The issue isn’t money as much as a time commitment.
first you’ll need a license, not to worry, the requirements have been dumbed down for that. However, if you have an emergency you can transmit without a license. You’ll need to invest time to learn how to use the equipment.
You can set up a packet station for about $300 with used equipment.
>>first you’ll need a license,<<
If the internet is shut down nation wide the last thing I am going to worry about is a comm ticket.