Other people are creating nets like ours

[TWP]

This is a moderate length article with some good information for those not yet involved in HAM (like me).

They are just starting their own network and offered some suggestions for those not yet licensed (like me).

http://thoughtsfromfrankandfern.blogspot.com/2015/10/survival-radio-net-1.html

There are multiple, non-HAM transceivers available, some are very affordable, so consider starting with
one of these before you jump into full HAM equipment.