I never mentioned the word "first"... I just asked what you would do...
I would, fuck da rules. Ain't no post apocalyptic scenario worth doing without internet. Otherwise you might as well just die with the initial 90% of people who die outright to the bomb that caused the pulse. That's what I plan to do. Rebuild shit? Wait for the power to come back on? Ain't nobody got time for that shit.
I'd try to seek out a group someone else started. I'd try to find ways to influence those within toward whatever I'd need. If the group looks like it's going to fall apart, I'd snag as much supplies as I could and sneak away, hide, then go on the look out for another group that doesn't appear too bloodthirsty, offering what supplies I have left as a bartering chip to let me join.
I wouldn't expect to last too long, and I somehow see myself being late for the looting if my alarm clock stops working.
I went through a doomsday prepping phase right after my training, I have 5 boxes of mres and a ghillie suit. Not to mention all my standard issued gear that I'm allowed to take back with me, including my flak. I also have a Checnyian ak-47.
I'd swoop by, pick up my target and head for a remote area in my state. I'd just wait it out by fishing and fucking to pass the time.
Sadly, there wouldn't be much to do where I live nor the people would start rioting. But hypothetically, if I was in a different neighborhood I would grab my sports bag and rush to the nearest gun shop. I would repeat this journey until I'd be satisfied with my equipment. Afterwards I'd pay a visit to a few food stores to make sure I'd have enough food to get by and would also get some planks and stuff to take care of the windows and other parts of my home to improve my security. During that I would bother taking money from cash desks. Once that's done I would spend a few days in a solitary, observing what's happening outside, reading a good book until the night time (no lights, duh). At night I would sneak out to cherish the view of a slightly damaged city, filled with flaming barrels. I would peacefully stroll to various bookstores and other shops collecting the stuff that I fancy since getting stuff for free is never a bad thing! I might also gather some folks into a group to make my walks more secure. I would use such opportunity solely to acquire more stuff, including a large collection of guns. I would not bother with aimlessly running through the streets and killing random people. That would cause too much noise and I could get killed in the process. Since electricity would be restored, the thing that I pity the most from such situation is the potential ruining of my walls whilst attempting to make my living place more secure. Windows might also get broken, I imagine, which is sad. However, money and new belongings would make up the loss.
1. How would you travel with all of this gear? By foot? You're talking about moving alot of heavy stuff to fortify a house. How would you travel with it? People will eventually start looting houses, why would you choose to stay at a high visibility target location verses going somewhere less conspicuous?
2. Most registers are emptied after each shift and put into a lock box. (but it may be worth checking anyway.) Though the value of cash would eventually fall and a barter system would likely take over. (money is of little practical use in a survival situation)
3. As for power being restored many theorists believe if an EMP impacted major electrical utility plants it could take several months to a year to repair and restore power - source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBfALe8X9C8 Think tank Comity evaluating the effect of an EMP Attack. including former director of the US CIA.