Younger Americans, particularly Millennials and Gen Zers, are increasingly focused on disaster preparedness, spending money on essential items in anticipation of potential emergencies, according to a survey conducted by Finder.com. The poll revealed that 39% of American Millennials and 40% of Gen Zers reported making disaster-prepping purchases in the past 12 months, surpassing the overall average of 29% among all age groups.
The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a surge in concern among younger generations, with many fearing a repeat scenario or similar disruptions to daily life. This growing awareness has led to increased spending on emergency supplies and preparedness measures.
Anthropology professor Chad Huddleston from Southern Illinois University noted the rising anxiety among young people, stating, “In my work, I see younger people worried about a repeat of a COVID-type event and the types of disruption it can bring to daily life.”
Experts in disaster preparation suggest that the 2024 presidential election is also a motivating factor for both sides of the political spectrum. Drew Miller, CEO of Fortitude Collapse Preparedness and Fortitude Ranch, emphasized that concerns about an electric grid failure or a real pandemic are driving people to prepare for potential disruptions to daily life.
Patrick McCall, president of McCall Risk Group, highlighted the impact of social media on influencing people’s preparedness efforts. He mentioned that individuals belonging to online communities may be influenced by posts or discussions related to upcoming disasters, elections, or global events, prompting them to join the preparedness trend.
Miller expressed a belief that the fear of a possible civil war following the 2024 election is a driving force behind the surge in disaster preparedness, with individuals feeling compelled to make purchases based on the information shared in social media groups.
Brekke Wagoner, who runs the YouTube channel Sustainable Prepping, explained that Millennials and Gen Zers are realizing the fragility of existing systems. The pandemic and uncertainties in national and international politics have led them to reassess the stability of various systems, prompting a shift in mindset toward preparedness.
While some may associate disaster prepping with doomsday concerns or underground bunkers, experts suggest that the current trend reflects a focus on basic needs rather than preparing for an apocalypse. The impulse to gather supplies is driven by the realization that supply chains can be fallible and fragile, as experienced during the pandemic.
Despite a decrease from the heightened levels seen in 2021 during the pandemic, the 2023 survey results indicate a sustained interest in disaster preparedness, surpassing numbers from 2019 and 2017. The trend suggests a continuing shift in mindset, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for potential emergencies and disruptions to daily life.