Understanding the Prepping Community: What It Is and Why It’s Growing in 2024
How Preppers Are Preparing for an Uncertain Future and How You Can Join Them
So you’re curious about prepping and it’s community. Let’s get into the basics of it.
What is the Prepping Community?
The prepping community consists of individuals and groups dedicated to preparing for emergencies and potential disasters. Some of these are natural, economic, or societal. They believe in self-sufficiency, stockpiling essential supplies, and having contingency plans for various scenarios like power outages, food shortages, and societal unrest.
While prepping was once considered fringe behavior, it has now become more mainstream, drawing people from all political spectrums who are concerned about the future, particularly in the lead-up to the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Preppers come from all diverse backgrounds, ranging from rural survivalists to urban dwellers who feel the government may not be able to protect them during a crisis. The focus has shifted from a stereotypical “doomsday” mentality to practical preparedness that ensures personal and family safety in uncertain times.
What Are Preppers Doing Now?
Preppers are actively reassessing their resources in 2024, stocking up on essentials like food, water, and medical supplies. Many are also learning new skills that could prove invaluable in the event of an emergency, such as gardening, first aid, and basic survival skills.
Recent concerns over political instability, climate change, and economic uncertainty have prompted many preppers to build stronger networks, share information, and offer advice through social media and YouTube channels.
Some are investing in renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, and preparing their homes to be more self-sufficient. As the upcoming election stirs fears of civil unrest or government breakdown, preppers are also fortifying their homes, acquiring tools for self-defense, and engaging in discussions on how to survive without government intervention
How to Find a Prepping Community
Finding a prepping community can be as simple as searching for local or online groups. Social media platforms like Facebook, Reddit, and specialized forums dedicated to survivalism, often host prepping communities that offer advice and share resources. On top of that, YouTube channels and podcasts focused on prepping are becoming increasingly popular, providing a platform for people to connect with similar like-minded folks.
For those interested in face-to-face connections, local survivalist expos or preparedness fairs offer opportunities to meet others in the prepping community. Many preppers join networks through churches, community organizations, or even meetup groups that focus on disaster preparedness.
What Percent of Americans Are Considered Preppers?
Prepping has seen a surge in recent years, particularly as political and environmental concerns grow. According to various sources, approximately 3–5% of Americans consider themselves active preppers. However, the broader trend of emergency preparedness is far more widespread, with nearly 10–15% of the population taking some form of precautionary measures, such as storing emergency supplies or creating contingency plans for power outages and natural disasters.
While it’s difficult to truly assess the percentage of Americans leaning into prepping, there does seem to be an influx of interest.
Useful Sources and Resources:
- American Preppers Network
A long-standing online resource that provides guides, news, and discussions on prepping, self-sufficiency, and survival. They frequently cover the political climate and its impact on preparedness.
American Preppers Network - Ready.gov
Managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, this website offers official advice on emergency preparedness, including natural disasters, economic disruptions, and other crises that many preppers plan for.
Ready.gov - The Prepared
An in-depth prepping site with practical advice, gear reviews, and community forums. They also explore the cultural aspects of prepping and how political and environmental concerns affect the movement.
The Prepared - Survivalist Forum
A highly active online forum where preppers discuss current events, gear, and strategies for being ready for anything from natural disasters to economic collapse.
Survivalist Forum - The Economic Collapse Blog
This blog often discusses economic crises and how these fears drive prepping behavior. It ties into the mindset of financial and societal instability that fuels the prepper movement.
The Economic Collapse Blog
