The Simple Truth About Bugging Out

Adventures in Sustainable Living Podcast

Episode 136

The Simple Truth About Bugging Out

In the last couple of months I have produced several episodes geared toward helping you be prepared for the unexpected. Even though survival and prepping are not the subject of this podcast, self sufficiency is related directly to sustainability and part of sustainability is being responsible for yourself and being prepared. 

 In my search for articles related to all things sustainable I repeatedly come across is this term bugging out. This term is usually related to some survival or disaster scenario but if you really think about it, it is also closely related to being self sufficient. 

There is a lot of hype around this topic that is simply not true. So in this episode I am going to give you the simple truth about bugging out. 

Welcome back everyone to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. This is your host Patrick and this is E136 which is called the simple truth about bugging out. 

You have heard me say before that a big part of being sustainable and being self sufficient is realizing and accepting the fact that you are truly responsible for everything you choose to do and everything you choose not to do. This is also true when it comes to being prepared for the unexpected. There is so much hype surrounding disaster and end-of-the-world scenarios that it is difficult to know what is actually true. So that is why I am going to give you the simple truth about bugging out. 

But you must know that I am not that guy that focuses on the end of the world. I am not going to put the fear of god into you and make you feel insecure. In my opinion, the end of the world is only going to happen once. But, there are things that happen far more commonly that you should be prepared for and that is what I am going to focus on today. If in the unlikely event that bugging out should actually become necessary then it is in your best interest to be prepared and know how to take care of yourself and your family. 

What is bugging out? 

So what exactly is “bugging out” and where did this term come from? 

The term “bugging out” comes from military jargon and may have originated as far back as the Korean War. Sometimes military personnel found themselves in a position that was no longer defensible or was likely to be overrun by enemy forces. In this case they were instructed to “bug-out”. They would then rapidly deploy to a predesignated defensive position.

In non-military terms, bugging out typically refers to grabbing a bag of essentials, known as a bug-out bag, and rapidly leaving the area. Typically this is something that would happen as the result of a disaster situation.  Presumably the destination would be a pre-designated safe haven. Keep in mind that the key concept here is “heading out to a pre-designated safe haven”. Obviously this means there is some forethought and planning involved. This is where being responsible for yourself comes into to play. 

In many respects bugging out means something different to everyone. This is because your plan or strategy will be unique to your personal circumstances. Furthermore your plan will be different depending on whether you live in a downtown area, a suburban neighborhood, or you are in a rural area. 

Far too many websites like to portray bugging out as nothing more than a glamorous camping trip. However, the circumstances under which you would leave your home means you are in survival mode. Consequently, you have to ask yourself some of the following questions:

Under what circumstances would you actually leave your home?

What disasters are more likely to occur in your area?

Depending on whether you are in a downtown area, suburban or rural, will your community be an asset or a danger? 

Hopefully you can begin to see that preparation for such an event requires some forethought and planning. Otherwise your life will turn into instant chaos. 

But imagine for a moment if a disaster struck your area, let’s say for example a hurricane. The grid is completely shut down and there is no electricity, fresh water, and even getting to the supermarket is impossible. In such a situation rescue personnel are going to be completely overwhelmed. 

Imagine the relief when they come across your home and you actually do not need their assistance because you were completely prepared. Even though a lot of other things come into play, just think about how you would feel in such a situation when you at least have basic shelter, a way to cook a meal, and fresh water.  

What is common with all disaster victims?

What has been proven over and over again is that all disaster victims crave the same basic things. They crave routine, familiarity, and some resemblance of normalcy. Additionally, research reveals that the adverse psychological affects experienced by disaster victims are primarily related to the extent of stress experienced before, during and after a disaster. The availability of resources to deal with the situation also comes into play.  

But knowing this should actually bring you a measure of comfort.  What this means is that with a little forethought and planning a tremendous amount of stress can be completely avoided. Even during a disaster you can have some sense of normalcy, familiarity and routine. 

What Is Your Plan?

Most of us have some sort of ambiguous plan as to what we would do in an emergency. This is even true for those that live in areas that are prone to such things as tornadoes, hurricanes, or earthquakes. But the problem is that our plans are ambiguous and not concrete.

Even if some of us are have the proper mindset to think ahead about disasters and emergency situations, our version of preparation is typically inadequate. Most people purchase some sort of pre-made product for bugging out  that may or may not be appropriate. Most of us never take the time to think through the process and put together something that is tailored to our specific needs. To make matters worse, many of the proponents of survival and bugging out scenarios are more than happy to sell you a “three day bug out bag” . These bags of essentials are simply an inadequate security blanket that puts a bandaid on a much larger issue. If you depend solely on your three day bug out bag what are you going to do after three days?

Where are you going to go?

The next obvious question when it comes to bugging out is where are you going to go? Remember that bugging out and doing it properly requires going to a predesignated safe haven. 

If you can afford to purchase a remote property that is fantastic. It is even better if you can put a small cabin on it and stock it with essential supplies. But, not everyone can do this. 

