Survivalist Bugging Out Basics

Survivalist Bugging Out basics

By Joseph Parish

As a well prepared Survivalist we all have some sort of bug out plan in place to evacuate an area by vehicle if necessary. When initiating such a plan ones first question rightfully so has to be what I will need to carry with me and the second one should be where I am heading to. When you think about it when you are leaving one rural location for another is a far different approach then if one must escape an urban area. The size of ones family is equally important as well for determining ones course of actions.

It is hoped that prior to any emergency evacuation you have taken the time to carefully evaluate your specific bug out route and to consider any possible backup plans as would be appropriate. Keep in mind that tertiary routes through farm area roads, possible logging trails and many local roads will often be the least crowded and offer the most success for a safe escape.

You should proceed to lay out several routes that would safely take you away from the immediate area. In my case I use north, south and west direction since I reside in Delaware. Since we live on a Peninsula either direction would involve possibly traveling in traffic. In Delaware there are three ways in and three ways out. Keep in mind that each of your bug out plans should include two different modes.

The first is the slow but steady route. Here you can use trails, tertiary roads, travel by boats, motorcycles or whatever to get to your destination point. Try to pre-run your routes when ever possible to insure success when you actually need to bug out.

The second is considered the escape route road plan. These preparations would involve traffic interchanges and you should always try to keep ahead of the rush. Plan where the off ramps and escape routes are along this path in case you become strained in a bottleneck traffic situation.

Many people prefer 4 wheel drive vehicles to take for their bug out vehicle for obvious reasons. Its important to understand that the selection of such a vehicle can many times be a major investment. If this is the way you plan to go then you would be best to keep a few simple rules in mind.

Bigger can often be considered better such as in the case of a full sized truck or a large SUV over the smaller versions. The larger entries will have sufficient power to drag downed trees or wrecked cars from your immediate path. The extra cargo storage space will prove to be a valuable asset as will the ability of your larger vehicle to crash through many obstacles that may be in your way. On the other hand the smaller vehicles will often fit into locations where their full size cousins won’t go. They also generally get much better gas mileage. When making your selection take into consideration your route you will be using and what you will be hauling with you.

Install good off road tires as these are an absolute must. In fact I have installed such tires on my motor home and it is extremely unlikely that it could ever go off road. These tires are the most cost effective modification that you can possibly make. Be sure to purchase a set of good tires when you buy them and carry a tire repair kit as well as an onboard air compressor. Hand pumps can not even come close to inflating a tire properly.

When traveling off road radiators have proved to be very fragile and often are highly subject to damage or a puncture. These problems can quickly leave you stranded in the middle of no where. A brush guard is a worthwhile investment for not only an off road vehicle but a motor home as well. It provides you with a location to mount extra lights, a winch, etc as you may need. With a good supply of duct tape and some radiator stop leak you can often continue on your way to your destination even if you will need to put water in ever 10 miles or so. Carry spare engine belt with you at all times.

So as you can readily see proper planning for both the selection of your vehicle and your route selection can be a matter of life or death when bugging out.

Copyright 2010 Joseph Parish

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