Civilian preparedness then. Driveway gun. Word.
Layers are good from both a weight (given the altitude) and image (given the fluid nature of disasters).
If you're trying to keep weight down, and you likely should, an assaulter-ish plate carrier with all the mags is likely not the answer.
If you're trying to keep your profile low, and likely should, an assaulter-ish plate carrier with all the mags is likely not the answer.
Without knowing you or your general plan, I'd still push you towards a sort of collection of gear that can work as stand-alone pieces or in concert.
First, a solid CCW setup since you can/should be wringing that out right now. There's good info all over P&S for that.
Second, a load-bearing belt (battle belt, bat bat, war belt, etc.). There's at least one thread here all about them. This is something that can comfortably carry some ammo, an IFAK, and even a small radio if that's your thing. I'm a fan because they can be somewhat concealed under big shirts/jackets or worn over cold weather clothes. If you're seated in a vehicle, then you can look pretty normal from the window up, which is especially handy if you've just realized that it's not driveway gun day...yet. Bonus if your CCW belt can also be your inner belt.
Third, a slick, no frills plate carrier with the thinnest/lightest plates you can afford. Bonus if you can hang a chest rig off of it. The slicker it is, the easier it is to wear it under a shirt or jacket.
Fourth, a versatile chest rig. Functional as both a load-bearing platform you wear and as a way to store extra ammo in a vehicle or home. You could throw it on by itself to have some ammo and whatever else you plan to keep in it (water, medical, etc.) or use it to supplement the war belt. You can wear it over the plate carrier (you really don't have to attach it) if you need the protection, or without to keep weight down. Since weight is a concern, Mayflower/Velocity make excellent options, including the one I mentioned above.
Or, search Ebay for a Paraclete RAV and load that bad johnny up with every mag you got.