Radios (transmitters) of any type are a great idea. Make sure all folks carry a reserve battery(s) so they do not find themselves with a dead radio.

Get a phone card. Give a copy of the number and password to everyone. Also have the phone number of a friend/family member in another area (far away, out of the likly affected area) and teach the kids how to use the card numbers and make the call. Have then younger ones actually do it on many occasions, till they realllllly understand how it works. They will be scared and may make mistakes unless you drill it in.

nomad ... just north of New Orleans