Photo Courtesy: National Geographic<\/p><\/div>\n This is the scenario that has happened in numerous towns across America and people are starting to wake up to the possibility that it actually might just happen to them.\u00a0 The trend towards emergency preparedness or \u201csurvivalism\u201d has really started to take hold in recent years due to a number of natural disasters, mass shootings and other public safety threats that have come to the forefront.\u00a0 This idea has been perpetuated by television shows such as AMC\u2019s Walking Dead and TLC\u2019s Doomsday Bunkers.\u00a0 While some think that people with the preparedness or \u201cPrepper\u201d mentality are just paranoid tin-hat wearing fools, others have really latched on to the idea and started to incorporate emergency preparedness tactics into their everyday lives.\u00a0 Is the recent infatuation with survivalism and emergency preparedness a valid, relevant movement that deserves a further look?\u00a0 Or does it simply promote a fear mentality for people in an already insecure world.\u00a0 Is there a need to prepare for the unexpected in today\u2019s world or is the whole idea being oversold?\u00a0 If history repeats itself as they say it always does, then we can look at examples of disasters throughout recent years to determine if preparing is a wise and necessary venture.\u00a0 Otherwise this trend would be nothing less than a marketing tactic to push products that will likely never be needed.<\/p>\n What is \u201cSurvivalism\u201d?<\/strong><\/p>\n Wikipedia defines emergency preparedness or \u201csurvivalism\u201d as \u201ca movement of individuals or groups (called\u00a0survivalists\u00a0or\u00a0preppers) who are actively preparing\u00a0for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international.\u00a0 Survivalists<\/a> often acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a survival retreat or an underground shelter) that may help them survive a catastrophe.\u201d<\/p>\n The possibilities for calamity are seemingly endless in today\u2019s world.\u00a0 From nuclear threats to economic disaster, it seems as though there is always something to be worried about.\u00a0 In such an uncertain environment, it would seem to be a wise choice to insure the safety of your family by stocking up on a few extra items that could possibly save your life one day.\u00a0 We purchase health insurance to protect against a major injury and life insurance to protect our families in the event of an unexpected death so why not buy insurance to protect against the effects of a major disaster?\u00a0 This move towards individual responsibility for your own well being is long overdue and will likely continue to expand over the next several years.<\/p>\n How Real is the Threat?<\/strong><\/p>\n During Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, many families were left stranded without adequate food or water supplies.\u00a0 Some were lucky enough to evacuate to higher ground before the flooding hit but others weren\u2019t so lucky.\u00a0 Circumstances in the local emergency shelters were less than adequate and sometimes even dangerous.\u00a0 Only those who had taken responsibility for their own personal safety were able to weather the storm unscathed.\u00a0 Just a few simple preparations such as extra food, clean water and medical supplies made all the difference when it came down to a real emergency.<\/p>\n Many people argue against preparedness citing paranoia and unrealistic expectations. This is especially true when you talk about preparing for societal collapse or doomsday. But preparedness extends far beyond zombies and bunkers. Preparedness could be as simple as knowing how to fix your car or having adequate food and lighting for your family if the power went out for days or weeks.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It wasn’t raining when Noah built the Ark<\/p>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n People may be able to argue about the various reasons to prepare, however one thing is clear; preparedness is smart, practical and useful. After all \u201cIt wasn\u2019t raining when Noah built the Ark\u201d <\/strong>as Howard Ruff would say. Whether you are preparing for something as extreme as the apocalypse or something as simple as a power outage, being prepared mitigates trouble, saves money and could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.<\/p>\n Someone once asked the founder of the Boy Scouts, \u00a0Robert Baden-Powell about the motto of the scouts \u201cBe prepared\u201d. \u00a0\u201cBe prepared for what?\u201d they asked. Baden-Powell responded \u201cWhy, for any old thing”. Being prepared for life and the chaotic challenges it throws at you and allows you to life happy, stress free and without regret.\u00a0 If buying a few extra supplies means a happy, stress free life you can count me in!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n http:\/\/www.census.gov\/newsroom\/emergencies\/<\/a><\/p>\n https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Survivalism<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n ***This article was contributed by Chrystle Poss a.k.a. \u201cSurvival Girl\u201d, Owner of this Survival Blog<\/a> and devoted Prepper<\/a>. She has been writing articles on survival and emergency preparedness since 2006. You can find her work on various websites and publications.***<\/p>\n Recommended Articles:<\/p>\n 11 Survival TV Shows Worth Watching<\/a><\/p>\n Dancing at Armageddon: \u00a0Survivalism and Chaos in Modern Times<\/a><\/p>\n![\"survivalism\"](\"https:\/\/farm6.staticflickr.com\/5670\/23073588805_e1b4cb9876_z.jpg\")
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Several studies have been conducted by Citizen Corps regarding emergency preparedness trends among governments, businesses and households in America. These surveys found that individuals and households are aware of the seriousness of a natural disaster, and say that they are willing to prepare for one, but relatively few households have acted to mitigate losses and reduce injury. With so much evidence pointing out the importance in being prepared in today\u2019s society, it\u2019s hard to understand why anyone would choose not act to protect themselves and their families in the event of a disaster.<\/p>\nImportant Notice: This content is available for use only with proper credit and a valid link to this survival blog.<\/em><\/h3>\n