Brian Jones
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Here's an idea! A bug-out Bug and an ATV!
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Is bugging out a romantic fantasy?
- Thread starter mercop
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LOL...Brian that is a good one !
If you plan for a realistic family meeting place and keep some basics in your office it doesn't have to be that bad. Yor mentioned being unable to access your car in a parkade but it would probably still be accessible by the stairs in the event of an emergency. Toss a rainjacket, comfortable pair of pants or jeans, and some old sneakers in your trunk. A couple keychain LED lights, a small first aid kit, bandana or two, mini bic, half dozen energy bars, a couple of dust masks, and a multitool or knife weigh next to nothing and wouldn't take much room in a briefcase or messenger bag. It might not be perfect but it would be a good headstart even if the incident happens to be as simple as a power outage in your office area.
"Bugging-Out" vs "Bugging-In" can be broken down here into it's simplest form. Fight or flight. It's an ingrained response in human beings through the process of evolution, if you believe in that sort of thing, if not, dismiss my claims entirely and I'll be by later to collect your cache of firearms and food supplies 
My point is given a situation/enemy/perceived threat, your "reptilian brain" essentially sees two options. "Fight it" or "Run from it".
If bugging out were a "fantasy", meaning that it has no place in reality, what so ever. Then none of us would be here, all of our ancestors would have chosen to fight, and a good number would have died.
We are not so different from them. Sure, we have advanced our tools and technology to a higher degree. Yes, we have more organized social structures and forms of communication. Our analytical process has improved in some ways so that not everything is a "knee-jerk" reaction. But...
All of our basic requirements are the same; Shelter, water, food, well being and our desire to see our race live on and flourish.
Let's say there was volcanic activity 6000 years ago...Did primitive man decide to fight it? No, he "bugged-out" if he was within the "kill zone".
Was he a single man? No, he had a tribe and all of the same concerns that we do now. How do I get out of danger, and get my family/tribe out of danger so that we can continue living and thriving?
So, the question of is "Bugging out a romantic fantasy" isn't so cut and dry, as Yes or No.
There are times to fight, and there are times to run. Knowing which is of as much importance as being able to do EITHER.
I agree, have a plan to evacuate if you have to, but I also agree that you should have plans to dig in if called for.
If there's one thing in life I've learned, it's that there is a balance to everything. You have to know when to choose A, and when to choose B. Life is a multiple choice test and the answer is almost NEVER C.
I'm going to cut this short before I get into too much of a schpeel, but you get my drift. All of these responses have validity given the situation and circumstances.
Gautier
My point is given a situation/enemy/perceived threat, your "reptilian brain" essentially sees two options. "Fight it" or "Run from it".
If bugging out were a "fantasy", meaning that it has no place in reality, what so ever. Then none of us would be here, all of our ancestors would have chosen to fight, and a good number would have died.
We are not so different from them. Sure, we have advanced our tools and technology to a higher degree. Yes, we have more organized social structures and forms of communication. Our analytical process has improved in some ways so that not everything is a "knee-jerk" reaction. But...
All of our basic requirements are the same; Shelter, water, food, well being and our desire to see our race live on and flourish.
Let's say there was volcanic activity 6000 years ago...Did primitive man decide to fight it? No, he "bugged-out" if he was within the "kill zone".
Was he a single man? No, he had a tribe and all of the same concerns that we do now. How do I get out of danger, and get my family/tribe out of danger so that we can continue living and thriving?
So, the question of is "Bugging out a romantic fantasy" isn't so cut and dry, as Yes or No.
There are times to fight, and there are times to run. Knowing which is of as much importance as being able to do EITHER.
I agree, have a plan to evacuate if you have to, but I also agree that you should have plans to dig in if called for.
If there's one thing in life I've learned, it's that there is a balance to everything. You have to know when to choose A, and when to choose B. Life is a multiple choice test and the answer is almost NEVER C.
I'm going to cut this short before I get into too much of a schpeel, but you get my drift. All of these responses have validity given the situation and circumstances.
Gautier
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I think bugging out is very viable.
Because I live int he country, I'll probably be bugging out of the city (from work) to get back home.
People are too narrow focused if they think bugging out is just city folks heading to the hills. That probably wouldn't happen anyway. Look at Katrina/Rita. The city folk didn't head for the hills, they headed for other cities because that is where the support structure they rely on is, and is going to be.
