What do you do if you don’t have a bug-out location?
Well, the first thing you should know is that chances are high that when SHTF, who owns what will not matter. It will be survival of the fittest. The first thing you should think about is a general location where you would be safest.
The second thing to do is to find out what is around your home and work. If possible, a building or spot that would serve as a good place to go to immediately. Then you can move on from there or hunker down.
Try to look around your neighborhood or what’s close to you.
Do I Need A Bug Out Location?
I get asked this question often “do I need a bug-out location?”
And the answer is, it depends.
If you have the resources to have a property/bunker to go to, then yes. That’s probably your best bet. But if you’re like most people and don’t have an existing property or bunker to turn t then you need an alternative.
You should think in larger terms, such as areas that you have preexisting knowledge of. Area’s that you have been to already.
Ask yourself questions such as how would I get out of town if there was a hurricane? Where would be the best area/spot to go to? These are the kinds of questions to ask depending on the one or multiple scenarios you are prepping for.
You might be wondering how far away should a bug out location be?
But What If You Don’t Have One?
But What If You Don’t Have One?
Well, the simple answer is then to find one. You can do so easily, based on what you already know. For example: maybe you are concerned about a pandemic/virus that would make the black plague look like nothing. You live in Las Vegas and figure out you will drive to through Idaho to Montanna.
As you want to be as far away from people as possible.” It shouldn’t take you long to find a location, even if you don’t own a property in that state.
I would look into what rental properties cost in that area. Especially if you do not have the means of buying a property in that state.
What if you can’t afford it?
I hear you. I don’t know what your financial situation is, and I’m not going to pretend that I do. You may or may not be able to afford to buy a property in one of these states, or maybe you can’t afford anything at all. That’s okay!
You don’t need to own something to have a bug-out location. You could even rent a piece of land or an apartment if it made sense for your situation.
The point is that just having an area in mind and the reasons as to why is already a step ahead of many people who don’t have an escape plan at all.
Going Into The Wild
Going into the wild is not a bad idea. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to survive in an SHTF scenario.
The first thing you need to know is that going into the wild means you don’t have to rent or purchase a place. Think of what would happen if there was a large-scale EMP attack. When living in the wild you just go there and live.
If you can afford to buy a place then all the better! The reality is that if you can not afford it then, having a state/location and specific area to go to is key. Focus on key factors to ensure your survival.
Make A List For Your Bug Out Location
I’m a fan of lists, because they make sure I get everything done in a day. And the same goes for your bug-out location: you want to make sure you have all the bases covered.
For example: what kind of growing conditions do you have? If you are in an area where it snows a lot, then you will need to consider how to keep things warm and dry enough to grow crops(greenhouse). If you live in a warmer climate, then you might have other concerns like pests, water or diseases that can affect your crops.
Location Is Key
The same goes for livestock or wild game. The location you choose will dictate what you need and how to adapt to it. I would want an area with access to water and fertile soil for growing crops. If you are focused or want to incorporate hunting into your location then think of the land. Are there lots of animals, that are big game?
If there are lots of animals around, how will they affect your crops (for example: deer eating crops before they mature).
Terrain
What kind of terrain would be best for your bug-out location? Do you want an area with lots of trees and open plains, or maybe there are many lakes and rivers close by?
There could also be an abundance of wildlife. What other natural materials are there?
The terrain can make things much harder for you to survive when SHTF. Or they can make things easier. So consider the pros and cons.
Two Sides Of A Coin
You might want an area with lots of vegetation, which will bring more insects. This could lead to making things less comfortable. So you would need to combat this annoyance. There are always two sides to everything when it comes to terrain. So think of both so you are prepared.
Such as having trees are great but they also block out the sun. Which could pose challenging for your solar panels for example. You would need to find a clearing or make a small one by cutting a few trees down. Just always think of both sides of the coin when determining the terrain/location.
Take Action
You should be able to find something that has all the things, or most of the things you’re looking for. In a bug-out location, you should figure out how far away it is and how long it will take to get there. Also how much gasoline should you have stored in order to get there?
I would also figure out how long on foot it would take, if something happened to your car.
You should be able to get a property with these requirements and if you can’t then you have an area where those properties are. So you have a specific but general area you want to bug out to when SHTF.
Key Additional Factors To Consider
Access & Availability
Accessibility and availability are important factors to consider when choosing a bug-out location.
If you’re planning on bugging out with your family and friends, it would be wise to choose a location that has both. It’s a good idea to have both easily accessible and has plenty of available land for you to set up camp/shelter/bunker/home. If you want to be able to live off-grid once you reach your destination.
That is far away from other people, then it would be wise to consider a location with limited accessibility and no land available for purchase. Or the limited amount of land to purchase, in the surrounding area.
Don’t Freak Out If You Don’t Have A Bug Out Location
You could be feeling a little freaked out or worried at the moment.
Don’t be!
You are reading this, which means you are taking the steps to find a bug-out location. A lot of people don’t even know where to start and it can be overwhelming.
The good thing is that you are reading this, which means your taking the steps to find one. You should have an idea of where to go to after this.
Multiple Reasons For Not Having A Bug Out Location
There are many reasons why people don’t have a bug-out location. It might be because they live in an urban area, or it could be because they don’t know where to start.
If you live in a city, it’s important to get out fast if you want to survive. It can quickly become next to impossible to get out safely if you don’t get out soon enough. If I lived in a large city, I would try to focus on staying put first before bugging out. In most cases.
So whatever the reason, it’s a good idea to have a bug out location in mind at the very least.
Is Having A Bug-out Location Worth It?
Personally, I think so!
It depends on you. If you’re the type of person who likes to be prepared for every possible scenario, then yes. It’s definitely worth it.
If you’re the type of person who likes to live your life without worrying about what might happen next, then no. It’s not worth it.
It’s not like you’re scared of living your life, it’s just that you want to live with peace of mind. You know that sometimes, things happen that can’t be planned for, and you want to be ready for those moments. Having a safe place to go, doesn’t have a price tag.
Why Not?
You know it’s important to have an evacuation plan in case of a fire or flood for example. Then why wouldn’t it be worth having a bug-out location?
Three Things To Survive Without A Bug-Out Location
There are three key things to take into account when it comes to surviving without a bug-out location:
1. An adequate amount of supplies.
2. A plan of action for what to do.
3. The ability to execute the plan and follow through.
Stay Safe Out There!
