That is incorrect. If you are using an amateur band, you need a license. But if you think you are getting more than five miles on a hand held unit without knowing what you are doing, you are going to be disappointed. It’s one of those things you need to practice.
You only need a license to transmit. You can listen to any HAM band you want. And if things get that bad the government will not have the resources to track down every pirate broadcaster in the country.
The amateur packet radio system isn’t flashy, but with a node in a high location you can communicate over a 60 mile radius. Packet is similar to the old bulletin boards with messaging.
If you don’t have a license, it’s illegal and risky. The FCC has mobile units and monitoring stations that can find you.
Amateur radio is excellent for emergency communications but is a licensed service. When WWII started, the government ordered all operators off the air and it stayed that way until 1945. They can do so again.