I have been asked by a number of people lately if shows like Doomsday Preppers have been good for business. I guess the natural reaction of most people is that since there is a TV show about the topic…it has raised awareness and now more people will buy preparedness supplies.
At this point I am not sure if a show like this actually will help to get people better prepared in the long run or if it will turn people off. While I am sure that some people will see a show like this and make a purchase such as long term food storage or a survival kit….I don’t think that in the long run in will move the needle. And….could it actually deter some people?
In talking about preparedness I have always focused on the masses. I want to help make preparedness a mainstream topic and something everyone thinks about. My problem with a show like this is it shows the extremes. It focuses on “preppers”. I believe that the masses will see a show like this and think the people on it are crazy. They will laugh at the level these folks have taken preparedness too and won’t want to associate themselves with them. I think many will simply say….”I can never be like that” and will decide that preparedness is for the extremists.
I am all for extreme preparedness if that is what is important for you. However…I think it is important to show that you do not need to take these type steps (bunkers, years worth of food, weapons training, etc) in order to be better prepared. You can simply become more aware of emergencies in your area, have a discussion/make a plan with your family, take a CPR class and/or buy some basic supplies such as a 72 Hour Kit. These simple steps will make you better prepared.
It is far more likely that you will encounter severe weather, a car accident, a house fire, flash flood, blackout, injured person, etc than a world devastating volcano or an earthquake that wipes out most of societies infrastructure.
There are levels of preparedness for everyone….start somewhere and build from there. You will be glad you did.