Most Stephen king novels lead to societal collapse and people turning on each other. It makes for a great read but it doesn't seem that's what people actually do in a disaster. They usually help each other and try to rebuild society.
A great book on the subject is "A Paradise Built in Hell."
Wasn't it also the theme of one of the Simpson's movies? (Probably based off the Stephen King novel?)
The Simpsons Movie (called just that) actually predates the novel.
Do you recall which story that was? Sounds like a fun read.