Bugging out:
The art of surviving the fist 72 hours

Bugging out: your escape plan

Bugging out means heading for safer ground when faced with imminent, life-threatening danger. It's a calculated move that involves advanced planning, such as:

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• Organizing a stash of supplies in an emergency kit or bug out bag

• Burying survivor containers in strategic locations to hide additional supplies

• Mapping routes to safety where you can catch your breath and regroup
   

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Is it better to bug out or bug in?  

When the going gets tough, you have a choice to make: hunker down or bug out like a boss. Let's break it down like we're having a fireside chat.

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When should you bug in or hunker down?

First off, what does it mean to bug in? Bugging in is all about staying put and making the best of the situation right where you are. It can be a solid option when you've got a sturdy setup, enough supplies to ride out an immediate threat, and the confidence to weather the craziness from the comfort of your own sanctuary. 

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When it comes to emergencies, the decision to stay put can be a tough one. There are a few factors to consider before making a choice. Here are some situations where staying put might be the better option: 

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• Shelter and safety. If you have a well-built, secure shelter that can protect you from the emergency situation, it may be safer to stay where you are. For example, if you're at home during a severe storm or a localized incident like a power outage, staying put can often be the best course of action.
   

• Your resources. If you're in a situation where you haven’t packed for a quick getaway or don’t have the supplies to make it “out there,” staying put may be more feasible. Leaving your current location could mean facing additional risks and challenges, such as finding food, water, or shelter elsewhere.
   

• Familiarity with the area. If you're in an area that you know well, staying put could be advantageous. You may have a better understanding of local resources, escape routes, or potential dangers, which can give you an edge in managing emergencies.
   

• Lack of reliable information. In some cases, the information available during an emergency might be limited or unreliable. Making decisions based on incomplete or incorrect information can be risky. If you're unsure about the situation or the best course of action, it might be safer to stay put until you have more accurate information.
   

• Personal limitations. Consider your own physical capabilities, health conditions, or other personal limitations. If you or someone in your group is injured, has mobility issues, or requires medical attention, staying put might be the best choice.
   

How do you know when it’s time to bug out?

What does bugging out mean? Bugging out means taking a proactive leap, leaving behind the mayhem, and seeking refuge elsewhere. It's like taking destiny into your own hands and finding a safer place to survive, catch your breath, and regroup.

The decision to bug out during an emergency is a serious one, and there are definitely situations where it's smarter to hit the road rather than stay put.

 

What is a bug out situation? Let’s look at a few scenarios:

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• Immediate danger. If you find yourself in immediate danger, such as a fast-approaching wildfire, a flooding river, or an imminent building collapse, it's crucial to prioritize your safety above all else. In such cases, evacuating the area promptly is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. This is your cue to grab your bug out bag and get out.
   

• Emergency evacuation orders. When authorities issue evacuation orders for your area, it's generally a sign that staying put could be risky. These orders are usually based on assessments of the situation by those who have access to information and resources you might not have. Following their guidance and evacuating on cue may help ensure your safety. These orders could come about because of various hazards in your vicinity such as a wildfire, gas leak, tornado, so on and so forth. 
   

• Lack of essential resources. Sometimes, an emergency can disrupt vital resources like water, food, or medical supplies in your immediate surroundings. If staying put means facing scarcity, extreme societal chaos, and/or life-threatening hardship, bugging out to a location with better access to resources and a more stable environment may improve your chances of survival.
   

• Unstable or unsafe shelter. If your current shelter is compromised, it's likely best to seek safer accommodations. For example, if you’re feeling aftershocks from the earthquake that fractured your foundation, and the drywall is crumbling around you, you may want to wait out the situation at a predetermined bug out location.
   

• Contagious or hazardous materials. Emergencies involving hazardous materials or contagious diseases may require immediate evacuation. Your safety could be at risk if you stay too close to dangerous substances or infectious agents. Listen to emergency instructions — but more than that, trust your gut. Be proactive to save your health and put some distance between yourself and the toxins. 
   

Again, remember to trust your own instincts. Sometimes those in charge don’t give warnings in time, or fail to communicate the severity of events that are going down. Remember the Norfolk train derailment, anyone? What about Chernobyl?

