Prepping

Prepping, short for preparedness, is the practice of anticipating emergencies or disruptions to daily life and organizing resources, plans, and skills to maintain safety, health, and functioning during such events.

Practitioners assess risks such as natural disasters, power outages, or supply chain interruptions and take actions to reduce dependence on immediate external support. Common practices include creating emergency plans (communication, meeting places, evacuation routes), assembling kits and stockpiles of water, non-perishable foods, medicines, clothing, and tools, securing longer-term storage (fuel, cash, important documents), and developing practical skills (first aid, basic repairs, navigation). The scope ranges from simple, short-term readiness to longer-term resilience at the household level. Community and official guidance emphasize coordination and resource sharing alongside individual preparation.

History and culture: elements of preparedness have roots in mid- to late-20th-century survivalist thought prompted by Cold War concerns, with modern online communities expanding the movement in the 2000s and beyond. The term prepper and related media have popularized a spectrum of approaches, from cautious personal planning to more expansive self-reliance practices. In contrast to formal emergency management, prepping is typically centered on the individual household or small groups rather than institutional response.

Criticism and considerations: debates surround prepping as prudent risk mitigation versus hoarding or materialism. Critics point to safety hazards from improper storage, distortions of supply during shortages, and the potential for encouraging isolation. Proponents argue that, when conducted responsibly and ethically, preparedness enhances resilience and reduces vulnerability to a wide range of disruptions.