When disaster strikes, your bug-out location could be the difference between survival and catastrophe. But choosing the wrong site could leave you stranded or worse.
Many preppers think any remote location will do, but not all bug-out spots are created equal. Mistakes in this crucial decision can compromise your safety and resources. This guide highlights common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring your bug-out plan is as robust as possible.
Understanding these mistakes helps you avoid costly errors and secure a strategic retreat. Preparedness is key, and making informed choices about your bug-out location is essential for effective emergency planning.
1. Is It a Safe Distance?
Your bug-out spot shouldn’t be just any remote location. The key is accessibility—you should aim for a site that is reachable within a reasonable amount of time, ideally within a few hours of driving or a few days on foot, depending on the disaster scenario. While it’s tempting to seek shelter far from civilization, practicality in reaching your haven safely takes precedence.
Aim for a balance: a site secluded yet within 50-70 miles of your current residence, avoiding densely populated areas while still being feasible as a refuge.
2. Is There Water?
Water is non-negotiable. It’s essential for drinking, hygiene, gardening, and livestock. Prioritize properties with natural water sources, like streams or lakes. If such a site isn’t available, consider if the area supports alternative solutions, such as rainwater collection systems, to ensure a sustainable water supply for your needs.
Note that rainwater collection may be subject to local regulations, so check the laws in your area.
3. Secure and Hidden
While seclusion is important, accessibility to emergency services and potential aid should also be considered. A bug-out location that’s easily noticeable or accessible defeats its purpose. Opt for land that offers seclusion and security, one that’s challenging to find and enter for intruders, but also ensures that you can access it in an emergency.
4. Can You Function There?
Your bug-out location needs to support basic survival and long-term living. Assess the soil quality for gardening since poor soil could mean food shortages. A wooded area is beneficial for firewood and crucial for heating and cooking.
Consider land with space for pasture if you plan to raise livestock. Natural food sources like wild game and fish are a bonus, turning a good location into an ideal one. These factors are vital for sustained survival and should be a top consideration in your search.
5. Zoning
Understanding zoning laws is crucial when selecting your bug-out spot. You need land zoned for agriculture if you plan to keep chickens or grow a garden. Ensure the property’s zoning matches your needs to avoid legal complications and restrictions that could impede your survival plans.
The step can save you from unnecessary issues and ensure your bug-out location serves its intended purpose.
6. Is It Affordable?
Affordability is key in choosing a bug-out location. While finding land at little to no cost is rare, realistically, most properties will have a price tag. Focus on finding land that fits within your budget to avoid financial strain. Taking on a second mortgage or stretching your finances too thin can detract from other essential survival preparations.
It’s better to find a budget-friendly option and get creative with making it work than overextending financially for an ideal spot.
7. Know Your Natural Disasters
Every region has its natural disaster risks, from earthquakes in the west and tornadoes in the central U.S. to hurricanes in the east. Familiarize yourself with the potential disasters in your chosen area and plan accordingly. Earthquake-prone areas require sturdy construction, tornado risks necessitate shelter, and flood zones mean building on higher ground.
Understanding and preparing for these risks is essential when selecting a safe bug-out location.
8. Is There Shelter?
An existing shelter on your bug-out land can save time and effort in preparation. Whether it’s a small cabin, a shed that can be converted, or even an RV, having immediate shelter is a significant advantage. If the property lacks a structure, weigh your options for quick and efficient shelter solutions that meet your needs without breaking the bank.
The presence or possibility of shelter can greatly influence the functionality and desirability of your bug-out location.
9. Knowledge is Power
Understanding your bug-out location goes beyond just owning a piece of land; it’s about knowing the terrain, the climate, and the potential hazards. Your survival could be compromised if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Choose a location in a region you can explore and learn about regularly.
Familiarity with the local environment, including regulations and resources, could differentiate between thriving and merely surviving.
10. Climate Matters
The climate of your chosen location can significantly impact your survival. If you’re considering a place known for harsh winters, ensure you’re prepared and capable of enduring the cold. Similarly, areas with scarce rainfall demand innovative solutions for maintaining water supply for crops and livestock.
Choose a location where the climate is manageable and you’re confident in your ability to adapt.
11. Seclusion is Key
Privacy and seclusion are important factors when selecting a bug-out location. Your ideal spot should be hidden from the main roads and undetectable to the casual passerby. Consider the visibility of your activities, such as the sound of livestock or the smoke from your chimney.
Balance the need for seclusion with practical access considerations for emergencies and aid.
12. Room for Storage
Adequate storage is a critical component of a bug-out location. You need space to store supplies, from food and water to tools and clothing, ensuring you have the essentials for survival before establishing self-sufficiency through gardening and livestock. Consider adding structures like root cellars or sheds to enhance your storage capabilities.
13. Room for Loved Ones
The size and setup of your bug-out location must reflect the needs of those who will share it with you. Whether planning a solo escape or accommodating a family, the space must be sufficient for living comfortably. Assess the size of the land and the living arrangements to ensure it can support your group, including considerations for safety and emergency planning.
14. Make It Your Own
Squatting on unclaimed land might seem like a solution for some, but owning your bug-out location outright offers significant advantages. Ownership allows you to prepare and personalize the space in advance, ensuring it meets all your needs. As a legal owner, you can defend your property, providing a strategic edge in maintaining your safety and security.
Squatting is not a recommended or legal option and may pose risks.
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