The FEMA program CERT orginated in Calif. Suggest you search the web for CERT, Commmunity Emergency Response Team. You can also contact your local Public Safety services organizations and they should be able to steer you towards your local CERT contacts. <br><br>You might try joining some outdoor clubs, take trips arranged by the local outdoor center, or taking training classes in outdoor survival. You are more likely to me people with similar interests. It will also put you in an environment outside utilities and air conditioning to see how those people deal with reduced services.