No one has mentioned MURS. What is it....2 W or 5W. out or so? With decent
antennas, a couple of watts out on 150 mhz will go aways. Heck, RatShak has
some mobile MURS for what....$40 or so? Don't know about licensing
requirements....google for MURS and license and see what comes up.

Of course, if you get the radio itch, DO study and take the amateur exam, and
we'll welcome you to the hobby (well, at least most of us!) Fun hobby with
benefits to the community, esp. when comms are most needed.

A
"...if one tolerates bad manners, they grow worse. I must find the oaf who did
this thing, explain to him his offense, give him a chance to apologise, then
kill him." (R.A. Heinlein, "The Cat Who Walks Through Walls")