Survival Without a Power Grid

I'd like to use this thread to discuss life without a power grid. As most here know, there are several scenarios floating around concerning astronomical events about to occur. I am in the process of storing food and water but there are other issues that need discussion.

A friend of mine is a detective and he says that when the power grid goes down after people realize this is not a temporary thing lasting only a few hours, there will begin rioting in the streets. Several weeks later, hungry and thirsty people will begin getting desperate and if they have weapons, they may kill anyone standing in the way of them getting food and water.

Because of this reality I have also bought a few weapons to protect my family. Because of the late date of my realization of upcoming events, I probably will be unable to move. I live in the suburbs of a large city. Although there are still fields around, there are plenty of people living around here. My detective friend told me if I buy a solar and/or wind generator, this will be visible to others and it would be like putting a target on my house. Not only that, my homeowners association reports they would probably deny putting up solar panels and/or wind turbines in my house.

Now I have to look at other ways to heat my home and generate at least some electricity in the event of power grid failure. What do people suggest for people like me for next winter when there may not be electricity?