Prepparism

Prepparism, often shortened to prepping, refers to the preparedness activities undertaken by individuals and groups in anticipation of various potential disasters or emergencies. These events can range from natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, or pandemics, to man-made crises like economic collapse, civil unrest, or widespread power outages. Preppers typically focus on self-sufficiency and resilience, aiming to maintain a level of security and comfort for themselves and their families when conventional support systems might fail.

The core of prepparism involves accumulating resources and knowledge. Common stockpiles include non-perishable food, clean water, medical supplies, fuel, and tools. Beyond material goods, preppers often emphasize developing practical skills. These can include first aid, gardening, hunting, self-defense, navigation, and communication methods that do not rely on modern infrastructure. The level of preparation varies widely, from those who simply maintain an emergency kit for a few days to those who establish elaborate off-grid survival scenarios.

Motivations for prepparism are diverse. Some individuals are driven by a sense of personal responsibility, while others are influenced by media portrayals of societal breakdown or warnings from scientific or political figures. The movement is not monolithic, and different preppers may focus on different types of threats and adopt distinct preparedness strategies. While often associated with extreme scenarios, the fundamental principles of preparedness, such as having an emergency plan and a basic supply kit, are recommended by many government agencies for general disaster readiness.