Not sure if this is already known, but in case not:
http://www.iresc.org International Radio Emergency Support Coalition ... core bridge uses ham radio resources.
Take the time before Ike strikes to get your family & neighbors on Twitter, show them how to use it, "follow" each other and be ready to use it (especially instead of using voice, which consumes too much bandwidth and may not make it through anyway...) to share info. Check my other tips on Wireless Foundation & my "21st-century disaster tips you WON'T hear from officials"