Unfortunately, I have found out about cell phone coverage due to hurricanes and the aftermath of their passage. Corded phones worked great after most of our storms, as long as the lines stayed intact. Vandals stole backup generators from cell towers, and that pretty much puts an end to your cell coverage!
I just got my amateur radio license recently, and will be looking to that as a communication backup. I am in the steep part of the learning curve, however! <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />