As a fellow midwestern country dork, I actually agree with your thoughts averageiowaguy. Been through my share of snowstorms, ice storms, hailstorms, tornadoes, etc., and never once did I feel the need for bugging out in any way, shape, or sort. I do somewhat like the concept of a "get home bag" and having a few items along that would be helpful in that way, but as far as bugging out, I think the circumstances that would necessitate that are pretty incredibly far-fetched.
People and your connections to them are indeed the key. When things go all wrong here, neighbors help neighbors. I guess growing up on a smaller farm, surrounded by other smaller farms, we're accustomed to helping each other out. When things go wrong, be it natural disaster or otherwise, we know the drill. I can see the situation in a city being different, as the attitude toward neighbors tends to be a different thing.
