"But even in the blackouts of that decade, most people in most places behaved themselves."

The birth rate went up 9 months later...

Sue

Toronto doesn't have the reputation that NY does, but when my hubby walked home during the 2003 east coast black-out, he said people were very pleasant. A shopkeeper even gave him a bottle of water. Nobody I know experienced a behaviour problem. In fact, most reported block parties, and got to know there neighbours better.

While I wish to believe this...People have trampled over and killed in walmarts during the holidays.......People are animals..rawr...

You are taking about crowds. People have also been killed at soccer matches and burning nightclubs among other places when panic sets in. One good reason to avoid large gatherings.

Under more "normal" conditions, most people, most of the time, are fairly reasonable and helpful. Just watch out for that two percent that isn't.

Large Gatherings and crowds Id suspect would happen during a large scale natural disaster. Campsites, parks, Rest stops, Large parkinglots pretty much any large flat plot of land and or locations people are use to resting in may easily become crowded and over packed which is often a recipe for issues on its own let alone throwing in the need for supplies such as food and water.