Bug in or bug out? For every prepper, the decision to stay put or evacuate your home during an emergency situation can be a difficult one. Making the right decision could mean the difference between life and death.
The factor you’ll consider include the type of emergency, your current location, the availability of resources, and the safety of your family members. Natural disasters, civil unrest, and even nuclear war are all disaster scenarios that could require immediate action.
When disaster strikes, it’s important to have an evacuation plan and the ability to be self-reliant. But how many supplies are enough? Should you bug in and wait for the danger to pass, or should you evacuate to a safer location? These are real-time questions and the answers may not be easy. The decision to bug in or bug out requires careful planning and the ability to balance pros and cons.
What do “bug out” and “bug in” mean?
The terms “bug in” and “bug out” are often used, but what do they mean? Essentially, “bugging in” refers to staying put in your current location, while “bugging out” means leaving that location for a safer one.
In a natural disaster such as a raging wildfire, bugging out to a safer location is often the best choice to ensure your safety. By staying put, you have the advantage of familiarity with your surroundings and your preps, as well as the ability to defend your home against potential threats.
It’s important to realize that the decision to bug in or bug out isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Each situation is unique, and it’s crucial to evaluate the risks and benefits before making a decision.
Should You Start by Bugging In?
In some emergency scenarios, bugging in may be the best choice. If you live in a rural area and you’re prepared with a full pantry and water to last a few weeks, you may be able to ride out a disaster in your own home. Bugging in also makes more sense if you have health problems that make it difficult to travel, or if you have limited resources and would struggle to seek shelter in a remote location.
However, there are some scenarios where bugging in may not be the best option… If you’re facing a natural disaster like a raging wildfire or a flood, it may be a better idea to evacuate to a safer location. Also, if civil unrest or a nuclear war breaks out, staying in your own home may not be the best way to defend yourself.
When Should You Bug Out?
Don’t wait until the last minute to make the decision to leave if there’s imminent danger. Mother Nature, military action can fit into these categories and they can change your situation quickly.
There are three things you need to consider: 1) How healthy are you and are you able to stay healthy where you are; 2) What disaster situation is unfolding around you; and 3) Do you either have the preps or the ability to replenish them so that you can last longer where you are?
Your Physical and Mental Health
One reason we prepare is to stay healthy so your physical and mental health is a critical factor. In a disaster scenario, you may need to travel long distances on foot or carry heavy supplies. If you have health problems that could make SHTF difficult or dangerous.
Issues with your health could push your decision one way in one scenario, and then in a completely different direction in a different problem set. Perhaps you need to relocate because you’re running low on needed prescription medications…
On the other hand, if you’re in good shape but have mental health concerns such as anxiety or panic disorder, bugging out may be more challenging for you. The stress and uncertainty of the situation could exacerbate your symptoms, making it difficult to make rational decisions and take necessary actions. We suggest creating a decision matrix around your health and the various situations to help you with this decision.
Your Resources
Your resources play a crucial role in deciding when you should bug out. Before making a decision, you need to assess the resources you have available to you. These resources include food and water, medical supplies, shelter, education and training, and your community.
Some questions to think about: How long will your current preps last you and can you replenish them as fast as you’re consuming them? Do you have a bug-out vehicle that will safely get you to where you need to go? Will that vehicle carry you and all the supplies you need to get where you need to go?
Look at it like this: You want to stay where you’re safe and have the resources until you can’t stay there any longer.
The SHTF Scenario Unfolding Around You
Once things go south, you’ll constantly be assessing the state of your immediate surroundings, evaluating the severity of the emergency or disaster you’re in, the availability of resources, and the likelihood of receiving external assistance.
Weather changes. Wars evolve. Economies are always in flux. If you’re paying attention and using common sense you’ll be able to avoid immediate danger.
It’s crucial to know and understand what’s happening around you. You should score the severity of the emergency or disaster as they change around you every day By doing this, you’ll be able to make the right decision.
Risks When Bugging In
You’ll need to weigh the risks you’re deciding on a bug in vs bug out strategy. Bugging in may seem like a safe and secure option, but there are risks that come with it…
Among the risks you’ll face will be your limited resources and your ability to resupply or replenish. In an emergency situation, you may quickly run out of food, water, and other essential supplies. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters your home could be damaged or destroyed.
