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Originally posted by Nirgal
No surprise that almost everyone has so far posted exclusively about "sexy" disasters.
In U.K. perhaps the most common form of occurrence requiring a Bug Out Bag will be either flooding, or Mabel at the end of the road leaving the gas on and reducing six or so terraced houses to rubble.
Yes, it happens.
A bug out bag should be able to keep you going for up to 72 hours while you reach a place of safety. Hopefully in the case of one of the above you can get to your Bug Out Location (a friend's house in the same city; a hotel/ B&B; a relative; or an impromptu camping holiday).
What is more likely, a comet flattening your nation or a gas leak closing off your street?
Sorry it's not exciting or flash but then neither is prepping...
Originally posted by SeenMyShare
reply to post by celticwarrior
You are mistaking the common man for the government! In many many cases those two groups are diametrically opposed. We have no say in what they do or do not do! Elections? What a farce. Many here would say we are at nearly the same risk as Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran from our own government. They have not put in place easier ways to enable marshal law for any reason that's good for us. Believe me when I tell you they do not have our best interests at heart.
Originally posted by jibeho
BOBs or ditch bags are not just for the Apocalypse you know. Just ask a pilot or a mariner. Now that Winter is upon us anyone in snow country should have a car full of supplies JIC.
The fact is, bugging out with a pack on your back just isn't going to work. Too many complications in the long run. You will die. The only real hope of long term shtf survival is in a home that you can defend, that's stocked with food, water, and has at least rudimentary self sufficiency capabilities, like a protected spot to garden, rainwater collection, etc.
I know this view just doesn't sound as fun, or exciting, but its just how it is.
Originally posted by Gazrok
The fact is, bugging out with a pack on your back just isn't going to work. Too many complications in the long run. You will die. The only real hope of long term shtf survival is in a home that you can defend, that's stocked with food, water, and has at least rudimentary self sufficiency capabilities, like a protected spot to garden, rainwater collection, etc.
I know this view just doesn't sound as fun, or exciting, but its just how it is.
Thing is though, while I agree with you...depending on the SHTF scenario, your original home may simply not be there, be unreachable, etc. If a natural disaster, the house could be taken out while you're away at work. So now what? (hence the bug out bag). Your home could be in the middle of an outbreak zone, quarantined, etc. Who knows? So then, you find a new home (and preferably one where you can have the company of others, watch each other's back, etc.)
Look, I think we all realize that even the badass ex-marine might easily buy it just by being in the wrong building at the wrong time, regardless of his preparations for a SHTF scenario. Even the one guy who lives out on his own survivalist ranch, could pick the wrong day to go to town for supplies, and blam! He's in ground zero of an A-bomb.
Regardless though, for some, it's a fun exercise. For others, it's hoped they'll never have to use it. I don't think anyone really WANTS such a thing to happen (at least not anyone who has important people, things, etc. to lose)...but that doesn't mean we can't at least try and take some steps.
Originally posted by Patrioitinsheepclothing
Your right mydarkmessenger
It is juvenile, Id say you both hit the "Old Man & Old Lady" title status j/k
I keep a B.O.B that carries the things I need most, Water, Fire, Light, Medical, food, Communication, I keep this in my truck or in my home, it has a few more things in it but has those main items, its a side carry bag and keeps me very light on the feet, its the one bag I would grab out of all of them if I had only limited time.
Now I also have a D.D.B. (Doom's Day Bag) this is the bag I will grab when its time to go to the retreat (when ever that will be?) this bag holds 2 weeks worth of food, extra cloths, medical kit, small gerber axe, large camel pack, MSR Whisperlite Stove and cookset, and a few other things. Its weighing in at about 80lbs, if Im able to drive or ride the motorcycle, then Ill be fine (even with the body armor) but if I have to hike then this kit will have to be rebuilt to fit the full aspect of the trip ahead.
I have 7 posiable ways out of town to my retreat, hopefully it never gets used for its true purpose, but it makes one hell of a nice Man Camp in the meantime
Originally posted by mindpurge
reply to post by kadyr80
It's all safe and nice, until a group of 20 Hells Angels come roaring down the street, looking for a good place, then your little fortress becomes theirs.
Originally posted by BingeBob
Originally posted by mindpurge
reply to post by kadyr80
It's all safe and nice, until a group of 20 Hells Angels come roaring down the street, looking for a good place, then your little fortress becomes theirs.
The good thing about people "roaring up" is that you can hear them coming...If youre in an area where that may become an issue, you need to plan for it...
As far as looking for a good place...In a certain kind of disaster you could potentially wrap your doors and windows with plastic and have some signs pre-made that say "FEMA DO NOT ENTER RADIOLOGICAL/BIOLOGICAL HAZARD" you could throw in some skull and crossbones or a radiation symbol for good measure...I know that if i go into "bad guy mode" and have to start doing raids for supplies, ill be steering very clear of suspect houses.