RADIO advice sought for URBAN prepping

[Jonas]

NR, there are a number of things to consider here:
1. You and your group want a system that is independent of outside support - cell towers, 2-meter band repeaters, commercial power, etc.
2. You want a system that works within your area - my ham rig can talk to Cuba, Jamaica, Canada, and Moose Island Maine, but can't be received a mile away due to the angle of the transmitted signal.
3. You want a system that is neither underpowered nor overpowered - you want to get the word out to your group, but not the whole world, or even the thugs with a scanner five miles away.

Possible answers:
1. 2 meter - 75 cm dual band hand-helds (Wouxan or Baofeng) - you'll need ham licenses.
2. The new 12 watt SSB CBs - you'll need good antennae.
3. 2 Meter rigs interfaces with laptop computers running PSK31 - very low power, very low bandwidth, hard to track.
4. Solar panels/generators to recharge radio and computer batteries.

I know it sounds overwhelming, but lots of us hams are happy to help you all.