I have lived in south Louisiana for all of my adult life and have been through multiple hurricanes. I can attest that i would have used the GMRS radios in the past if I would have had them. Maybe not just for emergency but for plain Jane communications. Go a couple weeks with no cell,electricity, or water. Hell 1 day with no running water sucks :]. I had my own supplies to get through it while working but the radios (GMRS) would have helped me out greatly just on the basic communications for family,friends & work. Cell service does not got down often for very long but it does happen. I would say I can remember 3-4 times for 1-2 weeks approx no service over 30-35 years of hurricanes. They usually bring in mobile stuff but the lines are usually clogged and its very hit or miss getting calls through or received. Idah kicked our butts last year so its a fresh memory.