Another risk of bugging in is the potential for isolation. Staying home may isolate you from the outside world. This can be dangerous if you are unable to communicate with emergency services or receive updates about the world outside. This can take a toll on your mental health, leading to feelings of loneliness and anxiety.
Running Out of Preps
You should be able to forecast when you’ll run out of preps. Bugging in is self-reliance on steroids, relying on your stockpile to sustain your family. There are likely to be limits to your emergency preparedness,
You should have a good understanding of how much food, water, and other supplies you’ll need to survive for an extended period of time. And, you should have a plan in place for replenishing your supplies when needed. This will involve growing your own food, harvesting rainwater, and having a way to filter and purify water.
Consider having a backup plan in place in case you do run out of supplies before everyday life is restored. Know that you could need several days or even weeks of supplies in your vehicle to evacuate to a safer location. Plan for this as well.
Unprepared Neighbors
You may have invested considerable time and resources on your emergency preparedness; your neighbors probably haven’t. This can lead to problems like looting, theft, and violence…
If you find yourself in a situation where your neighbors are unprepared, it’s important to approach the situation with caution. Don’t put yourself in danger by engaging in confrontations. Instead, try to establish a sense of community and work together to ensure everyone’s safety.
You could take two approaches to this issue or a blend of these strategies. Consider starting a neighborhood watch group or emergency preparedness group. This can help to build relationships and encourage them to prepare for emergencies. A second option is to become the grey man and blend in in a way that doesn’t “show your cards”. Hiding in plain sight will also allow you to stay informed about what those around you are thinking.
Blocked Bug Out Route
When it comes to bugging in, as with everything, timing is critical. This is especially true if you live in an urban or suburban area, where traffic and congestion can quickly become a problem during an emergency. Do you leave as soon as things become a problem or wait and possibly find a better time to evacuate?
If you are bugging in and your situation changes where it’s suddenly time to go, having a clear and safe route out is critical. If your route is blocked or congested with traffic jams, you’ll need an alternate path. Don’t assume cell networks will be functional. It’s a good idea to have a road atlas in your prepper library.
Plan a few different bug-out routes in advance. Your alternate options should include a range of road types: Major highways, State Routes, local streets, and maybe even some off-road paths. Aside from planning your routes, have a bug-out bag ready to go with essential supplies and gear.
Risks When Bugging Out
Bugging out can become necessary in some situations and it does come with its own set of risks…
The first risk that comes to mind is the threat of violence and looting on the roads. This danger can be more pronounced in urban areas where more people live. Additionally, you may be exposed to harsh weather conditions or have a hard time finding shelter. If you have a medical condition, bugging out may be a challenge without medical care.
Another major risk when bugging out is encountering roadblocks or illegal “checkpoints”. These can be set up by both authorities and looters alike and could be a significant danger to your safety. If you’re traveling with your family, keeping young children and elderly family members safe may be challenging.
If you’re not well-prepared for bugging out, you may find yourself without enough supplies or resources to sustain you during the trip. This could lead to dehydration, starvation, and other health issues.
Compromised Bug Out Location
A compromised bug out location is a significant risk you should consider. If your bug out location becomes compromised, you’ll be forced to quickly find a new location in a potentially hostile environment.
Having a backup location is part of a good plan. You should have a few alternate locations in mind and a plan for how to each. Get familiar with the local roads and geography to ensure you can navigate the area effectively.
Another way to prepare for a compromised bug out location is to have a well-stocked bug out bag. Your bag should include essential items such as water, food, shelter, clothing, a means of self-defense, such as a firearm or pepper spray, in case you encounter marauders.
Finally, communication is key in this situation. Make sure you have a way to communicate with other preppers and emergency services. Keep your phone charged and have backup batteries or a solar charger to maintain communications during a crisis.
Will Your Bug Out Vehicle Carry Enough Preps
When bugging out, it’s essential to have a reliable bug out vehicle that can carry all your necessary preps. It’s equally important to know that your vehicle can handle the weight of your preps without breaking down. You should carry an amount of preps that gives you a safety margin if you’re on the road longer than you expected.
