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For example, in our county emergency system, very few have access to the radio room without having clearances. The equipment in there links directly with Homeland security both state and national.

So you are suggesting government, your county government for example has adequate communications for dealing with all disasters, and can readily contact citizens all over your region, for things like immediate status reports and other vital information?

If so, if you don't mind me asking, what type communications are they using to communicate with the citizens? And what type of communications are the citizens using to communicate with your local government during massive shutdowns and big time disasters?

In our city, county, and state EOC’s there are amateur radio stations setup and ready for use in emergencies. When events happen, they are staffed by trained ARES/RACES operators who have been given security clearances to obtain access to the equipment.

In my neck of the woods, we have a 911 system with reverse calling so that the phones are used if they are still up and running. The system is being set up for cellular as well, but that is not yet done.....Need mo money.....LOL

Our police and fire are directly in communication with the State Emergency response system, and this is staffed with people in every jurisdiction at present. They also have cruisers loaded with comm equipment and a State officer in each county. My understanding is that the State is in the chain of command under homeland security in DC and various sub stations. They have video conference stuff as well but I'm not cleared to see it. What I do for the city is not a critical job so I am out of that loop.

We also have Ham radio and amateur air search and rescue integrated where it is available. They are indeed in the chain where we can get dependable clubs and various groups together.