Here are my thoughts ...

1. Other than for legal authorities, who do you stop for?

Keep in mind that in a disaster zone you may be facing National Guard troops. If you are unlucky you may bump into people working for Blackwater - or whatever they call themselves now. And you certainly can bump into the local police - who may be tired and nervous. The outcome depends on the rules of engagement (ROE) that have been given to these people. But the general ROE is that they may try to arrest or shoot anyone carrying a weapon in their hands, or a weapon that is visible. So if you have a gun for protection, you better keep it hidden when you bump into the authorities. Other than that, you STOP if the chance of getting shot outweighs the chance that you can escape or defend yourself. It's going to be a gut decision.

2. What is your response to those who want what you have?

A tough question. It's hard to know where to draw the line between compassion and survival. I don't think there's any clear guideline. You are going to have to make your own personal call. Just remember - that desperate person who needs some food or water may also have really valuable info that they can tell you in an emergency. Or maybe not. You just don't know.

3. What protocol do you follow with those who want to join you?

I would be skeptical about taking them along, unless it was kids. If I came across young kids who had no means of providing for themselves, I would try to find a way to help them. But if your objective is to walk a long way across a devastated city, most tag-alongs are going to slow you down. Most Americans are not good at walking these days. Watch the movie "The Book of Eli" with Denzel Washington. He gets into a moral dilemma when he decides to march onwards, even though terrible things are happening around him. Again - no easy answers.

4. Where do you draw the line between looting and foraging for a resource you decide you need?

I would definitely forage for basics ... firewood, clean water, food. Many other people will be doing the same. I draw the line if it comes to taking their possessions by force - I would not do that. And I would try to prevent them from doing the same. But you have to use common sense. If you are overwhelmed, then give up your stuff. Besides, if you are really good at foraging, you can find more stuff. Most Americans will not have advanced survival skills. There aren't many Bear Grylls out there.

I don't think things are going to get apocalyptic in our big cities, unless we have earthquakes and tsunami's on really big scales (magnitude 9 and bigger). In that case, some of the city could be destroyed by fire. Try to remember that those other dirty, miserable human beings are indeed people, and some of them possess some really valuable skills. It's better to work together, if we can. In the end, your course of action will be decided by your faith, your conscience, and your purpose in life.

other Pete