HOUSTON – An increasing number of Americans are preparing for the worst by stocking up for long-term survival.
They are know as "preppers" -- people ready for any unexpected crisis you could imagine, from the loss of a job to doomsday.
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Many have supplies that will last months, some even years. Stockpiles include everything from canned goods and water to gear for a nuclear or biomedical attack.
"I'm sure people think I'm crazy, and that's fine. Everyone's entitled to their belief. But like I said, I think they're crazy for not being prepared," said one doomsday prepper.
A decade ago there were an estimated 200,000 preparing for the end of the world. Today, there are more than 3 million. A shaky economy, natural disasters and even the upcoming Mayan calendar doomsday account for the dramatic surge.
No matter what you happen to believe about the future, the U.S. government said that every single family should have certain supplies read to go in case of an emergency.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency recommends a basic disaster kit which includes at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food and enough drinking water for every person, and, of course, a first aid kit.