Technology, Tornados and Emergency Response

This article from PC Advisor, Tornado Emergency Crews Delayed By Mobiles, describes how the use of cellular phones by emergency crews, instead of interoperable radio communication, hindered rescue efforts in the recent Alabama tornado outbreak. I find the human psychology very interesting here. We have become so accustomed to using our cell phones in emergencies that it is basically second nature, even to first responders. But this article also demonstrates the fragility of the cellular technology on which most of us depend during times of disaster. Of course, emergency crews should be encouraged to utilize more robust systems, but I wonder if there is a way that we can make our cellular networks more reliable for the common people who might find themselves victims of disasters, considering the fact that nobody seems to want cellular towers near their living spaces with the concern over possible radiation hazzards.