The Trailer Park Homesteader: Bugging In/Out

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Bug Out Bag Discussion

Looking at the basics…..

So What Does Bug Out Mean?

Bugging out is simply leaving an area to escape from a pending or present threatening situation; evacuating.

Why Would You Need to Bug Out?

There are many situations that could lead to a person needing to bug out. Over the last decade alone in the United States there have been many devastating events that have lead to the need to evacuate.

Some of These include:

Hurricanes Tropical Storms Wildfires

Tornadoes Flooding Blizzard / Ice Storms

Depending on the situation and intensity of the threats, local officials can call for mandatory large or small scale evacuations. If this happened, Would YOU Be Ready?

Having a Good Bug Out Bag Can Save Your Life!

One simple Google search will land you on a variety of examples of bug out bag options. There are pre-made bags available to purchase, lists of necessary items to build a bag, and thousands of photos of others’ bags to give an example of what you should carry. We believe a good bug out bag is one made of durable water-proof material, has a good amount of storage, and is comfortable to wear long-term; if necessary. An important point to make is that the weight of the overall stocked bag will only get heavier with each step, use caution when deciding what to put in your bag. Use as many good quality multiple purpose items as you can, this will help free up space and lighten your load.

First, start with the basic five categories you’ll need to focus on to survive:

Fire, Shelter, Purified Water & Food, First Aid, Signaling Device & Security.

For fire-starting there are many different devices that are small and compact to use. Here is a short list of a few: Magnesium fire-starters, Flint Striker, Fire Lighting Squares, and Storm-Proof Matches. It is recommended that besides having a few of these items you also learn to manually start a fire in case your bag and tools are compromised. The following link will show you 9 ways to build a fire without matches: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/04/29/9-ways-to-start-a-fire-without-matches/.

You will also need a shelter of some kind. You can either purchase one, use a tarp and paracord to build one, or learn to build a shelter using items natural elements. Here are a few items that may make building a shelter easier: Survival Thermal Tent, Survival Camp Set, and Mylar Tent. To learn how to build a wilderness shelter: http://www.wilderness-survival.net/shelters-2.php.

Having clean purified water is an absolute must! If bottled water is not available, there are many other ways that water can be purified. There are products like water purification tablets, Life-Straw, water micro-filters, and water treatment drops that can all be carried in a bug out bag and take up little space. If stuck in a situation where these items are not available, other methods such as boiling the water or creating a charcoal filter would be alternatives. Here is one link that shows how: http://www.practicalprimitive.com/skillofthemonth/charcoalfilter.html.

The bug out bag should also contain a three day supply of food at the least. Many people choose to pack freeze-dried or dehydrated meals such as MREs, granola bars, dried fruits and snacks, trail mixes, or jerky. MREs can be made simply and cost effectively at home as well. Further instructions for that can be found here: Ready Nutrition, Apartment Prepper, or Ready Store.

First aid supplies should also be included in a bug out bag. It is also important to mention that having basic first aid and CPR skills would be beneficial knowledge to have prior. A good first aid kits is essential, here are a few we recommend: First Aid Emergency Kit, World Travel Kit, or Rapid Response Trauma First Aid Bag.

Signaling devices are necessary items for attracting attention and getting help in a disaster. It is recommended that a couple of these items also be included in a bug out bag: Emergency Signaling Mirror, Signaling Kit, or Emergency Strobe Light.

Last of the five categories is security, a necessity for a few reasons. The first being self defense against wild animals or dangerous people. Secondly, a weapon such as a knife has multiple uses such as building shelter, making fire, creating snares, and dressing out animals for food.

Other Item Ideas for a Bug Out Bag:

Personal Identification (in a water-proof bag/container)

Clothing – Remember to pack & rotate according to the season

Underwear / Wool Socks / Hiking Boots

Watch / Compass/ Map (in waterproof container)

Rain Suit

Flashlight & Head-lamp

Spare Batteries

Knife Sharpener

Sewing & Fishing Kits

Whistle / Magnifying Glass (if not in your signaling kit already)

Metal Mess Kit (for eating & boiling water) / Soap for Cleaning

550 Paracord

Hygiene Supplies (toilet paper, tooth brush & paste, deodorant, soap)

Thermal Blanket / Bed Roll / Sleeping Bag

Tools: Multi-tool, Camping Shovel, Snare Wire, Wire Saw

Manual Can Opener (P-38 or 51)

Hand-Crank Radio / Walkie Talkies / Batteries or Solar Recharger

Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitizer

*Ammo For Weapons / Cleaning Kit

(Remember Ammo is Heavy, Keep That in Mind)

As mentioned, pre-stocked bags can also be purchased, though you may need to add a few items to it.

