Survivalism is a movement of individuals or groups (called
survivalists or
preppers) who are actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. Survivalists often acquire emergency medical and
self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become
self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a
survival retreat or an
underground shelter) that may help them survive a
catastrophe.