Bug Out Tip: Know Before You Go

Just over the past three months I have watched the news and at least five different emergency events have occurred that would necessitate one to bug out from their home. From hurricanes to forest fires the news shows the carnage in beautiful high def. Some states declared a state of emergency and mandated an evacuation of certain areas. Personally if you have waited till that time to bug out then you are already in trouble because now the evacuation process is going to be jammed and probably chaotic. This is also shown on the news in high def as we see lines of cars stuck on interstates and freeways. This is way I encourage people to bug out early rather than later and when you do you know how to get their efficiently. This brings us to Know Before You Go.

By Grimm, a contributing author

So lets say you have your bug out bag set and you have your bug out location picked out. How are you going to get there? Are you going on foot, bicycle, boat, or car? What routes are you going to take? These are all important questions to ask yourself. Once you answer these questions you then need to start plotting out your routes and yes I mean multiple. I suggest that you have at least three different routes to get to your bug out location per mode of transportation. This gives you options if you bump into traffic, blockades, mobs etc. Depending on how you are traveling and how visibly prepared you are you could become a target for all the ill prepared or as I like to call them “Grasshoppers”.

Also Read: Ultimate SHTF Bug Out Camper

To help you in this endeavor I would purchase maps, topographic if possible, of your area and bug out location. Use google maps as well because often you can quickly measure distance as well as see the traffic. Check the google maps during different times to see what the traffic patterns are. Then once you have done your research and plotting you need to go on that route. If you are walking or riding a bike it will give you an idea on how many rest stops you need to make or how dangerous a road is. If you are going by vehicle you will quickly find out if your vehicle can handle it. These tests should be done in as many seasons and weather conditions as possible. Roads could become impassible and rivers can freeze. The more experience you get the more data you can compile in your personal evacuation route guide.

Like I said earlier I encourage people to bug out early but even if you wait till the last minute this information could be vital to your survival. Don’t feel like you have to do this all at once either. To be honest you can’t if you have multiple seasons. Make it enjoyable, an adventure. Plan these trips in connection with a camping trip or a bug out practice. You might find some great scenery will traveling the back roads. Just remember that when a real bug out event happens make sure you Know Before You Go.

Check out my video on “Know Before You Go”