Not everyone can "run for the hills". Although that would be ideal, for most its just not in the cards. With that being said there is a ton of things to get yourself more if not completely independent. I would like to post back with some urban-centric ideas that I have acquired over the last 20 + years of reducing my families total reliance on heating, water, food and electrical use.  Let me know.  I'm sure I will learn some stuff from you folks as well. Cheers