I've closed this issue. After discussing my anticipated with the appropriate folks at county, they have ample backup communications systems - including full satellite internet, multi-line telephone and more in self-contained mobile communications vehicles that they can deploy very quickly in a modular fashion. We may be dirt-poor up here at the north end, but we're in a RICH county and they have a LOT of physical resources on hand and ready to go.

Thanks everyone for the input.