What is Survivalism & Preparedness?

Many people suffer from the illusion, promoted by the entertainment industry, that a Survivalist is some red-neck, who lives in a bunker, who dresses daily in camo and has millions of rounds of ammo.

To me, someone who studies Survivalism and Preparedness can be an average Joe like you and me. Someone who likely works a 9-5 job and has a typical home and family. What seperates him from most, is that he takes an active role in protecting and preparing himself and his family for what may come.

Here are the Wikipedia definitions. You decide if the definition fits your intended lifestyle.


Survivalism:
Survivalism is a commonly used term for the preparedness strategy and subculture of individuals or groups anticipating and making preparations for future possible disruptions in local, regional or worldwide social or political order. Survivalists often prepare for this anticipated disruption by learning skills (e.g., emergency medical training), stockpiling food and water, preparing for self-defense and self-sufficiency, and/or building structures that will help them to survive or "disappear" (e.g., a survival retreat or underground shelter).


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preparedness
Preparedness:

Preparedness refers to the state of being prepared for specific or unpredictable events or situations. Preparedness is an important quality in achieving goals and in avoiding and mitigating negative outcomes. It is a major phase of emergency management, and is particularly valued in areas of competition such as sport and military science.

Methods of preparation include research, estimation, planning, resourcing, education and rehearsing.