To bug out or stay put depends on the specific emergency, your location, available resources, your level of preparedness, and other circumstances.
Knowing where to go when disaster strikes is a big part of emergency preparedness. What’s that look like? Imagine walking away from almost everything you own, a pack on your back, hiking boots on your feet, and a map to guide your adventure. Bugging out means leaving your current location and seeking safety elsewhere. It's like going on a spontaneous backpacking trip — with more serious stakes.
Pros:
Escape immediate danger. Bugging out can be a wise choice if staying put means your life or your safety is at risk. Whether it's an approaching wildfire, a raging flood, or a funnel cloud on the horizon, leaving the area quickly can save your bacon.
Access to resources. By venturing to a safer location, you may have better access to essential resources like food, water, and medical supplies — especially if your current location (or your emergency stash) isn’t likely to survive the brewing storm.
Cons:
Uncertain conditions. Bugging out means stepping into the unknown. You may encounter roadblocks, overcrowded evacuation centers, or encounters with other survivors. These other survivors could be good or bad — something that’s driven home if you’ve ever watched “The Walking Dead.” Simply put, bugging out is like playing a game of survival roulette.
Leaving your stockpiles. Leaving your home means walking away from whatever emergency supplies you’ve stockpiled there. It’s hoping you find what you need as you embark on a different journey — because you’re leaving everything behind except your bug out gear.
When should you bug out?
The short answer? When the risks of staying outweigh the risks of leaving. This could include a variety of natural disasters in your immediate vicinity, chemical spills, or local civil unrest.
Bugging in: choosing to hunker down
Now, picture yourself holed up in your off-grid cabin, bunker, or home — with your emergency supplies at the ready. Bugging in means staying put and fortifying your current location, transforming it into a safe bug out location in itself.
Pros:
Familiarity is your friend. Staying home means being in a familiar environment. You know the nooks, crannies, and secret hiding spots like the back of your hand. It's like playing a game of hide-and-seek where you have the upper hand.
Access to resources. Your home is your kingdom, stocked with provisions, personal defense options, and all of the other essentials. You can ration supplies, maintain a routine, and have a better chance of riding out the storm comfortably. And, if you produce your own food, this location can sustain you and your team for an indefinite period.
Cons:
Limited resources. Bugging in requires careful planning and advanced preparation. If the emergency lasts longer than expected or if you haven't stocked up adequately, you may find your situation too closely resembles “Naked and Afraid.”
Vulnerability. Depending on the nature of the emergency, staying home may not always guarantee safety. Intruders, structural damage, or compromised infrastructure could pose risks. So, it's important to stay vigilant and have backup plans. This is especially true if you live in a highly populated area.
When should you hunker down, or bug in?
Stay put when that minimizes the risk of immediate danger and ensures access to necessary resources. Evaluate the situation, consider available information, and if it appears safer to remain in your current location, hunkering down can offer stability and protection until the situation improves or help arrives.
Prepper tip: Stay put whenever possible.
Is it better to bug out or hunker down?
The decision to bug out or bug in depends on the specific emergency, your location, available resources, your level of preparedness, and other personal circumstances. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all solution to this dilemma.
Ultimately, it's about evaluating the risks, considering your safety, and using common sense. Trust your instincts, stay informed through reliable sources, and have a well-thought-out emergency plan in place.
To be prepared, make sure you’ve got your SHTF bag, I mean bug out bag, ready to go just in case. What do you need to bug out? Check out this bug out bag list, and download the pdf for a checklist.