When disaster hits you need to get out of harm’s way as soon as possible. To do so, you will need to consider various logistical factors, such as distance and ease of access (infrastructure) from your current position to the bug out location.
Additionally, you need to keep an eye on what available resources you have left: how much fuel you have at hand, if you get there will there be any food and water sources, etc. That’s why it’s best to be prepared before any crisis hits. If you already have a bout location in mind ask yourself the following:
Factors To Take Into Account
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- Have you taken into account planning ahead and creating at least 3 alternative routes to avoid the twilight zone and the long cue of cars lined up to leave the city? Remember that in case of a riot everyone will try to escape the city and use the obvious infrastructure to make a run for it. Do not fall under the same trap. It is important to always be prepared.
- Is your bug out location just one gas-tank away from your home? Alternatively, can you get there in less than two or three hours?
- You may be satisfied with your current bug out location, but can YOU get there, or will the natural obstacles, such as floods or heavy snow, deter you?
- Is there a water source nearby? How will you sustain yourself there?
Your food and water supplies will eventually end, so you will be forced to make do with whatever nature provides for you (i.e., fruits and herbs). In addition, fishing and hunting will become your second nature, so do make sure there is plenty of small and/or big game available in the region. - Can your bug out house be spotted from the air or does the tree foliage provides you cover?
- How is the climate like? Is it warm all year round? If not, then do you have access to wood fire? Is the area affected by extreme weather conditions, such as tornadoes or floods?
- Is it at least 100 miles away from any nuclear facility?
It would be ideal for your bug out house to be located in the mountain area. Even though you would need to account for the cold, at least the snow would impede others from getting to you. A bug out house located in the plains, can easily be swept away by floods or other extreme weather phenomena, but bugging out in the mountain area carries its own risks, as well. One of them refers to avalanches. To find out more about the topic, please do not hesitate to read the “Avalanche Survival – Beating the Odds” article.
However, running to the hills would somewhat be impossible for someone living in Orlando, for instance.
Some Areas To Consider
If you live, let’s say in San Francisco or LA and SHTF, then bug out in Oregon. The area is rather unoccupied and you know for a fact that there will be a next meal coming up. However, there is a risk of floods due to the marine west coast climate, also known as the oceanic climate, which brings about heavy rainfall.
The Dakotas
Not many people live in this area, so North and South Dakota would make for a perfect bug out location, with a lot of game and water sources. If you decide on buying a house there, make sure you build a basement to take shelter in case of a tornado. The tornado incidence is quite high up there.
Colorado, Wyoming and Montana
You can easily buy some land in the secluded parts of these locations (the Rocky Mountain). There are plenty of water and food resources, but it can get really cold in the winter, which is why you should always have with you Mylar blankets, which reflect the body heat, thus keeping you warm.
West Virginia
If you do not mind living close to a place that will be crawling with government officials (training facilities of the FBI, governmental bunkers), then West Virginia may be the place for you, as it has plenty of resources to sustain living. In addition, if you have the dough and purchase some land there, you will also benefit from natural gas resources.
On the other hand if you want to keep your distance from the politicians, you can opt for Northern Tennessee or Kentucky.
Louisiana and Alabama
These are valid bug out choices if you live in the South. You won’t be lacking food and water, but your location may be a bit overexposed, which is why you should consider stocking plenty of ammo, just to be on the safe side if push comes to shove. If you love high temperatures, then these are the right places for you.
Living in a rural area does not equal living in a bug out location. It may as well be the case that urban residents might be heading your way immediately after a disaster of apocalyptic proportions. Think again, are you really living in a safe region? If the answer is no, then start planning and implementing the necessary decisions as soon as possible.
