Preppers

Preppers, also known as survivalists, are individuals or groups who actively prepare for emergencies, disasters, or societal collapse. This preparation can range from stockpiling food, water, and medical supplies to learning survival skills like first aid, self-defense, and resource management. The specific scenarios preppers prepare for are diverse, including natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods, or hurricanes, as well as man-made events like economic crises, pandemics, or civil unrest.

The motivations behind prepping vary. Some preppers are driven by a desire for self-reliance and independence, wanting to be capable of sustaining themselves and their families without relying on external aid. Others are motivated by a concern for potential societal breakdown, believing that existing infrastructure and government services may fail during widespread emergencies. The level of preparation also differs significantly, with some individuals focusing on short-term emergency kits for a few days, while others aim for long-term self-sufficiency, potentially establishing remote homesteads or bunkers.

Prepping practices often involve building a "bug-out bag" containing essential items for evacuation, creating a "bug-in" plan for sheltering in place, and developing knowledge of various survival techniques. This can include skills such as gardening, food preservation, water purification, and rudimentary construction. The community of preppers is varied, with different philosophies and approaches to preparedness. While some maintain their activities privately, others actively share information and strategies within online forums or local groups. The media sometimes portrays preppers in a sensationalized manner, but many engage in thoughtful and practical preparations for a range of eventualities.