UNFORTUNATELY, first thing that comes to peoples minds is guns. In my opinion quite a ways down the list. If you are dead from lack of water, food, or medical attention no gun in the world is going to save you.
HAVE A PLAN! Prepare in advance and do some learning like gardening, fermenting, dehydrating, basically learn as many Bush crafting skills as you can. Then put the 5 Cs somewhere where you can find them.
Cutting
Combustion
Cover
Container
Cordage
WATER. FRESH water and or a way to purify what you can find. Purification means filters, pre filters, bleach or purification tablets or the supplies like pot and fire to boil. No water, dosent matter how well armed you are.
Good first aide/trauma kit, probably a $200.00 investment, and training to use it.
Temporary shelter and blankets/sleeping bags.
Way to make fire to keep warm and cook. Think CORE BODY TEMPERATURE. I fear many people wont know what to do when the electricity, water and internet go out.
Supply of any medications you require… I say at least a month.
Good radio that runs on electricity , batteries and maybe solar.
12VDC devices to keep any phones or other necessities charged.
Copies of Identification and medical info.
Food can be as simple and cheap (thinking storage and easy/quick to prepare) instant oatmeal, instant rice, beans, sugar or honey, flour, peanut butter, something like DATRIX or MAINSTAY for a quick meal while you are getting settled, if you are rich… get some Freeze dried foods/meals like Mountain House. Again if rich and keep in mind it has a few year shelf life only MREs,
Maps and compass.
Now, lets talk guns…
I could go on and on, but lets stop here for now and see where this goes.