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If you’re watching that plume of smoke rising in the sky as the wind blows your direction. It’s past time to pontificate one of life’s great mysteries, “When should I bug out?” It’s time to grab your bug out kit and go!

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Bugging out: the challenges and adventures

When “the stuff” begins to splatter, you'll encounter obstacles and unexpected twists that will test your resilience. While it’s unrealistic to be fully prepared for each-and-every SHTF scenario, taking the right steps in preparation can help mitigate and minimize the impact of the unexpected.

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Here are a few things to keep in mind as you prepare for your escape.

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Prep like a pro

Don't be caught off guard when the emergency sirens sound, and it’s not a drill. Plan, plan, and plan some more. The better you prepare, the smoother your escape will be. Get your survival gear in order, make sure you have all your bug out bag essentials prepacked in a sturdy backpack, and have a solid plan of action. Bugging out isn’t just for preppers btw.

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Missing a few essentials? Shop for bug out gear.

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Prepare for a clean getaway

Traffic jams, fuel shortages, and all sorts of transportation woes can turn your bug out journey into a comedy of errors — and not the kind you’ll laugh about. Stay sharp, have backup plans for your backup plans, and be ready to adapt like a true survivor. 

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Prepper tip: Always keep a full tank of gas in your vehicle. It’ll put you miles ahead of others when cars line up around the block for a turn at the gas pump.

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Map out the unknown

Choose your escape route wisely. Avoid danger zones, keep an eye on road conditions, and take the right shortcuts to safety. Have paper maps available of your surrounding area and highlight the safest escape routes ahead of time. These routes should avoid high-traffic areas. 

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Prepper tip: If you already live in the ideal bug out location, provide maps to your loved ones that help them navigate to you.

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Prioritize safety

In the midst of natural disasters or other chaos, safety should be your top priority. Stay alert, trust your instincts, be able and ready to defend yourself and loved ones, and avoid unnecessary risks. Remember, during catastrophic events, you are responsible for your own safety. You can’t rely on external agencies or authorities to step in.

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Pack the right gear

Your bug out bag is your survival BFF. Fill it with essentials like food, water, first aid supplies, and other must-have items that will keep you going. The right bug out bag contents can make the difference between life and death in an emergency scenario, so don’t make the mistake of believing it’s as simple as packing for a day hike or short backpacking trip.

 

Unsure what to pack? Consult this bug out bag list.

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Chill out

Calm individuals can think more clearly, make rational decisions, and effectively communicate with others. Staying composed can help prevent panic from spreading, enabling your team to focus on necessary actions and follow instructions. This composure fosters a safer environment, enhances teamwork, and increases the likelihood of successful problem-solving in critical situations.

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5 steps to a successful bug out plan

Now it's time to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) and create your ultimate bug out plan. Here are five key steps to get you started:

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1. Assess your risks. Understand the potential risks in your area, from natural disasters to zombie outbreaks. Identify safe bug out locations and alternate routes that will lead you to safety like a treasure map.
    

2. Stay connected. Establish reliable communication channels with your survival team. Whether it's ham radios, GMRS radios, or smoke signals, keep the lines of communication open and ready for action.
    

3. Pack like a pro. Your bug out bag is your survival sidekick. Fill it with the essentials that will keep you going when the going gets tough. Don't forget to personalize it with a few comfort items that will help keep spirits high. This is especially important for children who are traveling with you — add in a game or a small toy.
   
   While we recommend building out a bag yourself, you can find fully packed bug out bags for sale. However, none of the pre-packed bug out bags we’ve seen have everything we’d recommend, so be sure to add a change of clothes, food, tools, and other missing items to the bag once you receive it. 
    

4. Scout out escape routes. Know your escape routes like the back of your hand. Procure some maps of the local area, and of any area where you might be bugging to. Research, practice, and be as familiar with the terrain as Bear Grylls on a nature walk. Remember, knowledge is power.
    

5. Prepare for the unexpected. Life loves to throw curveballs, so prepare backup plans and contingencies for when things don't go as expected. Flexibility is the name of the game.
    

Take survival into your own hands

When the world goes crazy, bugging out may be your saving grace. It's all about keeping your wits about you, being prepared for anything, and making a swift exit when the time is right. So, gear up, stay sharp, and remember that survival is an adventure to be embraced.