I can raise animals and I plant a garden..but your animals & garden won't be secure if folks get hungry enough. Survival by an individual or individual family sounds enticing, but to survive in such a situation our best chances will be with a small, close knit community. That way there can be a maintainable perimeter, guard roster and foraging parties etc. A plus in this type situation will be the coss reference of talent necessary to survive. Within a 1/2 mile circle in my community are mechanics, a blacksmith, nurses, a veterinarian, naturalist and many other talents..most are good shots also.
One man or one family would have a problem with a 24 hr guard post alone..so small, close knit community is the answer (IMO). That way, roving bands are more likely to pass by in an effort to find "easier pickings".
Really, that is exactly what frontiersmen like Daniel Boone & others did in a very similar situation. Experience should be our best teacher..agreed?
Sorry; I guess I hijacked this thread to a survival discussion, but I felt the need.