They probably haven't thought about the next 2-3 weeks without air conditioning, sewer, water, electricity and significantly reduced police and emergency services.
We lost electricity for 8 days after a freak October snowstorm about 5 years ago. The "adventure" got old after about 3 hours. For example, I have a generator, but its not big enough to run a dishwasher.
Been there. I've got a big 70's diesel welder/generator on a trailer that I am putting back together. Doing a little wheel and deal on solar panels and batteries right now... That setup will run my place without even breathing hard, and already I have 110 gallons on hand.I bought that old girl for 200 bucks. The motor runs like a watch...
It ain't hard to be ready for it. And it doesn't have to be expensive.
Shoot, the only reason I am doing all this is so I don't have to move the freezer(s) outside in the winter, and so I'm not screwed if I lose power in the SUMMER.
Other than that, wood heat and kerosene lanterns work just fine for winter storms...