I've got a couple full power 40ch walkie talkies and a Uniden? 29 channel mobile unit. I don't hear much chatter here, but on my vacation a couple years ago we used one of the walkies and the rig in my friends Jeep to talk between vehicles. My friend and his Jeep club use CB radios while out wheelin', cuz it works without cell towers.
I'm gonna set up a rig in my truck once I'm done replacing the engine
And as far as the EMPs, that's why I have been into battery powered tube radios lately.