Before, during or after an emergency or disaster, it is always important to have a known destination and a basic plan that will get you there. “Bugging out “and not having a specific destination for you and your family may put you at greater risk than simply staying put and weathering the storm. There is nothing wrong with being an evacuee but failing to properly plan your “bug out” may cause you to end up being a refugee from disaster.
1.) Is it safer to “bug out”? The first thing you will need to decide is whether or not you need to “bug out”. Is leaving now safer than staying put? Is the trip liable to be more dangerous than the threat you are trying to avoid? You will also need to plan for a safe “bug out” location.
2.) Can you get there? You will need to make sure that your transportation is reliable, that the roads to your destination are safe and if you are traveling a long distance that you will be able to get additional gasoline or supplies that may be needed to reach your destination.
3.) Will you have the time? Having a known destination will allow you to figure a fairly accurate estimate of how long it will take you to reach your destination. The further you need to travel to a safe location; the greater your chance of having additional problems. Time is your enemy when forced with having to evacuate due to an emergency or disaster.
4.) What if your family ends up separated? One of the biggest fears that people face during an emergency or disaster is being separated from family members and loved ones. This is especially true during an evacuation. With places of work, schools, and homes being located in areas that may be relatively short distances apart, during an evacuation even a couple of miles can become an insurmountable obstacle. Having a known destination will allow everyone to know where to meet up, even if it takes them a bit longer to get there and you end up traveling separately. It doesn’t hurt to make sure it is a place that is familiar to all your family members and someplace where everyone will feel comfortable, especially if you have younger children. This is especially important if it becomes an extended stay due to factors beyond your control. You may have no other choice!
5.) How long will you be able to stay? If you don’t have the necessary food, water, shelter and first aid items to last an extended period, you will need access to additional resources. If you need to “bug out” for an extended period, your plan should include a reliable source of additional supplies should a longer stay away from your home become a necessity.
6.) Where will you stay? Are you planning to camp out at a state park or wilderness area, stay at a relative’s home or with a good friend? You will need to make sure that you don’t create a burden for others or you will wear your welcome out quickly. Be prepared to provide your share. If you’re planning to stay at a hotel or motel, make sure you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses. Staying at a hotel or motel can be quite expensive. Including a decent emergency fund in your planning is the best way to take care of this potentially devastating problem.
Always have a safe place that you can travel to easily, that will comfortably meet the needs of your family, a place which is familiar to everyone and affords the option for a longer stay if necessary. Having a known destination is the first and most vital part of any “bug out” plan.
Know where to go and go where you know!
Without a known destination as part of your “bug out” plan, you may be better off just staying at home.
Got known destination?
Staying above the water line!
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4 comments:
Good post. A lot of folks who are planning BO don't consider those points very much.
Was on vacation last week, and witnessed how much stuff could be towed when a full size pick-up w/ loaded bed, towing a small SUV (i.e. Tracker) with insides filled to the gills could carry. Quite a bit, as long as you don't get carried away with full size harps and that kind of claptrap. A convoy carrying several such rigs could bring quite a bit, all followed by one of those big vans you have pictured carrying the occupants. Something to ponder anyway.
Great Post!! Hope it gets folks a thinkin'.
Bob
III
To: anonymous 7:15
RW,Jr. and myself traveled for three days with six others in the van pictured. We carried all our gear,food and water as well. We traveled in the daytime, at night, in bad weather and on back roads that were little more than dirt trails and logged over 500 miles without a fuel stop. Living in a van non-stop for three days can be an eye-opening experience.
Thanks anon!
RW
To: idahobob
Too many people are ready to "bug-out" at a moment's notice without a serious plan in place. They may be in for a rude awakening if they do.
Thanks bob!
RW
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