Bug Out Time??

There is currently a lot a talk going around about a possibility that some of us may have to bug out. I am for staying put in an emergency unless it becomes a dire emergency. That is, if you live somewhere that is somewhat safe in that emergency. As a survivalist, we never know what the emergency will be. Should it be something like a forest fire, a hurricane or something similar, it would behoove us to move out. If you live in a fairly large city and rioting or other looting and anarchy takes over, it would also behoove you to move out. Those of us who live in smaller communities or in rural areas should plan on being able to protect what is ours and stay put in most circumstances. In that way you could continue your gardening, hunting, fishing and other food gathering in an area that you are very familiar with. However, having said all of that, it may still become necessary for us to bug out. So, how should we prepare to leave and find safety?

There are several things to look at here. First, are you going to be leaving by automobile or on foot? I personally am set to do either. I live in the country, six miles from the closest community and that community is under 1,000 people. I have two packs, one for myself and one for my wife, packed and ready. These packs contain enough for us to live for at least two weeks and much longer if we are able to procure some wild food. These packs contain all light weight food that does not need refrigeration and will keep for years. Most of it has been repackaged in vacuum sealed bags. That way each one can contain exactly what we want. There is a lightweight tarp to be used as a shelter, sleeping bags, first aid kit, a couple changes of socks each along with a change of under garments. Add one flashlight, one wind-up radio, any medicines that are necessary. a candle lantern and candles, a Sterno cook stove and several cans of Sterno, a mess kit each with eating utensils, a waterproof container of matches, a compass, a plant identification book and anything else that you feel is a necessity. If you are packing for two you will need to decide how to divide up the gear. My wife has had four back surgeries so I carry about two-thirds of the gear. You may also want to hang your knife and a machete along with your canteen on your pack. You will not want to keep the water in the canteen as it will get stale. Fill these just before you bug out. While I may have missed some things that others think are necessary, the items mentioned will get you through. Two other things I keep in my pack is fishing gear and my .22 pistol with 100 rounds of ammo. While a pistol is not as good as a rifle, for packing I prefer it. It is light and easy to pack and I practice with it enough to know I can take small game with it. A take down .22 rifle would also do. My fishing tackle is a collapsible rod and ultra-light reel along with a small box of hook, sinkers, spinners and not much more.

Should I be able to leave by motor vehicle, I have a pop-up camper that is ready to go with enough gear in it to last at least ninety days. I still try to keep the food light weight so that I do not have too much to pull. I add a medical kit rather than a first aid kit but other than that I go with what is in the pop-up. My camper has no electrical hook-up but is run on four 12v batteries and propane. It has a heater in it so that I can go winter or summer. I have a small 12v refrigerator so we can take a few things that need refrigeration. However, most of what I take is things I have purchased in the grocery store or things that I have dehydrated and vacuum packed. With a camper you can take just about anything you think you might need. This includes more guns and ammo and more fishing equipment. I store my two packs in the camper, so I can either use that stuff also or if I have to bug out from the camper at a later date, I have them.

The next thing to know is where you are going to go. Have some type of plan in place so that you are not just wandering. Practice now by backpacking, even in the winter. It may be winter when bug-out time comes. This goes for the camper or any auto bug-out; know where you are going to go. With both types of bug-outs you may want to even have a backup plan. If the area you prefer happens to be unsecure, you should have a plan in mind.

All of these thing are moot if you can stay put. However, being a good survivalist means being ready for anything. Being ready to bug out is just one more part of readiness. It may help you to

SURVIVE.

Until next time check out my other blog at: http://www.realamericanpolitics.blogspot.com