To avoid breakdowns, calculate the weight of your preps and compare that number to your vehicle’s weight limit. Make sure you pack your preps in a way that distributes the weight evenly and gives you easy access to them.
It’s also wise to have a backup plan in case your bug out vehicle fails. The first piece of the backup plan is repair parts and tools. After that, if the failure is too complex, consider adding bicycles to your setup to carry minimal supplies if your primary vehicle fails.
Status of Backup Bug Out Location
When it comes time to bug out you’re going to want to know that you’re going to a safe location. A stressful situation can be made worse if you don’t make the correct decision. While you may be fortunate to build out a secluded homestead, that doesn’t guarantee that someone won’t get there before you creating a new set of problems.
It’s important to ensure that your backup location is in good condition and ready for occupancy. This means that you need to regularly check and maintain the status of your backup bug out location. It also means that you’ll want to have a few relationships with like-minded neighbors whom you can radio ahead of time.
You should consider having multiple backup locations in different directions to ensure that you always have a safe place to go. You’ll need to develop passive approaches to listening so that you don’t unknowingly evacuate to a dangerous situation.
Weather and Natural Disasters
One of the risks with bugging out is the possibility of severe weather and natural disasters. Weather can make getting to your destination very difficult, and put you in jeopardy. It’s important to know the weather patterns between you and your destination so you can possibly time your trip.
Pack your bug out vehicle with the supplies you need for the bad weather that’s typical in your part of the country.
You should also put some time into studying how weather and natural disasters may impact your route. Flooded roads, snowfall, or fallen trees can make travel impossible. You should know the alternate routes and possible shelters until the danger passes.
Civil Unrest, War, Martial Law
Civil unrest, war, or martial law are their own class in the range of emergency scenarios. In times of crisis, the social order can break down and lead to violence and chaos. Because of this, you should have a radio that you can use to monitor events.
If you have to travel through hot spots, have a plan in place and be ready to defend yourself. This is where having a reliable communication plan can also help you stay safe.
In some extreme cases, the government may implement martial law to restore order. Typically, this creates restrictions on movement, curfews, and even confiscation of property. Being aware of the current state of affairs and keeping a low profile can help you avoid becoming a target in these situations.
Benefits of Bugging In
When it comes to survival scenarios, bugging in has its advantages. Staying in your home gives you easy access to your preps and the advantage of being on familiar turf, which can help ease the stress of the situation.
Another benefit is that you don’t have to worry about the risks associated with traveling to a bug out location. You don’t have to worry about navigating unfamiliar terrain or dealing with the potential dangers of other people on the road. In addition or the limitations of your bug-out vehicle or preps.
Staying at home can also give you a better chance to defend yourself and your property. By fortifying your home and creating a defensive plan, you can protect yourself from potential threats such as looters or intruders.
Lastly, bugging in can allow you to conserve your energy and resources for when they’re truly needed. By staying put and only venturing out when necessary, you can harvest rainwater and grow your own food, which may help you in a prolonged emergency situation.
You Know Your Preps
When you bug in, you know what preps you’ve got and where they are located, which makes it easier to manage your resources. You’re in control of your environment, and you can plan accordingly based on the supplies you have at hand.
In a bugging in scenario, you don’t have to worry about carrying your preps with you, which is a significant advantage. You can stock up on food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials without the burden of having to transport them elsewhere. This frees up valuable time to manage your overall situation.
By bugging in, you can also establish a routine and maintain a sense of normalcy, which can help alleviate stress and anxiety during a crisis. You can continue with your daily activities, such as cooking, cleaning, and gardening, which can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity in uncertain times.
Your Prepper Network
Hopefully, before SHTF, you’ll have built a network with other preppers. Having a community of people who you can trust and work with is incredibly valuable. Your prepper network can provide you with valuable resources, skills, and support when you need it the most.
The ability to pool resources and expertise is a force multiplier. In a bug-in situation, your prepper network can help you maintain your home security and provide early warning of any threats. Think “Paul Revere”. Your network of other preppers may be the difference between successfully staying put or evacuating.
They can also help with tasks such as replenishing or rationing supplies and checking on vulnerable members of the community. By building strong relationships with like-minded individuals, you can enhance your chances of survival and even thrive when a disaster occurs.