If this is not an option then you may have to be creative. Do some research and look at campgrounds, national parks, or even remote locations on BLM land or in the national forest. Whatever it is you decide to do, there are some very specific requirements that will make your bug out location far more optimum in the event you have to go there. 

Eight requirements for a good bug out location

#1 Accessibility

Your bug out location is useless unless you can get to it during a disaster. That is why it is advisable to have three different routes to get there. Furthermore, think in terms of your bug out location being within one tank of gas away from you. 

#2 Isolation

Whatever location you choose it must be isolated. Remember that during a disaster you are not going to be the only one fleeing and seeking safety. 

#3 Familiarity

You must have familiarity with your chosen location. Things such as terrain, water, materials to make a shelter if needed, knowing local flora and fauna are all important. Additionally, are you going to have to defend yourself against dangerous wildlife?  Bottom line is do no go to an area that is completely unfamiliar. 

#4 Water

You must have a fresh water source. Otherwise you are not going to last very long. 

#5 Shelter

You also have to be able to protect yourself from the elements. If you have the right survival skills you can live in the wilderness indefinitely on next to nothing. However, the average person is not that prepared. It is far better to purchase something such as a large tent that will withstand foul weather. 

#6 Food

You also have to consider whether or not you have a source of food. Is the weather suitable that you could plant a garden. Is fishing and hunting a possibility?

#7 Local climate

You also have to consider local climate. Can you actually access your bug out location in the winter? If so, do you have adequate fuel to keep warm and cook meals during the winter. 

#8 Protection and defense

The last consideration is whether or not you can defend yourself if needed. Do you have sufficient line of sight to see if someone is approaching. Does your bug out location have natural barriers such as a river, cliffs, or steep terrain. 

If you are completely portable then you can leave one location and travel to another. But if you have a bug out property that is set up for long-term, people are going to come across your property and know that it is mostly likely well stocked. Consequently you are going to have to defend your stash. 

Is Bugging Out Really Advisable?

Then the question becomes is bugging out really an advisable plan? If you are dependent on your three day bug out bag as your survival plan, what are you going to do after three days. Now you are homeless.  You no longer have any of your personal possessions. Nothing around you is familiar and you have nothing that can actually give you a measure of comfort during a very stressful time. In fact you have essentially become a refugee. 

You must realize that if bugging out becomes necessary, once you leave the confines of your own four walls, you can no longer control what happens to you. You may have left one disaster and be headed into a much worse situation. Therefore, in times of emergency, shelter in place if at all possible.

That being said there are specific circumstances where you should leave your current location versus hunkering down. 

You should bug out under the following conditions:

-You have adequate warning of a disaster before it happens. 

-You are in eminent danger in your current location

-You have a predetermined location with adequate supplies in place

-Your bug out location is safer than you current location

-You have a safe means of getting there and the risk of staying put is greater than the risk of traveling

You should hunker down and stay in your current location if:

-You are not in immediately danger

-You have plenty of supplies

-Traveling to another location puts you at greater risk than staying at home

-You can rely on your local community

Instead of Bugging Out Your Home Should Be Your Retreat

But instead of bugging out consider this. Your home should be your retreat and should be stocked with ample supplies. This can easily be accomplished by spending a few extra dollars at the supermarket each week. This will prevent spending hundreds of dollars on long-term food storage items that you have never tried. In no time at all, you will notice that you have a very comfortable amount of extra food around the house.

Commercially canned foods, if stored properly, have an almost indefinite shelf life. It is important to stock only what you normally eat. Every prep item that you store should be things that you use everyday. Do not depend on some mystery MRE or some other food that you have never tried. In the event of an actual emergency situation and bugging out becomes necessary this is not the time to change your diet.

As part of your preparation, have a full compliment of basic camping gear, including tents, sleeping bags, gas stove for cooking (propane, butane, or white gas). Drinking water and food that can be prepared without heat are essential items. First aid kits, over the counter medications, and personal hygiene items are essential. A means of purifying water is imperative.

If you think there is a possibility you may be forced out of your home, have a pre-stocked place to go if at all possible.  You also need a plan to get there quickly. A great alternative plan is to stay with family, friends, or other people that are of the same mind-set as you. Then truly bugging out may not be necessary. 

Take advantage of modern technology. Have a small alternative power source that can supply enough electricity to run lights and some basic tools. Do not depend on candles and oil lamps that are expendable. These need to be replaced and will be impossible to find after a disaster. 

Purchase a small plug-and-play solar electric system that will provide a renewable source of electricity and is also portable. If you are at home consider obtaining a high efficiency refrigerator that runs off of DC power. These are easily available and consume far less electricity in 24 hours than even a 50 watt light bulb. Even if the electricity goes out you still have some form of refrigeration.

Learn to Provide Things for Yourself

If you watch the news with regularity, you are familiar with what happens after a disaster. It typically takes a significant amount of time for vital supplies to actually reach the disaster zone and be distributed to those that need it. You should take the time to learn how to provide these needs and services for yourself. Even if you are able to provide 50% of your needs, this will have a huge impact on the stress you experience during such events.

