>>Preparing for a complete collapse of government and infrastruction... as the 20th century taught anyone awake, is probably not a bad idea,<<
That is essentially what the Mad Max scenario is. (possible tread drift: why in the heck did they remake Red Dawn? The first one made its point most excellently!)
How did you fare with Sandy? Were you hit hard? How did your Prep come into play (whether you ramped up to TSHTF level or a more realistic scenario...)
I think anecdotes of how it worked out (for example, I used my camp stove for 4 days after the Northridge quake when I had electricity but not gas — and I had beer — LOTS of beer) would be helpful for people who peruse the prepper threads.
History is our guide if we pay attention.
/johnny