Preppers and Survivalists - Who're They and What can They think To numerous people, the phrase "Prepper" brings up notions of the camouflage wearing, gun-toting scary survivalist who's waiting for no more the entire world. However, most Preppers are very ordinary those who don't be noticeable in a crowd. They are doctors and plumbers and lawyers and carpenters and school teachers. Many of them don't even own any camouflage!
So what exactly is a "Prepper?"
Nevertheless, there might be as much definitions because there are people involved with each movement, the essential definition is the fact that a Prepper is somebody who stores equipment and supplies and food in the event of a crisis. That emergency could be a major natural disaster being a hurricane or even a tornado, a forest fire or gas leak that will require a neighborhood to be evacuated, or anything up to and including major collapse with the country's power company. Preppers also take seriously the threat of how a terrorist attack could affect the ability grid or perhaps the nationwide supply network that keeps our grocery stores' shelves stocked.
Preppers will typically have weeks to a year's way to obtain food stocked up, in addition to flashlights, blankets, a water liver and usually a portable backup generator. They're those who are not affected greatly with a multi-day power outage or perhaps a broken water main that causes a run on bottled water at the grocery store.
outdoorsJust what "Survivalist?"
Typically a Survivalist can be a dedicated Prepper who, and also being ready for an all-natural disaster, is very concerned about a breakdown in law and order. In addition to the Preppers' worry about "SHTF" (shit hits the fan) scenarios, Survivalists are involved with "TEOTWAWKI" (no more the planet as we know it) and "WROL" (without rule of law) situations. Survivalists see the social order to be very fragile: dependent upon a increasingly burdened government welfare system that must keep over 44 million Americans on Food Stamps. They understand very well that if America's extraordinary debts are not continually recycled by foreign countries willing to purchase our T-bills and bonds, we might face hyperinflation similar to Zimbabwe and Weimar Germany that could cause massive civil unrest. Dangerous times and great risks demand precautions, and Survivalists consider their personal safety, and that of the loved ones, paramount. A Survivalist may have firearms and often a really specific policy for "hunkering down" or "bugging out" if law and order break down.
What Can We Study from Preppers and Survivalists
It would be difficult to find a Survivalist who is not a Prepper, basically most Preppers have thought a great deal about survivalism and protecting themselves. Anyone would greatly take advantage of contemplating these two groups of people and so what can be learned from their store.
survivalIf there was clearly a power outage that lasted for more than 2 or 3 days, how would you react? If the governments (city, state and federal) couldn't maintain your Hurricane Katrina victims, precisely what does that inform you of being prepared? Have you considered that a natural gas leak, train derailment with hazardous materials, power outage or terror attack could turn your family into refugees if you don't have a plan?