If you wish reliable communications during a crisis get a HAM lisence, a vhf / uhf mobile rig and a 10 meter HF rig. There is really no better. When TSHTF (large or small) the HAM Heros will activate a flury of chatter even if they are not directly called into the situation. Often they are called upon to support emergency services comms which are as disrupted as much as others are. Police Fire and EMS services operate on their specific frequencies and via land and cell phone. These will get overloaded in an emergency of any reasonable scale. They always have. HAM operators operate on Wide swaths of frequencies and have repeaters running on back up power and hundreds of mobile and fixed stations willing able and available to relay traffic over short and long distances. There are standing memo's between the ARC and ARES, ARES and local and national emergency services. etc.. By having the gear you will be able to listen to this chatter and stay informed on exactly what is happening. When an emergency aid worker picks up the mike and speaks it isn't "some digested editorial of the situation being palavered out hours later by Mr. Enthusiastic with perfect hair with added sensationalization for effect", it is an individual in need asking for specific help. You will really know what is going on by monitoring the HAM frequencies. If you get your lisence and participate you may be able to be instrumental in getting that help delivered to where it is needed when it is needed.