Survival, actual not theoretical.

[wnylib]

4. The Great Lakes are the largest inland fresh water system.

The western lakes are farthest north, with harsher winters. The eastern lakes have warmer temps.

Possible Downsides. A couple of bordering states, like Ohio, get frequent tornado warnings, so that could be a concern without FEMA. Blizzards are a hazard sometimes from winds coming across the lakes, but not every year, not even every decade. Local communities are usually equipped to handle blizzards when they do happen.

There are dairy farms and lake plains for agriculture in the states that border the Great Lakes.