Many people simply don't have the money to go into an elaborate preparedness mode. Here are some practical suggestions. It's time to start on a simple, emergency-preparedness library. You need some information on first-aid, securing an alternate source of water, and other things that will help you to survive. You and I take rapid-response law enforcement for granted.
Crises produce social unrest and looting.
One flush of the toilet takes 5 gallons. The average person uses 25 gallons for each shower. Just brushing your teeth could take a gallon of water. When you make adequate plans and store food during times of abundance, that's stockpiling. What kind of food and how to prepare it is a technical matter, but everyone can be ready in some measure.