Apocalyptic movies, shows, and books have been extremely popular recently and have many survivalists talking about how the human race would survive a real-life apocalypse. One way you might survive a serious apocalyptic disaster, is bugging out. So what is bugging out exactly?
Basics of Bugging Out
You probably know more about bugging out than you realize. Bugging out, in essence, means heading for the hills, leaving everything but the essentials to survive, and running to the woods to hide from danger. It may sound extreme to leave your house, your job, your life, and go to the forest to live a life of solitude, but if a major disaster or crisis hits, it may be your only choice. To have a complete bugging-out plan, you’ll need three things: an escape plan including a bug-out location, a bug-out bag, and a bug-out vehicle.
Bug-Out Location
One of the first things you’ll need to have to bug out is a bug-out location. You’ll need to find a place that is well stocked with the necessities to survive–food, water, clothing, defense system, etc. Figure out what you need and then double it. Be prepared for mistakes or unexpected relatives that tag along. Your bug-out location should also not share the risk of the disaster zone. You don’t want to leave one crisis area to end up in a different crisis area. Finally, your bug-out location needs to be somewhat of a secret. Be very choosy of who you share the location of your bug-out location with.
Bug-Out Bag
A bug-out bag should hold 72 hours worth of supplies that will keep you alive until you can get to your bug-out location. Your bag can include:
- Waterproof matches
- Pocket knife
- Lighter
- Compass
- Flashlight
- Plastic ties
- Water bottle with filter
- Topographical maps that include your route to your bug-out location
- First Aid kit
- Duct tape
- Titanium bowl and fork
- Toilet paper
- Extra pair of clothes for any weather conditions
- Personal items such as toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, etc.
Circumstances to Bug-Out
There are many crises in which you would consider bugging out. A few of them might be:
- Earthquakes
- Hurricanes and flooding
- An attack on your local water supply
- Pandemic outbreaks and localized disease epidemics
- Disasters that cause breakdown in food distribution
- Social unrest and riots
- Declaration of Martial Law
- Terror attacks
Everyone may have a different reason for bugging out, but preparing a bug-out location, a bug-out bag, and knowing when to bug out can save your life and your family’s lives during any major crisis or disaster.