The key is to be surrounded by as many like minded, prepared people as possible.
It won;t be pretty in the cities.
Exactly. For all the preparing and supply-stashing I can do, by far the biggest safeguard is living in a relatively rural area. That's a sad commentary on the human condition, but there you have it: in a time of crisis, the less contact with other people, the better.
Maybe.
I think the key is to get as far as possible from other people, especially major population centers.
The way I live it is easy; on a sailboat with solar panels, fishing gear and a reverse osmosis de-salinator, loaded with a years supply of non-perishable food. I can get away and stay away for as long as is necessary. Bonus: I can go just about anywhere in the world without having to use any fuel except for cooking and heating. Riots in the streets? Just head offshore for a while. Come in close enough to pick up radio broadcasts occasionally or head for some remote island somewhere warm. Been doing it for years anyway.
Unless you live in a valley with a single access you can dynamite or bridge that can be blown, it won’t be any prettier in the country.