Buggin' Out

Preppers define "bugging out" as when you must leave your location for a safer place, in a catastrophic happening.  In a disaster, such as an EMP type event, when the majority of transportation is disabled, this would mean hitting the road with your survival supplies on your back.  There are other possibilities that I won't go into, such as bicycles, an older vehicle available that pre-dates the electronics loaded models of today, a horse...people can be pretty creative in their planning for evacuation.

In my personal situation, the hubby and I would first try to make our stand at our house in the edge of our hometown. Texas is where our children and grandchildren reside and that is where we would attempt to survive.  However, we do spend nearly half of our time at a Colorado cabin.  At this location, we do keep an older model vehicle that we maintain in running condition.  In the vehicle that we travel back and forth and is our primary means of transportation, we keep two bags with basic survival supplies.  If necessary, our goal would be to take the old vehicle and make it back to Texas.  

I have often said here, we are not hard-core, super preppers but there are some things we do. I really believe that anyone can be prepared and it doesn't have to dominate your life or your finances.  It's really pretty simple. You have to do a bit of study and ask yourself, "If I had to put a back pack on and start walking, what would I have to have to survive?"  If you have a vehicle, you must have fuel stored. We also have a siphoning tool in the bag.   In my two bags:

                   Water (also have water purifying tabs and a water filter)
                   Food (dehydrated foods are going to be the best bet to have any reasonable supply)
                   Chemical suits and masks
                   First aid supplies and medicines (a first aid manual or materials you print out)
                   Fire starting items (Strike on anything matches, disposable lighters and/or firestarter kits)
                   Large hunting type knife, guns and ammo
                   Shoes that we could walk a long way in. The lightest warmest thing we could pack.
                   Antiseptic wipes and soap, assorted small items that would be personal preferences

These are just very basic items. Believe it or not, the bags are not that heavy. There are actually bags with the basics available, already packed to go.  Two years ago, I gave all three of my daughters survival bags.  One doesn't drive and I prepared a basic home survival bag for her and the other two, I insisted they put them in their vehicles.  None of them are overly occupied or concerned with S--t-hits-the-fan events, however they accepted them with a "poor old momma" smile.  What can it hurt? What can you lose?

Sure, maybe in your lifetime nothing catastrophic will occur.  But ask yourself, just what IF those crazy preppers are right.  Or even, what if an epic storm hits your area;  what if your car breaks down in the middle of nowhere.  Would you want to not even have a drink of water after two days or would you want to open the trunk, pull a box from under the bed or go to that shelf in the closet or garage and get a bite to eat.  It's win, win. You just can't lose by being a little prepared for the unexpected.