A prepper is a person who prepares for possible events, such as natural disasters, wars, widespread pandemics, or societal collapse. These preparations usually take the form of stockpiling supplies such as food, water, medical supplies, and toilet paper, as well as making plans for leaving home such as packing a bug-out bag. The question we are going to look at here is whether or not the number of preppers in America stays fairly constant over the years. The answer to that question is a definite “no.”
So, what is it that causes the numbers of preppers to go up or down in our country? For the most part, the numbers are related to politics. More specifically, how many preppers are active depends on who is in the White House. Doomsday prepping is more widespread among folks who identify themselves as conservative, right-wing, or libertarian. Because of this, a Democrat in the White House has the effect of rising numbers of preppers and a stockpiling of supplies. Conservative voters often feel, under a more liberal president, as though something could be taken away from them, either property or freedom. This makes it much more likely that they will prepare for the worst by anticipating a revolt or a collapse of society.
The number of American preppers was quite high during the Obama administration. There was a huge stockpiling of supplies, and the establishments selling these supplies saw a very brisk business. Gun shows and prepper shows had a larger turnout, and online forums such as Facebook prepper groups were busy with those chatting about plans for worst-case scenarios.
After the 2016 election, with Trump’s arrival in the White House, everything seemed to change. The entire prepper movement across America cooled off significantly. For example, between March 2014 and May 2015, there were about 46 prepping expos across the US, where preppers would link up to buy gear and learn new survival skills. So far this year, there have only been about a dozen such expos. Those who sell equipment usually purchased by preppers have noticed their business suffering the last few years.
What is driving this downturn in the prepper movement? Most likely, it is driven by the political outlook of the conservative preppers. The idea that Trump is improving the economy and is tough on foreign policy has relaxed some of the fears felt during the previous administration. However, there are those who study this trend that feel the preparation for a worst-case scenario should never take a break. According to these people, one never knows what may be coming in the future, regardless of the political party in power at any one time.
So, what are your plans for the future? Will you plan for all eventualities, or do you feel safer at this particular point in time and will therefore turn your efforts towards other pursuits? It is a personal choice, and my wish is that you will find yourself both happy and safe!
I don’t know about everyone else in our neighborhood (of course they don’t know we prep!) but we haven’t slowed down at all, as a matter of fact we have increased our prepping supplies. And I don’t know why any one would slow down, it’s a great time to prep with the increase in jobs and the real estate market is doing well. This country is moving in the right direction….finally. Keep on prepping
Over the years I have seen to many disasters where people were not prepared. I am a prepped, but a person can’t prep for any and everything, but you can try to help yourself. Nobody is going to look out for you.
Living in the North-East and as I age, I find myself routinely “stocking up” on some basics every Fall to prepare to be comfortably supplied for the Winter. Repeated news coverage of impending storms and empty shelves in supermarkets, reinforce this natural, self protective process. It is not always possible to have every desired item delivered (and pay for the service), and many of my neighbors have, over the years, added a second refrigerator/freezer in their garage in order to take advantage of sales and be prepared for unexpected company. The breakdown of old water pipes and subsequent rust in the system also reminds those with some sense to prepare for such incidents, if not in purchased water, then in filtered water kept in clean containers. It isn’t exactly “rocket science”.
The worst problems we’ve had were tornados ,hurricanes ,and floods we were cut off without power and roads covered with trees after 2 weeks we got power and roads open some times I think I live too far out in the country but we had plea ty of water and food and didn’t touch our canned Goods .Spring water was plentiful we cleaned out the freezer in about 3 days we used generator to pump gas at the gas station. Dried beans and other dried food oatmeal honey syrup eggs.finished our diet .