It’s why ‘prepping’, as ‘prepping’ is understood in most of the less densely populated areas of the country, makes no sense to those of us living in the BoWash corridor.
In any long-term SHTF scenario, we’re going to see and be part of wave after wave of locust/scavenger/refugees... then the killing fields of Sarajevo, and there really isn’t a way to halt this.
The ‘Official’ DHS/NJ Dept of Emergency Management/University Hospital/FBI/CDC system first responders study groups in NJ basically resort to using strong points as armed forts, bringing in first responders and NatGuard troops and their families inside the walls, and leaving everyone else out in the cold.
We’re looking at extended areas of tribal lawlessness not unlike the shura system in Helmand province beyond the 19 mile radius zone of control of the Marines.
Also not unlike New Jersey’s position during the Revolutionary War. The British, British allied locals, British Mercenaries, Rebels Regulars, Rebel locals, British allied brigands, Revolutionary allied Brigands, neutral brigands, switchcoat brigands, and displaced NYC residents all laid waste to the store houses, fields and herds of the residents of New Jersey at the time.
Even with some areas that had legitimate local militias, there was no way to muster enough willing souls to hold off organized Dragoons raids when the raiders numbered over about 50.
Bingo. Way, way too many preppers live in a macho fantasy world.
They really think that with them at the front door with a .45, and Uncle Jed at the back door with a shotgun, they'll be able to hold off a starving world.