Most of us are working to get on the air, or if you are already there like I am you are setting up websites to get others on the air so you have people to chat with
Something that you can do prior to getting the test, and will also allow you to listen to local 2m ham communication is to get a scanner.
The first thing you should look into is what type of system your area uses. Most places are switching over to a digital based system. Which would require a digital scanner.
Something like this:
http://www.scannermaster.com/RadioShack_PRO_106_Police_Scanner_p/22-501342.htmI got mine in the mail today and plan on doing a review/video of it soon. Including programming help and thoughts on how it works.
http://www.radioreference.com/ is a great site to start finding your local frequencies.
In a crisis having the ability to quickly monitor where fire/police are will give you an idea of what is going in. This sort of information could be invaluable in planning an evacuation route. Think about how much more informed you could of been during a Katrina type even with this level of communication!
Something to think about, I felt it was a weakness in my kit, so today I fixed it!
299 is a great price for it too, normally 400..