To me, "bugging out" mean getting out of an area of a disaster or other event, not necessarily leaving my home.
Because I live int he country, I'll probably be bugging out of the city (from work) to get back home.
People are too narrow focused if they think bugging out is just city folks heading to the hills. That probably wouldn't happen anyway. Look at Katrina/Rita. The city folk didn't head for the hills, they headed for other cities because that is where the support structure they rely on is, and is going to be.
To me, "bugging out" mean getting out of an area of a disaster or other event, not necessarily leaving my home.
I have never considered trying to bug out via any type of freeway system. I would rather take my chances on a backroad I have never been down than on the freeway. Therefore I personally wouldnt have any trouble taking my 4Runner as my main transport. Of course I have never lived in a huge city, so knowing the backroads out of town has always been really easy for me. I can go in any direction without taking any highways from where I am. That being said, if I was stuck in a large city, I would be inclined to reduce my BOB to a mid-sized backpack and take my mountain bike out of town. I suppose that I have more options now being young and single without kids then I would if I was older and married with children.
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Bugging out to the wilderness is a fantasy for very major portion of this and any other community. We mostly live way too far away for an inhabitable wilderness to be a realiatic choice. And driving there in a real situation is next to impossible.
I love the outdoors and I love collecting and preparing my bug out gear. But it is mostly a hobby.
Now I live in south Florida and have lived through the last 3 major hurricanes. I take bugging in very seriously. My home is prepared at all times. Generator, water, fuel food meds plus a ton of other very useful stuff. Living for a week or two with no electricity and unpassable roads is no joke in this day and age.
Most of us would likley be stuck at home for at least some period in a disaster. That is reality.
My advice, prepare your home and sit tight. I think the last place you want to be is on the run with the multitudes of unprepared, panic stricken masses. They are not a friendly bunch.
I love the outdoors and I love collecting and preparing my bug out gear. But it is mostly a hobby.
Now I live in south Florida and have lived through the last 3 major hurricanes. I take bugging in very seriously. My home is prepared at all times. Generator, water, fuel food meds plus a ton of other very useful stuff. Living for a week or two with no electricity and unpassable roads is no joke in this day and age.
Most of us would likley be stuck at home for at least some period in a disaster. That is reality.
My advice, prepare your home and sit tight. I think the last place you want to be is on the run with the multitudes of unprepared, panic stricken masses. They are not a friendly bunch.
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Hurricane Andrew I had no power for 5 months.
Lost power for days to weeks with other storms.
I'll never be caught without supplies,including a generator.
I actually bought an RV so I could have a mobile secondary home and live in comfort for extended periods.
It's great for long days at the shooting range and dog training seminars.
I'd like to upgrade to a diesel bus and stay in Alaska for a while.
Just waiting to hit the lottery.
Lost power for days to weeks with other storms.
I'll never be caught without supplies,including a generator.
I actually bought an RV so I could have a mobile secondary home and live in comfort for extended periods.
It's great for long days at the shooting range and dog training seminars.
I'd like to upgrade to a diesel bus and stay in Alaska for a while.
Just waiting to hit the lottery.
- Joined
- May 5, 2006
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- 1,265
I agree except there is a third response a lot of people exhibit - freezing. So your reptilian brain sees 3 options - fight, flight, or freeze. You see it in a lot of emergency situations such as school shootings - some people just freeze in place as the gunman fires away.
I can only speculate why we developed a freeze response since it doesn't seem to have much evolutionary/survival value. Perhaps we were once the prey for saber-tooth tigers and freezing was a great response when you're being stalked by a big cat. The ancestors that chose to fight or run when being hunted by big cats just didn't get to pass on their genes.
hope this isn't too OT...
You're absolutely right, freezing is an abnormal response. It is primarily a prey response, as most predators work based on visual acuity and movement.(It's speculated that the Tyranasaurus Rex was one of the first successful predators because of this) If it's not moving, it's not interesting, therefore...it's not a target. These things also play into the "chase response" of certain animals that still exist, such as cougars and bears. This may have beeen advantageous in some regions at some point, but under most circumstances to the experienced and advanced predator, in modern times it's just an easy target.
The example that will most likely spring to mind in most people is the "deer in the headlights".
