18 photos of families across America prepping for the apocalypse

An increasing number of Americans, ranging from Silicon Valley billionaires to Trump-fearing liberals, are preparing for doomsday.

For some, self-reliance is a philosophy for everyday life. They grow their own food, fortify their homes against attack, and learn firearm safety. It's about providing their families with a level of assurance that they can withstand whatever catastrophe comes their way, whether it's nuclear war, a viral epidemic, or a zombie apocalypse.

In 2012, Reuters photographers set out to capture the daily lives of several US families who consider themselves doomsday preppers. Take a look inside their homes.