Subsequently, my scenario begins with the notion of “waking up one day and turning on the TV to learn that the meltdown occurred. That is making the assumption that the power grid is still up.
Generators are crucial. And very good for peace of mind even in good times -- in the event of even temporary power outages. Mine is Nat Gas, but I still need to get a back-up diesel generator.
I guess the problem is if you wake up one day and you can't turn on the TV (or anything else including phone), do you assume the meltdown has occurred? or just that your power's out for some reason and your phone is on the fritz?
Man!, I hate being this paranoid.