Small Town (or Similar) Community Planning?

So I have been reading a fascinating little book entitled Preparing for a Suburban or Rural Community, by Michael Mabee. It is about establishing in a small community, or similar, a viable civil defense apparatus for the eventually of a serious disruption or outright collapse of society. It covers all the basics one would expect (e.g., provisions, energy, medical, legal, security, etc.), but also the legal machinery to set up before a catastrophe. It sort of reminds me of a more inclusive system than the old "local chapters" of the American Civil Defense Association.

Have you considered taking part in such an activity? Do you think it would work in your community? If so, why, if not, why not? If you were approached to be included in such planning, would you or not? What role would you play in such a community?

Thanks for sharing!