They have been exposed, they know they are spotted, and based on their evolutionary experience, that predators respond based on visual acuity, they freeze. Therefore, freezing, is a valid option in their minds.
I think that the cultural mixing, and evolutionary development that has happened along the way, has allowed this gene to survive. Just as there are several other recessive genes that have survived due to modern practices, medicine, and diet.
There are other things that come into play here, and if anyone is curious about them I'd be willing to elaborate to the best of my knowledge.
Gautier
The example that will most likely spring to mind in most people is the "deer in the headlights".
They have been exposed, they know they are spotted, and based on their evolutionary experience, that predators respond based on visual acuity, they freeze. Therefore, freezing, is a valid option in their minds.
I think that the cultural mixing, and evolutionary development that has happened along the way, has allowed this gene to survive. Just as there are several other recessive genes that have survived due to modern practices, medicine, and diet.
There are other things that come into play here, and if anyone is curious about them I'd be willing to elaborate to the best of my knowledge.
Gautier
myright
Gold Member
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Mercop,
This is the first time I've opened this thread. I must admit that I am not prepared for the situation that you have explained. I do have everything I need to make it happen, but it is not organized and would take a bit of time to round up and get ready. Not an excessive amount of time, but time none the less.
You make a very good point. Thanks.
I will be in my basement today.....
This is the first time I've opened this thread. I must admit that I am not prepared for the situation that you have explained. I do have everything I need to make it happen, but it is not organized and would take a bit of time to round up and get ready. Not an excessive amount of time, but time none the less.
You make a very good point. Thanks.
I will be in my basement today.....
There has been some great information in this thread. Real thought provoking stuff for sure.
In my case, I don't try to plan for several possible disaster scenarios, as this takes too much time and money. Instead, I narrowed it down to the one most likely thing that will probably happen in the next 5-10 years. In Alberta the number one killer is cold weather. We don't have hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or mudslides. The most likely killer will be a winter storm with a major power outage. We use natural gas furnaces here, but the blower needs electricity. I've installed a high efficiency wood stove that will heat my home and allow me to cook on. With dry wood, it burns so clean that no smoke comes from the chimney. I think this is important from a stealth point of view because if the power is off for several days at -40F, I don't need the whole neighborhood banging on my door.
I also have a small amount of power available with batteries and AC inverters to run a blower on the wood stove and recharge portable battery powered tools and electronics. I don't bother with a generator as any power outage will likely be short lived, not like the poor souls in the Florida and Louisiana that lose power for weeks after a hurricane.
Of course, I try to keep a couple weeks worth of food in the basement. Winter storms here are almost always preceded by a day or two of warnings, so being caught away from home during a storm is not a concern.
BB
In my case, I don't try to plan for several possible disaster scenarios, as this takes too much time and money. Instead, I narrowed it down to the one most likely thing that will probably happen in the next 5-10 years. In Alberta the number one killer is cold weather. We don't have hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, wildfires, or mudslides. The most likely killer will be a winter storm with a major power outage. We use natural gas furnaces here, but the blower needs electricity. I've installed a high efficiency wood stove that will heat my home and allow me to cook on. With dry wood, it burns so clean that no smoke comes from the chimney. I think this is important from a stealth point of view because if the power is off for several days at -40F, I don't need the whole neighborhood banging on my door.
I also have a small amount of power available with batteries and AC inverters to run a blower on the wood stove and recharge portable battery powered tools and electronics. I don't bother with a generator as any power outage will likely be short lived, not like the poor souls in the Florida and Louisiana that lose power for weeks after a hurricane.
Of course, I try to keep a couple weeks worth of food in the basement. Winter storms here are almost always preceded by a day or two of warnings, so being caught away from home during a storm is not a concern.
BB
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- 4,210
I think most here would prefer to "bug in" and stay at home if possible as it's the most stocked, most familiar and for all purposes "your kingdom". However, I've been close to several situations where a temporary bug out was almost mandatory. Here's a few, most of which are experienced throughout the U.S.:
Hurricanes, decent warnings, but you can't wait until the last minute
Ice storms or blizzards; should be aware but severity is hard to discern
Mudslides, no warning
Flooding; yeah you know it's raining, but it can happened with little warning
Range/forest fires; these can come on quick if you're not observant
Nuclear plant melt down, can be quite sudden if they do occur
Any chemical plant explosions...they can and do happen
Tornado's usually go from watch to warning, but hit suddenly
Neighborhood gas link and immediate evacuation
Power grid blackouts
Any type of terrorist bio or dirty bomb threat/attack
Now, my number one priority is keeping my home stocked and prepared. Second is just having the essentials when away from home (i.e. work) and being able to E&E home mounted or dismounted. Lastly, if the situation is dire enough to evacuate my home, then I must be organized and prepared for emergency evacuation AND I must have plan and location to bug out to.
