Current scenarios taking place around the world and in the United States should spark conversation within your household about the possible evacuation of your residence. The term “Bug-out,” was more commonly used within the prepper world but is now frequently used by non-prepper types.
The term historically used by military personnel means to retreat or evacuate a specific location quickly. I believe that the preparation and consideration to “bug-out” increases when events that would trigger such action rise in certain areas of the world.
I’ve had to evacuate my home because of a threat caused by wildfire. Looking back to that day I wish I had more time to prepare for the evacuation. On the day of the event my main concern was getting my animals, which included horses, away from my property. I didn’t have much time for personal items or items needed to survive for a few days or more away from my residence. Keep in mind that most bug-out scenarios happen quickly, while others offer warning where you might have more time to gather all items needed. Most bug-out scenarios are temporary, and you should be able to return home in a few days.
Unfortunately, there are some that are extreme, meaning that you might never return. I have family members that never returned to Louisiana after Katrina. With that type of event in mind, what would you need to take with you to survive until you reestablish life at a different location?
Prior to preparing for a possible bug-out, there needs to be serious consideration into leaving your residence. I’ve heard many people say that they would just bug-in, meaning they would stay home and fight it out. Ok I get that, and I would bug-in as long as I could also, but I would be prepared in advance to bug-out if absolutely necessary.
How you determine what to take with you in a bug-out situation depends mostly on the mode of transportation used when you leave your location. I have several stages of bug-out planning, my first is coordinated and planned with having the use of my vehicle and towing an RV. Items are situated in those vehicles so that if I no longer can tow the RV I can grab pre-determined bags and continue on in just my vehicle. Pre-determined bags are ready in my vehicle in case the scenario forces me to continue my journey on foot.
The term “bug-out bag” refers to that one bag that you would not leave behind no matter what your mode of travel is during your escape. It’s the bag you need in the worse situation that you could possibly find yourself in. You’ve escaped a life-threatening situation and you have in your hand items needed to survive. These items are very important, some food, water, fire starting gear, shelter building gear, medicines, important documents, firearms, etc. etc. etc…
The most important issue that I’m trying to get across in this article is that the consideration of bugging out from your residence should be pre-planned and the preparation for such action should begin now. Current events demonstrate de-stabilization happening around the world and within the United States that could force you from your home. Do not be unprepared.
When extreme weather, fires, natural events, and man-made events come to your neighborhood, you need to be prepared to leave. You need to have what is required for you and your family to survive for at least a few days.
Keep current on what is happening in the news because that is your pre-warning system. You do not need to wait until a Deputy Sheriff is knocking at your door ordering you to evacuate.
Your preparation is important but knowing when to leave is just as important. If there is an evacuation of a large geographical area you won’t be the only one on the road. Leaving earlier than most is a good thing.
Pre-plan where you will go, pre-plan your route of escape, have several options. Just be ready in case you have to make the decision to evacuate yourself and your family. Don’t wait for that moment when you have no other choice.
For any questions regarding my article, please email me at
[email protected]
Oz Johnson/Lead Instructor, NRA Certified
JohnsonGroupTAC.com
602-410-7355
