Two main reasons why GMRS radio can serve your family and community. First is the greater power output. Depending on conditions two GMRS handhelds can get out 30 miles or more. Mobile/ base stations at 50 watts can get out way farther. The second main reason for GMRS is the availability. GMRS radios are in nearly all big box stores and sporting goods stores. Many times GMRS radios are confused with FRS walkie talkies and folks wind up picking up a licensed powerful radio for purposes better suited to FRS use.
A GMRS base station can not only get out and receive farther to connect with folks, say in the next city, they can also at the same time connect with all FRS radios on a local level. One station in a community or small town can be the main hub for all non-licensed FRS radios as far as collecting and disseminating information in an emergency situation. A family on a road trip can keep in touch with the main family car with regular FRS radios at camp grounds or rest areas.
One major practical upshot of GMRS is that a family can be in instant contact for up to a 30 mile circumference. With a repeater set up in town, the family can talk and sent texts and geolocation even farther – even with their smartphones, off grid. The more repeaters, the farther one can reach. All for for $35 every 10 years and the price of the tech, which is quite reasonable.
The Radio Awareness Project 