On two occasions for a local bug-out (local train with chemicals derailed and caused a panic and the neighborhood gas link) we had to conduct an immediate evacuation. Luckily it was localized, and we just grabbed our stuff for camping and when camping for a few days.
I was camping on the eastern side of the Cascades when we caught the smell of a wild fire and had to do a quick pack up and departure. I remember my dad going over evacuation plans if the Hanford nuclear plant had any "issues". Several members in our church had little to no warning when their homes were suddenly flooded.
Have a plan to get home; have your home stocked to stay put and have a last resort plan and the organization to quickly evacuate your home AND don't forget to have a destination (family, friends or even a camp ground area).
It's significantly harder to plan with the family spread to the four winds. Right now we have a pretty good plan. My son is a key-latch kid and is just a block from his school. My wife and daughter are at the same school and could probably walk home in less than an hour is need be (although traffic would suck). I'm on a military installation and about 10 miles from the house; I do keep a bug-home bag in the truck, but I would rather drive...with 4WD, you have several options and I have several different routes to get me home at the same time avoiding the traffic choke points.
I really do like the Bug Out Bag concept. It doesn't always mean you have to bug out, but the planning, organizing and preparation keep you focused on the immediate essentials whether you stay at home or have to depart; if you backpack regularly, than you are even more prepared if you must depart from your vehicle. Even at home, all your basic essentials are in one place...it's a good start to organize the rest of your household.
Good topic and bugging out may not be your first option, but it should always be a part of your decision making process during a crisis.
ROCK6
Hurricanes, decent warnings, but you can't wait until the last minute
Ice storms or blizzards; should be aware but severity is hard to discern
Mudslides, no warning
Flooding; yeah you know it's raining, but it can happened with little warning
Range/forest fires; these can come on quick if you're not observant
Nuclear plant melt down, can be quite sudden if they do occur
Any chemical plant explosions...they can and do happen
Tornado's usually go from watch to warning, but hit suddenly
Neighborhood gas link and immediate evacuation
Power grid blackouts
Any type of terrorist bio or dirty bomb threat/attack
Now, my number one priority is keeping my home stocked and prepared. Second is just having the essentials when away from home (i.e. work) and being able to E&E home mounted or dismounted. Lastly, if the situation is dire enough to evacuate my home, then I must be organized and prepared for emergency evacuation AND I must have plan and location to bug out to.
On two occasions for a local bug-out (local train with chemicals derailed and caused a panic and the neighborhood gas link) we had to conduct an immediate evacuation. Luckily it was localized, and we just grabbed our stuff for camping and when camping for a few days.
I was camping on the eastern side of the Cascades when we caught the smell of a wild fire and had to do a quick pack up and departure. I remember my dad going over evacuation plans if the Hanford nuclear plant had any "issues". Several members in our church had little to no warning when their homes were suddenly flooded.
Have a plan to get home; have your home stocked to stay put and have a last resort plan and the organization to quickly evacuate your home AND don't forget to have a destination (family, friends or even a camp ground area).
It's significantly harder to plan with the family spread to the four winds. Right now we have a pretty good plan. My son is a key-latch kid and is just a block from his school. My wife and daughter are at the same school and could probably walk home in less than an hour is need be (although traffic would suck). I'm on a military installation and about 10 miles from the house; I do keep a bug-home bag in the truck, but I would rather drive...with 4WD, you have several options and I have several different routes to get me home at the same time avoiding the traffic choke points.
I really do like the Bug Out Bag concept. It doesn't always mean you have to bug out, but the planning, organizing and preparation keep you focused on the immediate essentials whether you stay at home or have to depart; if you backpack regularly, than you are even more prepared if you must depart from your vehicle. Even at home, all your basic essentials are in one place...it's a good start to organize the rest of your household.
Good topic and bugging out may not be your first option, but it should always be a part of your decision making process during a crisis.
