In the event of a communications shutdown, what can we do to find ham operators to get news? Is there a website one can search in advance to see if there are any operators near them?
Nellie Ohr was a SW/Ham licensee.
This is one good source.
Just watch for opportunities to strike up a conversation with someone who has big or multiple antennas on their car or truck is one good way, then ask about local ham clubs. Find out when and where they meet and go and introduce yourself.
We all started out learning the basics, and even the Morse code back in the day, just to get that first license so hams are friendly to newbie (technician class) operators and help mentor them.
http://www.arrl.org/ is a good resource to start.
https://www.qrz.com/ this site has a search tab at the top left corner that lets you search by county which may surprise you at how many hams you have near. They even have practice exams you can take to prep for your own Amateur Radio license online.
SS1