The History Channel has a program on this subject, I'm watching it right now. It's "Mega Disasters : Earthquake in the Heartland". Very interesting.
Basically, we are screwed if "The BIG ONE" hits. We will never be prepared for a disaster of this magnitude. The best we can hope for is a well organised response to individual issues that come up. Count on the Government to bail you out? That is all we do these days, count on someone else to save out butts.
How many of you have 2-3 weeks of food and water stored, blankets and wood enough to keep you from freezing should the power and/or gas supplys fail? I lived in Los Angeles and worked for a utility there. I've read the contingency plans for when "The Big One" hits there, and buddy, you had better be able to take care of yourself for at least 2 weeks. Not to mention the looting and fighting for what is left of available food supplies. As for myself, I have the stores of food, fuel and firearms to supply protection and wildlife food for me and mine. In my opinion, that is about as prepared as an individual can be while waiting for an unknown "Big One" to hit.