When the blackout hit here in Detroit, the only thing I was in short supply was gas. I know have at least 5 gallons of gas in a gas can. One week after the event, I have all my supplies restocked.
guarenteed, most people who waited in long lines and complained about the lack of supplies haven't prepared for the next event. (Especially here in Michigan where its almost certain you will lose your power once during the winter months....
That's all good, but add guns & ammo too.
"Economic collapse" is bad, but what is worse is that it would set the stage for an attack by brainwashed fanatics who have been preparing for just this kind of chance. There's only one answer to a serious attacker....
There was an interesting movie The Trigger Effect done in 1996 about the mayhem in civilization caused by a power outage and the ripple effect (no water, gas, food, money, medical, etc.)
I also live in Southeastern Michigan (about 25 miles West of Detroit)- nobody admits to living IN Detroit anymore. I was in Northern Michigan at the time of the outage, but returned that evening as the wife was home alone.
It was very strange approaching the Detroit area that evening. Small towns 50 miles away that still had power were overwhelmed with people and cars. Gas stations, stores and ATM were being wiped out in a matter of hours. Many stations had police monitoring the gas lines due to reports of problems.
On the good side, it happened late in the week and many left the area for Northern cottages/homes/parks. Many of those that stayed behind re-connected with their neighborhood or community.
I'm just glad the outage didn't extend over any significant period of time or happen during winter; even though my generator did a fine job.
Rent the movie, then decide if your prepared for the next Trigger Event.
I would have brought my cell phone, but only to call the office on Monday to let them know I wouldn't be at work. LOL.