From my layperson's perspective, it is hubris to conclude that Putin won't use his nuclear arsenal, especially if pushed. That's the sort of basic risk assessment misstep that has devastating consequences.
It's damned either way, of course. Any attempt at widespread preparation would only create panic at this point.
Makes me wish we'd taken the threat much more seriously a lot earlier.
@kel Agreed. The cornered animal metaphor is entirely appropriate. Lots of people seem to be forgetting that stated Russian doctrine calls for the use of nuclear weapons if they are losing a conventional conflict that threatens their territory.
But it goes further than that. He might, for example, detonate a tactical device over an unpopulated area - an airburst to minimize fallout - to frighten everyone into giving into his demands.