In article ,
Justin wrote:

If you do get the pair of handheld CB radios, they should be a
relatively inexpensive "learning experience". They may be of some use,
but you will learn they do not work over a very long distance. Their
range is mostly limited by interference from the many other users of the
Citizens Band, even if the radio at home is connected to an outdoor
antenna.

The CB radios would be for short range, maybe half a mile, or around the
neighborhood. When Sandy hit the cell phones were out for days. Even
though my area was relatively unscathed, the towers were still down.
Just having the ability to talk to a family member back at the house
would be nice.

Justin-

CB walkie-talkies might be capable of that if no one else was there.
Considering that you can sometimes hear other people hundreds of miles
away, half a mile might be optimistic!

Go ahead and get a pair. You probably have time before the next storm,
to see how well they would work for you.

For local information about GMRS repeaters, look for a store that
repairs the radios. They can probably fill you in on repeater
availability, and will also sell you the radios.

Fred
K4DII