Familiarity With Your Surroundings
A major benefit of staying put is your familiarity with your surroundings. This can give you a level of preparedness, comfort, and confidence that’s hard to match when bugging out.
The layout of your home, where your supplies are stored, and how to defend your home… These are real advantages in a chaotic situation. Familiarity with your surroundings will help you identify potential threats and take action before they become a problem…
In addition to knowing your home, you may also be familiar with your neighborhood and community. This can be beneficial if you need to coordinate with others and pool resources or share security measures.
Why You Would Leave Your Bug In Location
While bugging in may seem like the safest option in many situations, things could change and cause you to leave your bug in location. You could experience a threat that can’t be adequately addressed within your home; it may be necessary to evacuate. This could include a natural disaster, such as a flood or wildfire, or a man-made threat like a chemical spill or explosion.
Bottom line… It’s important to have a plan in place for when you need to leave your bug in location, including a designated rendevous location and means of transportation. Keep your bug out bag packed and ready to go at all times, so you can quickly grab it and leave if necessary. Stay calm, prioritize your safety, and work your plan competently.
Natural Disaster
There are advantages to bugging in, but sometimes it’s necessary to leave your bug in location, especially during natural disasters. Severe weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods can quickly turn your safe haven into a dangerous place. In these situations, it’s important to evacuate to a safer location and wait for the disaster to pass.
Leaving your bug in location during a natural disaster may be necessary for your safety, but it also means leaving behind your preps and supplies. It’s crucial to have a bug out bag ready with essential items such as food, water, and a first aid kit. You should also have a plan in place for where to go and how to get there.
When a natural disaster strikes, it’s important to stay informed and listen to local authorities for evacuation orders. It’s better to be safe than sorry and evacuate early rather than risk getting trapped or injured. Your safety is the top priority, and your bug in location can always be rebuilt or restocked.
Man-Made Disaster
While bugging in has many advantages, a man-made disaster can wipe those away pretty quickly. Man-made disasters can include anything from chemical spills to nuclear accidents to terrorist attacks. In these situations, it may not be safe to stay in your bug in location, and you may need to evacuate.
If you find yourself in a man-made disaster, stay informed about the situation and follow instructions from local authorities. Have a plan in place and be prepared to leave quickly if necessary. Make sure to have a go-bag packed with a first aid kit and important documents.
Have a designated meeting place for your family in case you get separated and pay attention to the location of the problem because it could change your planned route. Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and avoid areas that may be unsafe or contaminated.
Civil Unrest
A civil unrest scenario might be the biggest joker in the deck of SHTF scenarios simply because it’s hard to know how everyone will respond.
If the situation becomes too unpredictable or dangerous and threatens your family’s safety, evacuation may be your best option. This is especially true if your bug in location is in a densely populated urban area, where civil unrest can quickly escalate. Keep up-to-date on current events and any potential unrest in your area, so you can make informed decisions about when it’s time to go. Because this is an area of concern, we’ve written a guide on navigating civil unrest.
Conventional or Nuclear War
Conventional or nuclear war could be a reason to leave your home. In such a catastrophic scenario, you might need to move to a more secure and distant location. It’s essential to have a pre-planned escape route and a survival kit to help you survive the journey to your new shelter.
Putting a significant amount of distance between yourself and the hostilities in a short period of time may be a wise plan. Pull together enough supplies to last for the journey and the time you’ll spend in the new location. Widespread hostilities can change your plans pretty quickly. Have a plan to maintain contact with your loved ones to keep them updated on your situation and whereabouts.
Bugging Out Without a Bug Out Location
In an ideal scenario, preppers would have a designated Bug Out Location (BOL) to go to in case of emergencies. But then again, SHTF can be random and that new home could become unavailable.
In the case where your primary location is no longer available, you need to have a pre-selected sequence of secondary locations already known to your family. This could be a friend or family member’s home, a hotel, a shelter, or even a campground. Based on a set of rules you’ll have to pick where you’re going for the scenario you’re in.
Conclusion
Staying put or evacuating isn’t a straightforward decision. Everything about this will be situational. Develop plans for both and know your own criteria for changing your decision ahead of time. The reality of this decision is that will be influenced by a variety of factors occurring around you.