ROCK6
Codger_64
Moderator
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What you do depends on where you live and what the situation is. I moved here in July of 1995.
Idyllic site, yes? Hurricane Erin reintensified to a hurricane and continued strengthening until its final landfall occurred near Pensacola, Florida during the late morning of August the 3rd. An eye had redeveloped while crossing the Gulf of Mexico, as well. Erin had maximum sustained winds around 100 mph (160 km/h) in a small area of its northeastern eyewall when that portion of the hurricane came ashore near Fort Walton Beach, making it a Category 2 hurricane at landfall. The most significant damage from the second landfall in Florida was near Pensacola, where Erin made landfall, and Navarre Beach, where almost one-third of buildings suffered major damage.[17] A maximum wind of 101 mph was reported at Pensacola Naval Air Station. The tower of Pensacola Airport was evacuated, due to high winds, and the data is therefore unavailable. More than 2,000 homes were reported damaged from Erin. Some beach erosion was also reported west of Navarre Beach. A dead center hit on us. As the hurricane zig-zagged, we followed it's course. By the time we realized we were wearing a big red bullseye, it was too late to evacuate down the penninsula or across the three mile long Pensacola Bay bridge. We rode it out at home. Many were caught on the highways trying to flee.
On October 4, a 115-mph (185-km/h) hurricane, Opal hit us dead center with a 15-ft (5-m) storm surge. Rainfalls in Florida peaked at 15.45 inches (392 mm) in Ellyson, 7.27 inches (185 mm) at Pensacola, 6.64 inches (169 mm) at Hurlburt Field. The highest gust recorded was a 145 mph (233 km/h) gust at Hurlburt Field. Nearly a mile of U. S. Highway 98 near Eglin Air Force Base was completely destroyed. The pavement was nearly replaced by mounds of sand left behind after storm surge.[10] Opal also spawned an F2 tornado that killed a young woman in Florida. None died as a direct result of storm surge. This is quite unusual, considering the strength and landfall location of Opal. Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, was overwhelmed by storm surge. Numerous homes were under 3 feet (0.91 m) to 10 feet (3.0 m) of water. Residents were not allowed to return to the island until the homes could be secured from looters. My house was at elevation of 16 feet. New to the area and hurricanes, my family and I rode out the storm at home. We had adequate supplies of food and fresh water, security from looters and a few battery powered conveniences besides camp stoves and lanterns. Power was restored a week later.
I finally evacuated. I moved six hundred miles North where we have tornados, but not hurricanes. I am still prepared to "bug in" here in my rural home in Southwest Tennessee.
Codger
Idyllic site, yes? Hurricane Erin reintensified to a hurricane and continued strengthening until its final landfall occurred near Pensacola, Florida during the late morning of August the 3rd. An eye had redeveloped while crossing the Gulf of Mexico, as well. Erin had maximum sustained winds around 100 mph (160 km/h) in a small area of its northeastern eyewall when that portion of the hurricane came ashore near Fort Walton Beach, making it a Category 2 hurricane at landfall. The most significant damage from the second landfall in Florida was near Pensacola, where Erin made landfall, and Navarre Beach, where almost one-third of buildings suffered major damage.[17] A maximum wind of 101 mph was reported at Pensacola Naval Air Station. The tower of Pensacola Airport was evacuated, due to high winds, and the data is therefore unavailable. More than 2,000 homes were reported damaged from Erin. Some beach erosion was also reported west of Navarre Beach. A dead center hit on us. As the hurricane zig-zagged, we followed it's course. By the time we realized we were wearing a big red bullseye, it was too late to evacuate down the penninsula or across the three mile long Pensacola Bay bridge. We rode it out at home. Many were caught on the highways trying to flee.
On October 4, a 115-mph (185-km/h) hurricane, Opal hit us dead center with a 15-ft (5-m) storm surge. Rainfalls in Florida peaked at 15.45 inches (392 mm) in Ellyson, 7.27 inches (185 mm) at Pensacola, 6.64 inches (169 mm) at Hurlburt Field. The highest gust recorded was a 145 mph (233 km/h) gust at Hurlburt Field. Nearly a mile of U. S. Highway 98 near Eglin Air Force Base was completely destroyed. The pavement was nearly replaced by mounds of sand left behind after storm surge.[10] Opal also spawned an F2 tornado that killed a young woman in Florida. None died as a direct result of storm surge. This is quite unusual, considering the strength and landfall location of Opal. Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, was overwhelmed by storm surge. Numerous homes were under 3 feet (0.91 m) to 10 feet (3.0 m) of water. Residents were not allowed to return to the island until the homes could be secured from looters. My house was at elevation of 16 feet. New to the area and hurricanes, my family and I rode out the storm at home. We had adequate supplies of food and fresh water, security from looters and a few battery powered conveniences besides camp stoves and lanterns. Power was restored a week later.
