Two things : The internet doesn’t work like that. Performance issues happen all the time. ALL THE TIME.
If your local trunk is affected then that effect seems to be more “real” to you. Working in Telecom I can say two things with definitive resolve:
1. You and half of our country is so on the edge that the slightest sound in the yard at night has us up with a rifle. Calm down. if you’re on the edge like this all the time, you’re going to do something stupid.
2. The telecom infrastructure in the US is hanging by a thread. Literally, I expect everyday to wake up and see that nothing works. If that happens, keep your cool and remember that most of the issue is that telco contractors are mostly sh!tbags who steal money and buy pain pills. Yes. Most. This is why the telco system in our country is so terrible. It’s full of people taking the money and running.
That said, when it comes to shortwave:
Buy a radio and learn to use it. Don’t worry about licencing. When the shit hits the fan, your licencing won’t make a difference. Just buy one, learn to use it. The Baofeng is the go-to for price and usability... although of course being Chinese as all hell. But it’s cheap. China.
Likewise, all ham operators have their own system in place to help “you normies” get in touch with the news. If you need to sit at their chair and get specific info, they will walk you through it or let you watch as they do it. They will key up and relay messages. They aren’t looking for a roommate but if something goes on, HAMS are in front of their radios and will answer a knock on the door. Just don’t drive to the house in a black SUV or full size van. Or helicopter. Leave your helicopter at home.
Finally, You MUST meet more people within a bicycle riding range who are like minded.