wasn't there a time when it was just a given that people would be prepared? not just in earthquake prone areas but anywhere.
i'm not that old but i don't understand why the average american, even the average poor american, shouldn't be expected to live ok for 7-10 days cut off from electricity, water, and the ability to leave your place of residence?
our excessively rich society, where even our poverty stricken are wealthy compared to most of the rest of the world, takes way too much for granted.
fortunately we haven't reached the level of socialism that france has where thousands die when it gets a bit too warm out.
After seeing the behavior in New Orleans, I dusted off our backpacking gear. We live about 30 minutes north of SF, if I decide it's best to get out of Dodge, it's just a matter of throwing stuff off a checklist into our packs. Sorta like a 50 miler, but with weapons.