I finally evacuated. I moved six hundred miles North where we have tornados, but not hurricanes. I am still prepared to "bug in" here in my rural home in Southwest Tennessee.
Codger
- Joined
- Feb 5, 2007
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- 52,908
Here's an idea! A bug-out Bug and an ATV!
I like how those cars have a built in ramp for ATV's.
Glad to see some intelligent responses here that don't just resort to the romantic vision of bugging out. Let me say once more that my last post was only concerned with the worst possible situation. The vast majority of situations you CAN do things about, but again: in these situations, I don't think you need a bug out location or whatever.
If it is inconvenient, just have extra supplies. No need to go anywhere, or worry except for having supplies till the power/gas/whatever is restored.
If it is impending, the question is: Will all the country be affected, or just right here? If the entire country is affected, again, I think my earlier post still applies. If not, then you just need to get out- no need to go all survivalist in the woods.
If it is catastrophic, refer to my earlier post.
I find nothing wrong with bugging out. But you gotta realize that if you are preparing for the end of the world, that most of your planning is ineffectual. Unless you go Blast from the Past style, your concerns should mostly be about getting out. I disagree with a poster who said the well-prepared were not targets. There's an essay from Robert Heinlein on bugging out, don't have the link right now, that has informed my point of view. Here's an appropriate example of a catastrophe for bugging out: the fall of Saigon- and you're Vietnamese. Oooh: edited to add: Jews/"undesireables" in Europe, late 1930s and 1940s. Now THOSE are situations I can say that bugging out was a good idea. Again, though, if you could just move out to another country, then you would be fine, and safer too.
Basically, you should also remember: long term bugging out should NOT be a consideration unless you've secured your tin foil hat (which, interestingly enough, is the worst thing to use in case of mind control http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/). Unless you predict the US government will fall, help will come eventually. If the gov. falls, there will be far more problems of great magnitude to deal with. Either the US would get help from allies, or it would be invaded. Again, a long term, back to the earth bugging out is complete romance if you don't have high level contacts in the DHS to keep you informed.
Essentially, this is what it comes down to: Bugging out if it means a short term evacuation bag is a good thing. If it means post-apocalyptic, then it's silly without magnitudes more money, training, and planning.
My break down:
~Prepare for up to 1.5 months of bugging in
~Prepare for a quick evacuation to another city or safe place
~DON'T get all survivalist unless you devote hundreds if not thousands of man hours to this endeavor, and greater amounts of cash than you probably spend on your car. Oh, and remember: you stand a good chance of dying anyway.
Again, you can disregard my advice, but since most encounters are solved by the first 2, and your life will be consumed by being a survivalist if you do any real preparation for a big catastrophe. There are things in life that you're supposed to be doing and have FUN with! Camping out is great fun, but realize that us going back to the wilderness is make believe. If I REALLY wanted to bug out, I'd either choose to live with the nomadic fisherpeople in the south asian region who knew the tsunami was coming and left, or if there was no nukes or whatever, afghanistan. Primitive? Hell yeah. Been living the same way for thousands of years? Yup. If anyone knows their stuff, it would be them.
Oh, and BTW: Rock, GREAT post. Except you left out earthquakes. That's one I've had to prepare for, and one of those icky catastrophes if big enough. Great thing about quakes is even if you have a bomb shelter/fallout shelter, it doesn't do much good when the masonry is lodged in your head
.
Complete Faraday Cage clothes in place, now looking like a prisoner of his own paranoia,
Zero
If it is inconvenient, just have extra supplies. No need to go anywhere, or worry except for having supplies till the power/gas/whatever is restored.
If it is impending, the question is: Will all the country be affected, or just right here? If the entire country is affected, again, I think my earlier post still applies. If not, then you just need to get out- no need to go all survivalist in the woods.
