A rising trend in disaster preparedness is being observed among younger Americans, with concerns ranging from global pandemics to the upcoming 2024 presidential election driving their proactive approach.
Recent data from a Finder.com poll revealed that 39% of American Millennials and 40% of Gen Zers have allocated funds toward disaster prepping in the past 12 months. In contrast, only 29% of the general American population reported spending money on emergency preparedness during the same period.
Anthropology professor Chad Huddleston from Southern Illinois University noted the pervasive worry among younger individuals about the possibility of a recurring event similar to the COVID-19 pandemic and the potential disruptions it could bring to daily life.
The preparedness industry has witnessed a surge in interest, with the coronavirus pandemic acting as a catalyst for heightened awareness. Drew Miller, CEO of Fortitude Collapse Preparedness and Fortitude Ranch, emphasized the long-standing understanding within the preparedness community that events like electric grid failures or real pandemics could lead to disruptions in daily life.
Patrick McCall, president of the McCall Risk Group firm, pointed out the scarcity of emergency preparedness offerings online in 2017 compared to the current landscape shaped by the challenges posed by COVID-19.
Both Miller and McCall also highlighted the role of the 2024 presidential election as a motivating factor for individuals on both sides of the political spectrum. Concerns about a possible civil war next year, driven by the anticipation of a contentious election outcome, were cited as significant motivators for disaster preparedness.
Brekke Wagoner, a Millennial who operates the YouTube channel Sustainable Prepping, suggested that the trend would likely persist as political landscapes both nationally and internationally grow more chaotic. Wagoner emphasized that the pandemic and uncertainties in politics have prompted younger generations to reconsider the stability of systems they had taken for granted.
Experts caution against characterizing this behavior as “doomsday prepping.” Professor Chad Huddleston clarified that the impulse to stock up on supplies is driven more by the recognition of supply chain vulnerabilities exposed during the pandemic, rather than a belief in an imminent societal collapse.
While the recent figures indicate a decrease from the peak of disaster preparedness during the height of the pandemic, they still represent a noteworthy increase compared to previous years. The 2023 survey results surpassed those from 2019 and 2017, signifying a growing awareness and inclination among Americans, particularly younger ones, to proactively prepare for unforeseen challenges in the future.
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