I can't but help thinking about lessons from these recent hurricanes that might apply to the big potential disaster in my neck of the woods - earthquakes.

A big quake will really disrupt the infrastructure and the grid, just as these hurricanes did. Plan for three weeks of self-sufficiency, not a piddling three days. This is probably true for other large scale disasters, as well.

Even in the best of circumstances, don't utterly depend upon outside help. It will probably be you and your neighbors, especially right at first. Think through and discuss at least a general strategy.