Survivalists, or preppers, are a varied group of people who, operating under differing philosophies and methods, are committed to proactively preparing for emergencies. These emergencies may be short or long term, natural or societal, with effects ranging from individual to global. Some recent examples of emergencies include hurricanes, blizzards, earthquakes, war, hyperinflation, famine, and a global pandemic.
Survivalists and preppers don’t believe in relying on the normal infrastructure of supply lines, utilities, government services, and economic stability to continue smoothly after a major incident, so they emphasize self-reliance and strategic preparation. Typical survival strategies include establishing a stockpile of food, water and other short-term supplies, and polishing self-defense, wilderness survival, and homesteading skills.
There are several driving philosophies behind different schools of survivalism, and their preparation styles and focus vary accordingly.
- Brief natural disaster
This group focuses on wilderness survival, self-defense, and concerns related to relatively brief disruptions arising from individual natural disasters like tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or prolonged power outages. Adherents of this philosophy typically assume that society will continue uninterrupted, aside from a short to moderate period of turmoil within a moderately restricted geographical region, so their focus is on repairing structures or building temporary shelters, establishing a supply of water, medicine and ample food supplies to tide them over until communication and services are restored.
- Sustained natural disaster
Preppers who are most concerned about extended weather cycles lasting 2-10 years which might cause crop failures and massive population migrations such as during the Dust Bowl of the 20th century. Unsettled weather patterns suggest that long term drought and unrest related to significant water scarcity, crop loss due to extreme winter storms, and unprecedented heat waves increase the possibility that these conditions could indeed be on the horizon.
Since preppers are envisioning disruption and hunger that may extend for years, they may stock several tons of non-perishable food, as well as medicine, water, and a heavy-duty greenhouse.
- Protracted or multi-generational disaster
Survivalists in this group contemplate an end to existing society on a global level, perhaps due to global climate change, environmental degradation, an asteroid strike, or effects from a nuclear war.
Groups who are contemplating permanent catastrophic effects will typically focus on building shelters designed to weather an array of disasters, then focusing on re-establishing a safe haven for themselves, including sustaining activities like farming and animal husbandry.
- Bio-Chem
Members of this group are concerned with potential attacks using biological agents such as smallpox, nerve gasses such as sarin, and deadly disease outbreaks like swine flu, ebola, cholera, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Other potential scenarios include large hazardous waste spills and nuclear accidents.
- Monetary disaster
Groups who believe global monetary systems are inherently flawed prepare for hyperinflation by purchasing precious metals or other assets that are assumed to retain their value after a catastrophic economic collapse.
- Biblical eschatologists
Those who study End Times prophecies differ significantly in their interpretation of scripture and appropriate preparations, from eschewing any preparation at all, to storing years worth of food to stave off famine and pestilence.
- Rawlesian
Followers of James Wesley Rawles believe in preparing for a wide range of scenarios including hyperinflation and socioeconomic collapse. Typically, this includes establishing well-equipped, secluded survival retreats, preparing for self-defense with a store of arms, and storing food intended to last for years.
Regardless of the focus of concern, nearly all preppers are concerned first and foremost with establishing a robust emergency supply of preserved food and potable water. It’s not an unreasonable approach. Even in wealthy, politically stable nations such as in Europe and North America, a complete breakdown of law and order is possible, potentially triggered by widespread riots, rebellion, or runaway tensions with a hostile country. Then, there’s the increasingly widespread feeling that today’s industrial civilization is unsustainable and will inevitably bring about its own collapse. Whatever the source of tribulation, however, individuals and families in crises like these will necessarily focus on primary survival needs: food, water, air and shelter.
