"A major societal disturbance that leads to uncontrolled unrest" -- I, too, have visited survivalist sites. I think this is a code phrase for stuff like "race wars." Or maybe some sort of internal enemy ("jack-booted thugs"). For some reason, situations that could result in fighting seem to have their attention.

It's hard to imagine characterizing the more realistic emergencies (hurricanes, tornados, floods, etc.) in the same manner. "Societal disturbance"? No, these are natural disasters. "Uncontrolled unrest"? Katrina, as terrible as it was, didn't look like the LA Riot in the aftermath. Yes, the media often skips over the more reasonable forms of emergency preparation, but boring reality just doesn't make sensational news.