Your bug out location is one of your most important survival tools. Unfortunately, too many people romanticize the idea of a bug out spot without doing the real work. If you’re looking for a realistic place to stay when the worst comes to pass, you should consider these tips for choosing your bug out location.
Temporary vs. Permanent
Always start your search for a bug out location by figuring out if it’s going to be temporary or if it’s going to be for the long haul. Short term locations just need to provide you with shelter, a few supplies and a place to make plans. Long-term locations need to be much more robust and ready for the future. You absolutely need to have one of the former and it should ultimately be in place to help you get to the latter.
Accessibility
Can you really get to your bug out location if something goes wrong? Does it require road access, or can you get there by foot? Would bad weather make it inaccessible? These are all questions that need to be asked, especially if you are looking for something off the beaten path. While it’s great to fantasize about a bug out spot beyond the reach of civilization, you’ll still need a way to get there.
Legal Issues
This is also a big one. Do you own the bug out location? If not, how are you going to get to it in an emergency? If you do own the location, is it legal for you to store your equipment there? What are the usage rules? Will there be any legal problems with having a property that is essentially abandoned in most situations? These aren’t major problems if you are really bugging out, but they can be issues if during your daily life.
Your bug out location is important, so take some time in your search. Make sure you can get there, that you can legally own and use the spot, and that it suits your long or short-term needs. With a little bit of preparation, you’ll have a place to go when and if things go bad.
That wraps up our list of tips for choosing your bug out location. For more on survivalist, check out The Difference Between Survivalists and Homesteaders and 5 Stocking Stuffers for Survivalists!
Featured Image from takahiro taguchi/Unsplash
