To bug out or to bug in?
To many, emergency preparation means getting ready to bug out. These individuals have their bug out bags and their bug out plans. When disaster strikes, they are ready to go and they execute their plan. But, I wonder, is this really the best course of action?
Another option that some merely glaze over is the concept of bugging in. Bugging in is similar to bugging out, but you just stay at home. Sometimes, you bug out to a cabin, then bug in for a long, rough time. This is something that I have found is overlooked far too often.
What do I mean by bugging in? Well, simply, have enough provisions at your place to last a week to a month. These times are used as examples, and may or may not fit your particular emergency situation. Wherever you are going to ride out the storm, be ready to function without running water, electricity, road access, and friendly neighbors. If you have a family, you must prepare accordingly.
This is really something that should be given a lot of attention, because regular seasonal disasters can leave you stranded in your home for a few days. And if you have paid attention to the news over the last few years, you would have noticed that some of the largest cities can be left without power for long periods of time. Not only must you prepare for a break down of society, but also for natural and man-made disasters.
What do you do in a situation like that? Staying at home may be the safest, most plausible course of action. But that won’t do you any good if you don’t have supplies. Canned green beans only last so long — your family may need more substatial food. Along the same lines, if you are stuck in a blizzard, you might get cold. Your electricity might falter, and, though I have no particular experience with this, I’m sure natural gas used for heating can be interrupted as well. Sweaters, blankets, and a warm fire can help out with that, but only if you have enough.
Chances are that you will experience a few emergencies in your life — some small and others big. No matter what happens, it’s best to be prepared, and ready to get out of town, or to just sit tight until the storm clears.
