re: Apocalypse power
There are many solutions for emergency low-power needs if you want to buy the gadgets. This page, picked at random, shows a few. I have a hand-crank radio and flashlight in my car, and an inverter.
A friend loaned me a Verizon wireless broadband unit that slides into my PC card slot, so I can pop on to the net now and then. Most of what I'm doing now is visiting relatives. Will be heading back west tomorrow with two tall teenagers in the back seat of a Honda Pilot. Wish me luck.