Really can’t emphasize off-grid encrypted comms enough.

The cost of entry is low; about $35 can get you a Meshtastic device that will, on its own, help give you neighborhood coverage at a minimum. Depending on your terrain and the existence of other nodes acting to expand the mesh network, it could give you coverage that expands hundreds of square miles. There are things you can modify or otherwise do to expand coverage even further, like adding a different antenna or elevating the unit higher up on a pole.

Here’s a good starter device that includes everything, from the mainboard, battery, antenna, and a case: https://www.amazon.com/ESP32-V3-Module-3000mAh-Battery/dp/B0D2L1ZHRR

With the device, it pairs to an app installed on a phone, and once that’s done, that’s it. No internet required. You can participate in the ‘open’ text chat channels, and set up secure 256-bit encrypted channels for friends/family members. Additional nodes can be deployed to act as repeaters discretely using solar panels, which will help expand the network out. The nodes are small enough and light enough to be attached to a drone and flown up to temporarily give a huge boost in range as well.

There are also standalone devices that have the display and keyboard built in, so you don’t need a phone at all. But, those are more ‘handheld’, not really meant to be deployed, so they may not have the long range of a high-mounted node.

Regardless, have a backup plan. Your standard GMRS radio is fine as well, but anyone can listen in on it since they aren’t encrypted, and unless you use a repeater, communications won’t be passed around like they can with a mesh network.