If it is catastrophic, refer to my earlier post.
I find nothing wrong with bugging out. But you gotta realize that if you are preparing for the end of the world, that most of your planning is ineffectual. Unless you go Blast from the Past style, your concerns should mostly be about getting out. I disagree with a poster who said the well-prepared were not targets. There's an essay from Robert Heinlein on bugging out, don't have the link right now, that has informed my point of view. Here's an appropriate example of a catastrophe for bugging out: the fall of Saigon- and you're Vietnamese. Oooh: edited to add: Jews/"undesireables" in Europe, late 1930s and 1940s. Now THOSE are situations I can say that bugging out was a good idea. Again, though, if you could just move out to another country, then you would be fine, and safer too.
Basically, you should also remember: long term bugging out should NOT be a consideration unless you've secured your tin foil hat (which, interestingly enough, is the worst thing to use in case of mind control http://people.csail.mit.edu/rahimi/helmet/). Unless you predict the US government will fall, help will come eventually. If the gov. falls, there will be far more problems of great magnitude to deal with. Either the US would get help from allies, or it would be invaded. Again, a long term, back to the earth bugging out is complete romance if you don't have high level contacts in the DHS to keep you informed.
Essentially, this is what it comes down to: Bugging out if it means a short term evacuation bag is a good thing. If it means post-apocalyptic, then it's silly without magnitudes more money, training, and planning.
My break down:
~Prepare for up to 1.5 months of bugging in
~Prepare for a quick evacuation to another city or safe place
~DON'T get all survivalist unless you devote hundreds if not thousands of man hours to this endeavor, and greater amounts of cash than you probably spend on your car. Oh, and remember: you stand a good chance of dying anyway.
Again, you can disregard my advice, but since most encounters are solved by the first 2, and your life will be consumed by being a survivalist if you do any real preparation for a big catastrophe. There are things in life that you're supposed to be doing and have FUN with! Camping out is great fun, but realize that us going back to the wilderness is make believe. If I REALLY wanted to bug out, I'd either choose to live with the nomadic fisherpeople in the south asian region who knew the tsunami was coming and left, or if there was no nukes or whatever, afghanistan. Primitive? Hell yeah. Been living the same way for thousands of years? Yup. If anyone knows their stuff, it would be them.
Oh, and BTW: Rock, GREAT post. Except you left out earthquakes. That's one I've had to prepare for, and one of those icky catastrophes if big enough. Great thing about quakes is even if you have a bomb shelter/fallout shelter, it doesn't do much good when the masonry is lodged in your head
.Complete Faraday Cage clothes in place, now looking like a prisoner of his own paranoia,
Zero
The one time in my life when I've been advised by law enforcement to bug out, they would not allow me to take my vehicle as it was in harm's way. The scenario was a potential gunman a few houses down from mine, and my van was parked out in front of our house. It was cold, the middle of the night, and I have a wife and kids - we elected to bug in, though in our basement where the risk of stray gunfire was quite a bit lower.
It ended up being a tempest in a teacup with no standoff and no gunman, but reinforced that plans can change at a moments notice.
I agree that bugging out is a fantasy for most people if it means heading for the hills indefinitely. The more realistic type of bugging out happens all the time and with every kind of disaster. Could be a house fire, wildfire, earthquake, hurricane, whatever that induces you to leave the area of immediate danger for a safer place whether that's a neighbors home, neighboring city, or even state. Having some shelter, water, tools, and a plan make a whole lot of sense for that circumstance.
It ended up being a tempest in a teacup with no standoff and no gunman, but reinforced that plans can change at a moments notice.
I agree that bugging out is a fantasy for most people if it means heading for the hills indefinitely. The more realistic type of bugging out happens all the time and with every kind of disaster. Could be a house fire, wildfire, earthquake, hurricane, whatever that induces you to leave the area of immediate danger for a safer place whether that's a neighbors home, neighboring city, or even state. Having some shelter, water, tools, and a plan make a whole lot of sense for that circumstance.
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I enjoy fantasy's. But unless I'm forced out, I'm bugging IN not OUT. Why would I want to leave all the things that I have acquired that will allow me to survive and go to some woods location and hang out under a tarp? The answer is only if I'm forced to and where I live there are two likely disaster scenarios; nuclear radiation and tornados. Less likely are a biological terrorist event and distantly a earthquake.