With everything that’s been going on in the country the last week or so, more and more people are trying to determine when it might be time to exit stage right and go visit Grandma for a bit.
Before we go further, let me say this. While the ideal might be to live far enough out in the sticks that events like we’ve seen over the last several days aren’t likely to directly impact you, that just isn’t feasible or practical for an awful lot of people. Just because YOU were able to make it work doesn’t make it a one-size-fits-all solution.
To go? To stay?
To stay or go is a decision that is intensely personal. Some factors that should be taken into account:
–Your family composition (Do you have small children? Elderly/infirm family members?)
–Your options for transportation (Do you have a reliable vehicle?)
–Your destination options (Do you have a bug out location or two in mind?)
The basic rule I’ve always suggested is that one should stay home until or unless home was no longer safe. For most folks, home is where they keep their food and other supplies. It is where we feel the most comfortable. We’re familiar with the area and have at least a passing knowledge of those around us.
On top of that, travel might be dicey, depending on the overall situation. Not necessarily related to current events, but if the calamity at hand is a natural disaster or perhaps something that is causing thousands of other people to hit the road at the same time, you might be looking at slowly moving parking lots instead of highways.
Time to beat feet? You decide!
As I said, this is something you’ll need to decide for yourself, but here are some red flags I watch for.
1) Violence headed this way. If reliable reports indicate bad actors are moving in my direction, I’d rather get out ahead of them than have to break through their ranks. Stuff can be replaced, my kids cannot.
2) Impending martial law declaration. Personally, I don’t want to be stuck in an area that is under martial law, with all the restrictions that might bring. If I feel such a declaration is likely to happen, I’d rather get out ahead of time.
3) Massive storms are imminent. I don’t live in hurricane country, but if I did and there was a big one targeting my area, I’d probably see that as a good enough reason to go visit Aunt Sally in Iowa for a few days.
Planning ahead is crucial
Always have a plan for where you’ll go and how you’ll get there, should the need arise. This need not be some hidey hole way back in the holler, either, though if that’s your particular flavor of survival, feel free. Talk to family and friends who live outside your immediate area and see about making arrangements to stay with them for a bit, if need be.
Know the route(s) from Point A to Point B, including back roads you can hit if the highways aren’t the best option. Make sure your vehicle never drops below a half tank of fuel as you don’t want to have to hit a gas station until you’re well away from the trouble area.
If you have pets, make sure your destination will allow them. Call around now to find motels that will let you keep your dog or cat in the room with you, if that’s part of your bug out plan.
Keep in mind that the most valuable items you can bring with you will be your wallet (cash and credit cards) and your cell phone. Those items alone will solve the vast majority of problems you might face in an evacuation. They will help you obtain shelter, clothing, food, and just about anything else you might need. A means of self-defense is also advisable, just in case.
Make decisions now as to what red flags will trigger you and your family to head out of Dodge for a bit. Get those plans in place before you need them.
About the author
Jim Cobb is a well known freelance author on survival and other topics.
Want more information about Jim? You can find him and his publications on Facebook by clicking HERE!
Read other articles by Jim Cobb on 3BY by clicking HERE!
