Bump to this thread. Never got heavy into it as a group of 1 doesn't need a radio. But I ended up approached by a group of neighbors hoping to organize disaster response for the area including unrest.

Was trying to figure out what might be a good option for around 10 people in a square mile. Not sure if consumer grade walkie talkies might be cheaper than baofengs and also avoid needing to try and get people to get the gm whatever operator liscence.