I remember Y2K where people thought systems would fail, planes would fall out the sky, all sorts of stuff. So I recall stockpiling water, becoming self sufficient learning how to grow veg. Foraging would be another good skill to have, so you know what treats can be eaten in a forest or grassland, there's more than you would think.
Also we have 2 water butts to collect water for the plants, plus flushing the loo.
In the US it's a bit of a craze. We can't do it here, but getting guns and going on survival courses.
In all honesty if it was to happen, I remember my Dad saying during the Gulf War, that WW3, given nuclear weapons, it would be the end of the earth.
We have candles a plenty, fire starting stuff, the only thing I think may be OTT is collecting food, as it'll more than likely go to waste.
For me it's about my faith more than anything. That's something that's very individual. I wouldn't want to hold up hubby and the children, so would leave them to it, if they sought a better area to survive.
I think essentials are:
*Tent & blankets
*Plastic cover
*Wind up torch / radio
*Solar lights
*Multiple lighters / matches
*Maps of country area
*Route plan to get somewhere avoiding busy roads / main routes
*Compass
*Swiss arm knife / basic tools
*Bungee cord
*Spare fuel for car
*They say tampons can be used to filter water, as if it goes on long enough you'll run out.
*First Aid kit
*Books on foraging / surviving in wild
*Freeze dried food
*Multipurpose pans
*Water filtration kit
*Collection of wood
*How would you cope without meds, stockpile paracetamol & others
There's probably lots more but that's what comes to mine. I'm sure more research you do, you'll know essentials etc.
I do believe if it got that bad, we'd likely be wiped out anyway.