Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or preppers) who are actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales ranging from local to international levels. Survivalists often acquire emergency medical and self-defence training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a survival retreat or an underground shelter) that would help them survive a catastrophe.
Anticipated disruptions may include:
- Clusters of natural disasters, patterns of apocalyptic planetary crises, or Earth Changes (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, solar storms, severe thunderstorms).
- A disaster caused by the activities of humankind (chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, nuclear or conventional war, oppressive governments).
- The general collapse of society caused by the shortage or unavailability of resources such as electricity, fuel, food, or water.
- Financial disruption or economic collapse (caused by monetary manipulation, hyperinflation, deflation, or depression).
- A global pandemic.
- Widespread chaos or some other unexplained apocalyptic event.
Read more about Survivalism: History, Outline of Scenarios and Outlooks, Common Preparations, Survivalist Terminology, Perceived Extremism, Government Preparedness Efforts and Training, Survivalism Worldwide, Other Groups Related To Survivalism, In Fiction