First we operate under the assumption that whatever difficulties we encounter, survival is possible and desirable and our behavior can have a major affect on our chances. The nature of the threat can be assesed by looking at existing threat asessments by organizations dedicated to this. FEMA, the local disaster preparedness committee, the local Red Cross chapter are excellent sources. Another source is common sense. Doesn't take a genius to figure that nearby military bases , atomic plants , chemical plants and oil refineries are potential threats.
Any major city has the potential for riot and looting.
Carry this process out to 200 miles if you can get the data. Explore the geological and meteorological history of your home area. This could be done with your kids as a science project for school. Hurricanes , tornadoes , severe thunderstorms , blizzards , earthquakes , heat waves , wildfires , volcanoes , tsunamis , floods and flash floods should all be on your list of things to check on. Go back a hundred years, more if good records are available.