The whole 'Newton's Riddle' aspect is interesting. But I'd say this: we've been conditioned via Deep Impact and other media to believe that there are bunkers or vaults that government might choose to reveal in the event of a cataclysmic event. While such 'patriots' as remain would no doubt react aggressively to a "we're comin' to take yer guns" squad on the doorstep, they might go quietly into the night with a "You and your family have been selected by lottery for a space in our bunker. There's no time. Hurry!" squad.
We should anticipate being lied to, don't you think?