Bug In or Bug Out?

[Benn Gleck]

So guys whats your plan?

We have a BOL but because of work are unable to stay there permanently. Our plan is to stay here in town until we feel that events warrant us bugging out. This makes it harder to prep because you have to have enough beans, bullets and bandaids for two places.

It's going to be tough to decide just when is the right time to leave for the homestead but thats what we have to do. We are constantly aware of the mess that our world is in but we have an idea of the kind of triggers that would start us packing our vehicles and trailers.

What are your plans? Bugging in, buggin out? And if you're going to bug out what event/events will put you on the road?

[Bull]

I'm kind of dealing with the same thing. I have a Bug out location about 45 minutes or so from the house. This makes it relatively reliable to be able to get to, because there are many alternative routes, and a dirt bike and a four wheeler if I really had to off road it there. But that location really isn't very built up. It is just in the middle of nowhere, with a small creek, lots of woods, wild boar, and a workshop so far. What I am trying to do now is balance stocking it up with supplies, and building a more substantial and secure building so the supplies will be safer, and it will be more fit to live in when the time comes. My problem is that I work about 650 miles away, and when at work, I'm liable to be another 200 miles from land. So if TSHTF when I'm at work, it could be a serious problem getting home. That is the other thing I'm working on. So my bug out is really kind of bugging in, because it is just getting to the new place, which will eventually become the permanent homestead.
I guess I would have to play the events by ear, especially at work. If I'm at home, then it wouldn't be anything to load what I keep there up, and head to the property for a while to feel things out. But at work, I would have to quit my job to leave. There is no acceptable way to leave work in what I do, without a proper relief, and there would be no acceptance or understanding by my company. I would put things in such a bind that I would be fired for leaving. So unless the situation is so bad that my job would allow people to go home, I would probably be really torn about leaving. It would have to be pretty major for me to up and quit my job. This is making me consider a whole different method for trying to get home, than I had previously. I am on the hunt for a sailboat that is inexpensive enough, but seaworthy enough, for me to justify buying and keeping at work, only to use for getting home. I really hate to do that and not be able to at least use it when I'm off for fun, but this is looking like the most realistic method to get home when things are such that I decide to break for it.
In general though, as far as events to watch for, I'm most concerned about and would look for some event that triggers rapid inflation, as a sign that shelves will empty, people will panic, and widespread violence and chaos will ensue. NIA.com has some good videos illustrating how easily and quickly it could happen. Next, political unrest, like the recent union protest, but more widespread. I could see something getting that started and having it spin out of control for a bit, resulting in martial law or something. Then, a major terrorist attack, major disruption in the supply of oil, or a solar flare/EMP. There are a bunch of threats and possible SHTF scenarios but I think those are probably more likely, so I tend to pay more attention to info about those things. Maybe they will find another gem in the healthcare bill allowing the government to start confiscating guns or something. Some big Obama program could easily cause major problems, and trigger a bug in situation.

[Knobster]

At the moment my BOL is ~12 hours away (mom 'n dad) so we won't be making that trek if TSHTF. I'm slowly but surely working on the wool over the eyes of my neighbors so my plan is to bug-in and initiate the Neighborhood Watch on Steroids. It will be ugly, but it is currently my only option.

[monkeybird]

This is a hot topic on almost all survival forums. It bears very careful consideration. I know that those in major cities and large town are going to have the worse time of anyone. The reasons are obvious. In addition of utilities issues - water, waste etc, you have security with the roaming gangs. These gangs have already formed their own society - and will simply continue what they do now on a grander scale. The you have to deal with basically law abiding citizens who are faced with their family and children starving to death. No, a large population area is NOT the place to be.

However, reality is also something we all must deal with. My husband is 70 and has a chronic heart condition. If he does too much physical activity - he decompensates and is unable to function for several hours. Therefore, being totally self sufficient is not an option for folks in my position. I'm 63, while I am physically active, the knees and other joints don't always get with the program. For us to live out in a BOL - and become totally self sufficient, would be very very difficult. We have only one child. My son would do anything for either of us and the entire survival stuff would fall on his shoulders.

I have a semi BOL. It's not in the boondocks - but it's hidden and hard to find and except for electricity - does need not utilities.

Everyone, must evaluate their own personal situation. Let's face it. In the PAW, we are all at risk for not making it. You'll live or die by your choices.

There are those who are trying to decide WHEN to BO - I've been there. Trying to predict when to leave is like trying see the future in a crystal ball.

I just believe that everyone must look at the REALITY of how you will survive if the PAW happened tomorrow.

[2682nscovell]

So guys whats your plan?

We have a BOL but because of work are unable to stay there permanently. Our plan is to stay here in town until we feel that events warrant us bugging out. This makes it harder to prep because you have to have enough beans, bullets and bandaids for two places.

It's going to be tough to decide just when is the right time to leave for the homestead but thats what we have to do. We are constantly aware of the mess that our world is in but we have an idea of the kind of triggers that would start us packing our vehicles and trailers.