For more information on these, you can look at the following:

1 Person Kit: http://amzn.to/1d3eimH

2 Person Kit: http://amzn.to/1eU1LG2

4 Person Kit: http://amzn.to/KWJXz2

We Hope You Found This Information Helpful and If you Have Any Questions or Comments, Feel Free to Ask Us !

Author Information:

Sharon Pannell is a self proclaimed "Prepsteader", both prepper and homesteader. She authors the blog The Trailer Park Homesteader where she teaches others about the importance of disaster preparedness and self-sufficiency. Sharon believes everyday the stuff can hit the fan, it is not one big epic event necessarily and it only takes one set back to create a hardship; so big or small prepare for it all ! Along with her blog, Sharon can also be found managing her other social media sites including her Facebook Page The Trailer Park Homesteader, TTPH Pinterest Page, and TTPH Twitter Page.

G.O.O.D (Get Out of Dodge/Bugging Out)

Getting Out of Dodge

The first step to G.O.O.D is to plan for it! In the spare of the moment in a disaster there isn't going to be time for a long discussion of where to go. So, have it down ahead of time!

Keep in Mind: Where to go will depend on what the danger is.

An example of this would be having a great bug-out location that has many ideal features. It is located off the beaten path, has a building or two pre-stocked with necessities, alternative energy options, a source of fresh water..the works; but is relatively near a potential target of let’s say a possible major terrorist attack.

(I know, I know….just play along for a minute)

In this event, that location would be a no go! It’s too close for comfort, but now let’s suppose the threat is not one of terrorism instead it’s a civil unrest situation (looting/rioting/etc). The location is far enough away (30-50 miles) from your suburban residence and it’s very rural, it’s stocked, and it’s much safer for you. In that situation, this bug-out location has just become much more ideal assuming you can get there safely, right?

(Btw: What Types of Locations Could Be Targets? Check Out 6 Vulnerable Potential Terrorist Targets)

The Point: Plan For Different Scenarios

Step 1: The Plan

A Main Bug-Out Location

Secondary Location

If Going to a Friend or Relatives- ASK Them Ahead of Time if in an Emergency Situation Can You Go There?

(They Might Not Have Room or Supplies For You & Others - NEVER Assume It’s Just Okay)

Who is Going?

What to Begin Storing/Preparing?

(Food, Water, Fire-Starters, Water Filtration & Medical Supplies, Weapons, Bug-Out Bag, etc.)

What Supplies Will You Take and/or Have Previously Stored at the Location?

What Skills Do You (family members and/or group) Need to Learn BEFOREHAND?

Step 2: Teach the Plan

Gather Your Family or Group

Discuss & Adjust the Plan (if needed)

Discuss Concerns

Agree on Expectations

WRITE it DOWN

Step 3: Practice the Plan Regularly

Practice Makes Progress towards Proficiency – Twice a Month!

(This helps cut down on bug-out time, get’s everyone into the routine comfortably, and Helps You to Know of Current Road Closings & Detours)

Have at Least 3 Routes To your Location

(Consider: Jammed Highways, Closed Roads, Detours)

Take a Map & Compass !!!

(You May Have to Go on Foot, Make Sure You Are Proficient With Map Reading. If You Are Taking Small Children, Tether Them to YOU in Crowds if They Can Not Be Carried & Keep Them Within an Arms Reach While Going at it on Foot!)

Author Information:

Hunkering Down or Bugging Out???

Hunkering Down or Bugging Out

Listen here: http://youtu.be/8wor2LSlfMU

(Image via ReadyNutrition.com)

One of the first things you have to consider when you are in the planning stages of disaster preparedness is deciding whether you want to try to stay, leave, or prepare for both scenarios.

In some situations it might be better to try and hunker down either at home or in a safe place. As long as you have the necessary supplies and a fortified location, this option could work.

However in the event that there is a mandatory evacuation or the situation becomes highly dangerous, you may also have to Bug Out.

**One thing to remember when prepping is stay on budget. Our family, like some of yours, is on a limited budget. We are an average low-income family and so we do what we can, when we can.

Don't sink your family in debt just to prep! In theory, that might help you later, but it's not worth compromising your families finances and more importantly your relationships now. Shop around, compare and find the best deals: Do the Math!

