In the prepping community, most preppers talk about the ability to bug out, or evacuate, ASAP. They act like the ability to bug out is key to your survival, as if the alternative (staying put or bugging in) is inherently bad. I disagree.
Sure, there are times when evacuation is necessary, even if a natural disaster doesn’t force you out, so you should have the ability to do so, a bug out bag, and plans to go somewhere safer.
But you should absolutely have the ability to stay put for several reasons, including the fact that you’d be leaving your home and all that’s contained within, including stockpiles of supplies that will undoubtedly be left behind. Moreover, there’s something psychologically deflating about leaving your home.
I know I wouldn’t want to leave my home unless absolutely necessary, and I doubt you would, either. Thus, it’s wise to consider precisely how to bug-in safely because, let’s face it, staying put makes you a “sitting duck” in a sense. But that doesn’t mean you’re helpless. You can absolutely take actions, both before and during an emergency, to increase your chances of successfully avoiding negative encounters with strangers.
The following videos discusses several considerations, including how to assess the situation, defensive preparations, defensive actions, considerations for those with disabilities, and the psychology behind it all. It’s a good video to get your bearings if you haven’t considered how to bug-in safely.
And if you’d like my thoughts on the topic, consider my book, The Survival Blueprint: How to Prepare Your Family for Disaster, as it contains dozens of ways to stay safe when SHTF, including bugging-in bug so much more. Enjoy!
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