What are your plans? Bugging in, buggin out? And if you're going to bug out what event/events will put you on the road?

I think it's good to have an equilibrium with the two ideas. Right now I have the misfortune of living in Philadelphia... We could stay here and rely on what I have prepped so far and maybe that would keep us some what safe until the military comes in and makes us move. Or we could just get our gear and bug the crap out of this place. I personally would rather leave. To be honest Philadelphia is a huge city and we're surrounded by NYC to the north, trenton and newark to the east. Then Baltimore and Washington DC to the south. To be honest I personally think the people that live in these areas would go nuts in a crisis. Even with years of supply and ammo; I doubt defense would be a grade A option. Just my opinion.

[Cimarron]

We (Me, wife, and three kids) don't have a BOL.
Because of events of the last 2 years we are living with my wife's family right now. Not an ideal situation but it's the best we can do so we'll be bugging in. It is in the country but right off a small county highway so I expect traffic and sitting right out in the open with a clear veiw from the road..not verry good deal for OPSEC.
I am working on another location but like ya'll knnow it takes time and resources. My wife works 20 miles away and the route is all rural with several alternate routes.
My school is 15 minutes away with few alternate routes. Both of us getting home is doable even if we are on foot.

Now, if we HAVE to leave this location for what ever reason I have another location that's not more than a camping site. Me and the kids have spent some time there allready marking locations, naming locations and building "landmarks" that only we would know what they are. It does have water but besides having real good cover and verry little entry that's about it.

Always good to have a plan B

[Boyd]

For the most part, I plan to bug in. Select family knows about preps and plans, and participates. In our case smaller is better and we have enough "furniture" to house my family & children, my parents and grand parents and a few others that have us as a designated BO spot. Everyone brings something to the table. And if we have to abondon the main house, so be it. The trails leading to the backup are hard to find, easily defended etc.

Now our BOL........... muahahahah :) Northern Michigan is notorious for the magnetic iron deposits :) Compass's don't work right in all areas, and in a true SHTF scenario, I don't expect folks to generally have a hand held GPS and looking for me too boot.. My wife inherited a real life down to earth 120 year old log cabin on some remote land. We visit and maintain it a few times a year, and with my van (15 passenger Dodge) we can easily supplement our LTS food with what we have stored at home to the BOL, carry supplies and all our peeps. 3 Sheds on property for storage and extra sleeping quarters (all have wood stoves)

The way the world is going now a days I am thinking my Bug in is going to be more of a rally point, and eventually make our way to the BOL till things have a chance to settle down.

With OPSEC, I will probably have to wait for everyone to rally up before I make the 4 hour trip to the BOL otherwise the potential to be out gunned would be outrageously high.

[crossbow]

bugging out because of a natural disastor, you're part of the population caught up in bad circumstances.

bugging out in a SHTF situation or economic crash, you're a refugee and fair game for anyone as there won't be any firemen or cops dirrecting the way.

[2682nscovell]

bugging out because of a natural disastor, you're part of the population caught up in bad circumstances.

bugging out in a SHTF situation or economic crash, you're a refugee and fair game for anyone as there won't be any firemen or cops dirrecting the way.

Good point, you would probably end up as the problem. However, a good plan would make a bug out situation work. I would think it all depends on where you live.

[1Admin]

In the end, it comes down to looking REALISTICALLY at your location/general area. Population density and makeup, nuclear targets, infrastructural targets, ability to be self sufficient, and other topics.

Only with a realistic view of your general area can you make a quantified judgment that means anything.

Health issues/age aside- "comfort" and "convenience" do not come into play at all in your criteria above.

Having a Starbucks two blocks away versus 45 minutes away is not criteria towards your choice. The fact that your wife thinks rural areas are "icky" is not real criteria towards your choice.

We are talking about survival people.

[Bull]

@1Admin - right on! I have a friend who is of a very similar mind concerning survival and preparation. He lives in the Ozark mountains of Arkansas. He told me about a great deal on a piece of land right by his, which has a natural spring on it, feeding a nice stream. Soooo, change of plans for getting off work and going home tomorrow. I'll be heading to Arkansas in the morning to check it out, and maybe buy it, to begin building the homestead. Then all I will have to do is convince my family members I care about to sell off and move from Florida, LOL. I can't help but be apprehensive about moving all the way out there from FL, and leaving everyone behind. But I am really trying to shift into high gear on getting everything together, and that is a huge part. I would love to stay by the beach, but REALISTICALLY, I just don't think it will be best for when TSHTF. We'll see. I haven't decided anything yet, but man am I tempted. When I get there tomorrow and see this place, it may be all I need to decide.

[Lowdown3]

Congrats Bull!

[Bull]

Thanks, I'm really excited about the possibilities.

[Benn Gleck]

That's good news Bull, I'll be praying that the Lord will help you in your decision.