I am somewhat a prepper.
Many people choose different approaches, some look to hunker down where they are so they can "wait things out", others have a bug out bag with a plan for where they will go if something happens.
I chose another approach, mobility. I have minimized my life to the point where I can carry everything I own in a carry on and backpack. I left the US and make sure that I am not tied down anywhere, my apartment has no lease, I have no utility contracts, my cell phone is prepaid. Sure, if something bad happened unexpectedly I would not be much better off than anyone else. But I think, just like MtGox, the signs will be there that I need to get out. With nothing holding me back I will be more likely to pick up and move and can do so at a moment's notice. I am becoming a global citizen where I can go to where there is the least amount of tyranny.
How does bitcoin help? I have all of my money with me, hardware encrypted, software encrypted with several passwords to go through before you can reach my bitcoins. No need to open bank accounts, establish a residence, etc. With localbitcoins I can get cash to pay my rent and buy food/gas.
Some jews made it out of Germany before the SHTF, some Russians got out of the USSR before the rise of communism, I will be one of those people that gets out early.