"I don't think that the lessons can be driven home any harder: Never give up your guns. Never rely on the government for protection. When good people give up the option of force, power defaults to the evil ones. I hope America pays attention to this microcosm of a population disarmed by the government."
Truer words have not been spoken.
In the short run, say to 5 days out, you are completely on your own in a disaster. The people you can rely on are your family, and if you're lucky, your friends and neighbors.
"Put not your faith in princes.."