham radio of any sort and listen all you liked and transmit when there was a declared emergency.

This idea is a bit weak when you consider that most emergency ham operators practice frequently to maintain their skills in this service area.

A new fellow jumping on the airwaves in an emergency may not be the best approach.

Getting a ham license is so easy now that there really is no excuse not to do so. You can take online practice tests until you essentially know the questions by heart...take a locally administered test and not only be legal but if you volunteer with a local RACES or ARES group you can be helpful too.

Check out qrz.com for practice tests.

http://www.qrz.com/testing.html

The ARRL will list local clubs and tests in your area.

http://www.arrl.org/arrlvec/examsearch.phtml

The examiner will likely know a number of service groups in your area too.

Ham radio is a very good option to have.