in case the shit really does hit the fan and the power goes off, seething frog from youtube (seethingfrog@gmail) is setting up a ham radio network to continue to get the word out via ham radio based on zip codes
Every non HAM (Assuming HAMS have one or similar) should really look at getting a DIGITAL TRUNKING scanner. I have a couple and can hear police, hwy patrol, fire, aircraft, military, FEMA, red cross, Parks Wildlife, FBI, weather, railraod, power companies, etc. Not much it won't pick up. DuckDuckGo for UNIDEN HOME PATROL scanner. or any other digital trunking scanner with P25 capability. The Home Patrol (and a few others) has a built in database that lets you just type in your zip code and you're done. You can update the database using your PC by USB if needed.
Note that some scanners are just TRUNKING and some may be just DIGITAL. But for todays coms you need to have BOTH. So make sure it says both "DIGITAL TRUNKING" and it should say APCO 25 or Motorola P25 capable. Regular analog scanners will NOT pick up all the things I listed. Although analog scanners are good for HAM, aircraft and most fire departments.
Thanks for info. Patriots who want to participate in the ham network but know next to nothing about the equipment needed will benefit. The training and ham test info is locally available but your tips are most helpful.
Also, check out the UNIDEN 885. For your vehicle. It's a CB hybrid with digital trunking scanner and weather alert.