Survivalists in Utah prepare for doomsday - in pictures

Sami Porenta and Hugh Vail package emergency camp stoves at American Prepper Network's warehouse in Sandy, Utah Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Freeze dried meals and emergency food rations, which are a staple of preppers, fill the racks at Grandma's Country Foods in Sandy Photograph: JIM URQUHART/REUTERS

Hugh Vail cuts firewood at his home in Bountiful, Utah. While most 'preppers' discount the Mayan calendar 'prophecy', many are preparing to be self-sufficient for threats like nuclear war, natural disaster, famine and economic collapse Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Phil Burns demonstrates the air-purifying SCape Mask at his home in American Fork, Utah Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Phil Burns pulls a gun from his backpack full of survival supplies at his home in American Fork Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Hugh Vail inventories his food storage at his home Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Hugh Vail with his larder of long-lasting food Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Paul Seyfried, right, talks with staff members Troy Schiff, left, and Dave Cox about a bunker they are constructing for a client at Utah Shelter Systems in North Salt Lake. The price of the shelters ranges from $51,800 to $64,900 Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Paul Seyfried stands in a bunker he is constructing Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters

Paul Seyfried climbs into one of the bunkers Photograph: Jim Urquhart/Reuters