In my opinion, it is imperative that you learn to be responsible for yourself. You must realize that you are responsible for everything that you do and everything that you do not do. This is at the heart of being self sufficient and caring for yourself and your family even during the worst circumstances.

Our modern culture with its complicated infrastructure serves up our daily needs at the click of a button, the flip of a switch, the turn of the tap, or a quick trip to the local market. Most of us would not know how to survive even a few days without easy access to our daily needs. With a little forethought and planning, this can be easily changed.

It is imperative that you take the time and effort to manage as many of your own resources as possible. This does take a little forethought and planning and it may require that you learn a new skill. Remember that the adverse psychological affects experienced by disaster victims are primarily related to the extent of stress experienced before, during and after a disaster. Much of this can be alleviated by providing some form of routine, familiarity and some resemblance of normalcy for yourself and your family during such events. But in order to do that you must plan ahead. 

What has been proven over and over again is that all disaster victims crave the same basic things. They crave routine, familiarity, and some resemblance of normalcy. But once again, with a little forethought and planning a lot of this can simply be avoided because you will have adequate resources to deal with the situation. 

Making Money on Bugging Out

There are numerous websites and businesses that make a healthy living on selling folks survival gear including bug out bags. They are more than happy to convince you that you should be prepared for a disaster or for the complete down fall of our culture at any moment.

Now I do not dismiss any of these possibilities. Nor am I being critical of those businesses. But I also think there are situations that come up far more frequently than the complete downfall of our society and those potential situations will require you to be prepared. 

While many pepper websites glamorized the bug out scenario the truth is that if it ever comes to that it will be more challenging than any situation you have ever encountered. If you think you are simply going to flee to the wilderness and survive solely on your wits then you will be one of the first people to die. 

What I Do

Now you may be wondering what exactly is it that I do. 

For years I’ve been in the habit of trying to be prepared for any sort of unexpected event or emergency. This is how I was taught to think. Additionally, my cabin is isolated and private enough that it is entirely feasible for me to have an emergency and have nothing to rely on except my own ingenuity. Consequently, I am always thinking ahead. 

I do a lot of home canning and have a small stock pile of goods that I rotate on a regular basis.  Because I live at high altitude and close to the Continental Divide, I experience a fair amount of unpredictable weather.  There have been several times that major storms have moved in and all major utilities were off grid for days. During such times, I rarely ventured out for any reason and almost never went to the supermarket. IF I did I was always amazed at the number of angry people standing in line for some wanted or needed item that was out of stock.  Most of the time I headed back to the cabin and wondered why I ventured out in the first place.

It has taken great effort to set up the cabin to be as self sufficient as possible. At this point, I could stay there for months and never really need anything. But as I said before, due to my relative isolation, I have to think like this. 

But also during my adult life I have been evacuated three times because of hurricanes. This happened mostly because I spent a number of years working on the east coast of the United States. Fortunately with hurricanes you have ample warning. 

At the first mention of potential landfall in the area where I was working I packed my truck, filled it up with gas, filled extra water bottles, and made sure that my stash of survival gear in my truck was also well stocked and organized. Once the mandatory evacuation order was issued I was on the road in less than five minutes. 

At one point when I still owned the house in South Carolina, a major stormed moved in the area and the neighborhood where I live turned into a disaster zone over night. Temperatures were below freezing and we had no electricity for 7 days. There were so many trees down on the roads that it was impossible to go anywhere. Fortunately we were prepared and had no reason to leave home. 

In each of these real life scenarios I calmly sat back and watch my local community quickly descend into complete chaos. People were completely unprepared. Consequently they were fearful and had no idea what to do. On the flip side, each and every time something like this happened, for me it was simply a minor inconvenience. 

The biggest reason I would have to be evacuated from the cabin would be due to forest fire. But once again, we are prepared. We have two large water proof boxes in the storage shed organized with camping gear and food. All we have to do is grab them and put them on the truck. We routinely use these for camping trips. After each trip with simply restock them so they are once again ready to go. This of course is in addition to the basic survival gear that stays in our vehicle year round. 

Mostly I do these things because it was what I was taught to do. Additionally I do these things based on the personal experienced I discussed above. Granted there are only a handful of times in my adult life that my gear and preparation has become essential. But I can tell you from personal experience that it only takes one emergency situation to teach you the value of being prepared. So stop thinking of fleeing into the wilderness and surviving solely on your wits. Admittedly no likes thinking about or even preparing for disaster scenarios. But a little forethought and planning may some day actually save your life. At the very least it may turn a crappy stressful situation into a minor inconvenience. 

Louis Pasteur once said, “Chance favors the prepared mind.” So, be prepared. 

Well folks I think that is about it for this week. I truly hope you have enjoyed this episode. And if you enjoy my episodes then please take the time to leave me with a review as well as subscribe to the Adventures in Sustainable Living podcast. 

Until next week, live simple, be sustainable, and be prepared. This is your host Patrick signing off. Always remember to live sustainably because this is how we build a better future. 

Patrick

Patrick