This is pretty much exactly what I do
UV5R with a slightly upgraded dual band antenna using CHIRP to program.
It should be pointed out that while owning a HH like the UV5R and using it to listen is perfectly legal, transmitting with it on unauthorized frequencies/powers is not (unless in an emergency). For example, if one wanted to use the FRS frequencies and changed the output power down to 0.5W, it would (more or less) be the same as using a "bubble pack"/"walki-talki". You would stand to benefit from the upgraded antenna and scanning abilities. Scanning on most budget HH's is poor at best going through 1 frequency a second and not very effective. Best to just be monitoring a single frequency. Operating in this fashion would still not be legal according to the FCC, but at the same time it would not be very "noticeable"
VHF/UHF radios are generally still very limited to line-of-sight, no matter what the power or size of the antenna, so it would probably be safer just to stick with a decent quality FRS radio set. They are also way more convenient to use for a layperson who only needs basic communication abilities.
As was stated earlier, it is not a good idea to step on emergency frequencies. Although you may be reporting an actual emergency, the net needs order to operate effectively. You would likely be redirected to another frequency anyhow.
I would highly encourage anyone who is interested in emergency radio communications to look into getting their technician's license. You will learn a ton of useful info and could potentially be an asset to someone else in need.
Posting some useful info:
1 CHIRP example setup
2 A UV5R with extended battery pack and antenna next to a standard walki-talki
3 FRS Chart
4 Some area freqs. More details can be found from frequency listings and HAM clubs.
Sorry abut the formatting, new to this forum and not about to fix it right now