Don't overspend on items for a brand name, instead look at the quality and durability.**

Hunkering Down

If you choose to try to wait out a disaster, make sure you have the needed items it will take for you to get by. (Personally, I would recommend stockpiling at the least 30 days of supplies, per person)

Fire- Methods of fire-starting for cooking & warmth

Water- for drinking, cooking, personal hygiene & pets

Food- Remember nutritional sources of food will help keep up your energy levels, digestive tract working properly, and stress levels down; among other things. Remember: Formula for the little one and specialty items needed for them also (30 day supply).

Shelter- Make sure where you're staying is fortified, remember you have supplies, others won't, and some won't hesitate to try to get yours. Depending on the severity of the situation you may have to board windows, fortify entrances, and try to stay out of sight.

Signaling- Have a way to signal for help if needed

Security- Have defense systems of some kind, if you have a weapon make sure you have ammo. If you chose to not use weapons, have other methods of defense. Make sure everyone knows how to safely handle and use all weapons*.

*You're not Rambo, be realistic and always use common sense with weapons!!!

Medicine & First Aid- Make sure you have basic medicines that you might need and a good first aid kit. If you have a family member that requires a daily medicine, try to store some up for emergency's. Some of these can include insulin, asthma medicines, heart medicines, blood pressure medicines, and pain medicines for chronic conditions.

Fuel- Remember situations can change instantly and though you may hate too, you might be forced to leave. Have enough fuel, a full tank for your vehicle or enough to get you at least 100 miles. Fuel can be stored and it's shelf time extended, by adding a fuel stabilizer.

Bugging Out

This is where your preparedness gets really tested, time to break out those bug out bags!!!

If you already have a B.O.L (Bug Out Location), then it is highly recommended that you stock up this location beforehand. In some situations you may have to leave with minimal supplies, or nothing at all. You will still need all of the above supplies, but a few additions:

1. Take Bug Out Bags/72 hrs. Bags (Each Adult or those who can carry one)

2. Don't forget about the weather, dress accordingly, and wear proper footwear such as sneakers, or hiking boots.

3. Take a map and have alternative routes planned ahead.

4. If leaving on foot, tether your children to you if there are crowds.

5. Stay Calm and Don't Panic!

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In extreme situations, if you don't have a B.O.L you may need to learn to live off the land. There are many resources to examine types of edible plants, snaring, and food scavenging. We will look much further into that later in the discussions.

Making a Preparedness Plan

Whether you want to prepare for the short or long-term, it all begins with a plan!

Some people only prepare for certain seasons such as tornado, hurricane, or tropical storms. Other people prepare for more long-term situations and this requires more preparations. Whether you are a short-term or long-term prepper, beginning somewhere is vital.

Here are a couple helpful links:

Emergency Supply Checklist

Citizen Preparedness Guide

Steps to Help You:

Choose a Situation or Situations (as plans may vary based on these)
Have a Good Ol' Fashioned Family Sit-down
Where You Would Go in The Event of a Disaster?
How Long Might You Have to Be Gone?
Be Realistic in Your Plan & Preparedness Budget!!!
What Supplies Do You Need?
What Skills or Training Might You Need?
Assess Everyone's Concerns!!!
Iron Out All Details & Write it Out!
If Evacuating to a Family Members Home, Plan Ahead with Them!

Stay CALM & Practice, Practice, Practice Your Plan Regularly!

Practice This Plan at Least Twice a Month.

Have Emergency Bags (also called B.O.B. aka Bug Out Bags) Ready to Go. This is a HUGE Help and Will Help You Leave ASAP. (we'll explore these more later)

As a Family, Take First Aid, CPR, These Are Skills Everyone Should Know Regardless of any Situation.

Also if offered in your area, take Survival/Wilderness Classes. This will help all members to know how to build shelters, make fire, purify water, recognize wild plants and edibles. Kids will enjoy these activities, because let's face it; to them it's like camping. This may also help them to take an interest in Boy or Girl Scouts, where they will continue to learn helpful information and build their social skills. Perhaps also look into taking self-defense, tactical and weapons training as a family...?

The Fact of the Matter is...

Nothing Bad May Ever Happen...but IF it Does,

Wouldn't You Rather Be Prepared, Than Not?

Involve Others By Talking to Them and Encouraging Them to Plan and Prepare for Their Families. The More People Around You That Prepare, the Stronger Your Community Will Be.