I've got a suggestion for you guys who are considering this. Every June, on the 4th full weekend (this year it's 25-26) there is "Field Day." It's where Hams set up camp and make as many contacts as possible for contest points. These events can be a single person at home but are generally sponsored by clubs. Some clubs like going "hard core" with no commercial power because you get a lot more points. They'll pick a field somewhere, set up generators, food, tents and such, and when the timer starts, away they go. You would learn a lot just by watching and they wouldn't mind you hanging around at all. Maybe you can even help them set up (I suggest helping with the antennas).

Just do a search. I would bet there will be a field day within 50 miles of virtually everyone reading this, even nationwide.

I still stick to my suggestion that if you're only interested in this for SHTF or TEOTWAWKI then just get to know a Ham operator near you (that uses LOW BAND gear, 10-80 meters - that's important) and you'll be set. All you're going to need this for is information on what's happening to the rest of the country/world and that's where you'll get it. They'll even forward messages for you to other non-Hams.

You're going to be better off in this scenario rather than trying to go it alone. The antennas alone will drive you batty. High frequencies (VHF, UHF) are only good for line of site. You need the 10 to 80 meter HF band, which requires several, massive antennas, to reach distances. You'd be better off with a CB radio (11 meters) if you want to go it alone.