Should I Bug Out or Bug In.
In the face of a disaster scenario, be it a natural calamity, civil unrest, or pandemic, the question “Should I bug out or bug in. ” often arises. The decision is far from simple. It’s a personal one, dependent on a myriad of factors, including the nature of the emergency, your level of preparedness, and your physical capabilities. This is the first of a multipart series aiming to guide you through every aspect of this critical decision-making process.
Understanding the Concept of bugging out
Let’s start by unpacking the term “bugging out. ” Basically, bugging out refers to leaving your home for a safer location when a disaster strikes. In a 2017 survey conducted by the American Red Cross, it was found that 55% of respondents planned to evacuate their homes in case of a disaster, indicating the prevalence of the ‘bugging out’ mentality.
Bugging out becomes the best course of action in scenarios where staying at home becomes more dangerous than leaving, such as in the face of a rapidly approaching wildfire or an incoming hurricane. It can also be the preferred option during extended power outages or when essential services are no longer available in your area.
However, having a solid bug out plan is critical. This includes knowing your escape routes, having a pre-decided destination (like a remote cabin or a family member’s home out of town), and maintaining a well-stocked bug out bag. Without these, you might find yourself among the 60% of Americans who confessed in a FEMA survey to not having a pre-established emergency plan.
Understanding the Concept of Bugging In
Alternatively, “bugging in” means staying put in your home during a disaster. This strategy relies heavily on your ability to transform your home into a fortress of sorts, capable of supporting you and your family’s basic needs for an extended period.
There are several situations where bugging in is the safer bet.
These can include pandemics, like COVID-19, where the risk of exposure is higher in populated areas, or during civil unrest when moving through the city can be perilous. According to a 2020 survey by the National Safety Council, nearly 75% of Americans opted to bug in during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having a well-prepared bug in plan is just as important as a bug out plan. This involves storing enough food, water, medical supplies, and other essentials for a prolonged period. Investing in home security measures and having an established communication plan with family members and a trusted network of neighbors is equally essential.
To be continued.
Stay tuned for the next part of this series where we will delve deeper into the pros and cons of bugging in vs. bugging out and the crucial role your preparedness status plays in making this decision.
Comparing Bugging In vs. Bugging Out
Now that we’ve outlined what it means to bug out and bug in, let’s dig deeper into the critical comparison between these two strategies. As we mentioned in Part 1, the choice isn’t always clear-cut—it’s a nuanced decision that hinges on your situation, location, and preparedness. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each, so you can start evaluating which path might work best for you and your loved ones.
The Pros and Cons of Bugging In
One of the biggest advantages of bugging in is familiarity. Your home is your castle—it’s where your supplies are stored, where you know the layout, and where you can control the environment to a certain extent. You don’t have to brave the dangers of the open road, and you avoid the uncertainty of not knowing where you’ll sleep at night. For those with mobility issues, young children, or elderly family members, staying put can often be the safest option—as long as your home isn’t directly threatened.
However, bugging in comes with its own set of challenges. If your home is in the path of a natural disaster, like a flood or wildfire, staying put could be a fatal mistake. Essential utilities and services may be cut off, and if you haven’t stocked enough supplies or lack proper security, you could find yourself in a precarious situation fast.
According to a 2021 FEMA report, more than 40% of Americans do not have enough supplies to last three days at home during a major emergency, highlighting a significant gap in preparedness.
The Pros and Cons of Bugging Out
On the flip side, bugging out is all about mobility and quickly moving to a safer location. The main pro here is the ability to put distance between yourself and the danger—whether it’s a chemical spill, civil unrest, or structural damage to your home. If you have a well-rehearsed plan, a fully stocked bug out bag, and a safe destination, you give yourself the flexibility to adapt as the situation evolves.
But bugging out isn’t without its risks. Roads can become impassable, especially during mass evacuations—as seen during Hurricane Katrina, when thousands of vehicles clogged highways out of New Orleans. You may be exposed to harsh weather, uncertain shelter options, and limited resources. According to the U. Census Bureau, after the 2017 hurricanes, over 400,000 people were displaced in Texas and Florida alone, and many found themselves struggling to secure basic necessities in the aftermath.
Key Factors to Consider
There’s no universal answer to the bug in vs. bug out debate—the right choice depends on a combination of factors:
- Type and speed of the threat: Is it coming fast (like a tornado) or slow (like a pandemic).
- Your location: Are you in a flood plain, city center, or rural area.
- Your health and mobility: Can you physically evacuate quickly if needed.
- Your supplies: Do you have enough food, water, and medical supplies to last at home.
- Your plan: Have you practiced your evacuation route. Do you have a backup destination.
As you can see, both options have valid reasoning and risks. Often, the best-prepared individuals have a flexible approach—ready to bug in if it’s safe, but poised to bug out if the situation changes.
Your Preparedness Status: The Key to Your Decision
No matter which path you lean toward, your level of preparedness is the linchpin in your survival strategy. Let’s talk about what that really means.
The Essentials of a Bug Out Bag
When bugging out, your bug out bag is your lifeline.
The American Red Cross recommends packing at least 72 hours’ worth of food and water, a flashlight, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, multi-tool, and personal documents. In a 2019 survey, only 33% of Americans reported having an emergency kit prepared at home—meaning two-thirds are potentially unready to evacuate on short notice.
Your bug out bag should be packed and ready to go at all times, ideally stored in an easily accessible place. Don’t forget critical items like prescription medications, cash, maps, and backup phone chargers. Tailor your bag to your climate and the specific needs of your family (think: baby supplies or specific dietary requirements).
Preparing Your Home for Bugging In
If you’re planning to bug in, preparation is all about turning your home into a self-reliant safe haven. Experts recommend having at least two weeks of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person, per day. Yet, FEMA’s 2021 “Ready” campaign found that only about 47% of households have an emergency water supply, and just 39% have an emergency food supply to last three days.
Beyond food and water, consider other essentials: a way to cook without power (like a camp stove), sanitation supplies, a battery-powered radio, and backup power sources. Home security is crucial—secure your doors and windows, and establish a plan to communicate with neighbors for mutual support.
Statistics & Data: What the Numbers Tell Us
Let’s take a quick look at the numbers to put things into perspective:
- Evacuation Trends: According to the U. Census Bureau, after Hurricane Katrina, approximately 1. 5 million people evacuated the Gulf Coast region, many with little more than what they could carry.
- Preparedness Levels: FEMA surveys reveal only 41% of Americans have a household emergency plan, and just 29% feel “very prepared” for a disaster.
- Survival Rates: Studies from the University of Colorado show that survival rates in disasters depend heavily on prior planning. Households with a practiced plan are 2. 5 times more likely to weather a disaster without injury or loss
of life.
To be continued.
As we move on to Part 3 of this series, we will delve into some fun and often overlooked facts about bugging in vs.
bugging out, and take a closer look at one particular expert in the field.
Fun Facts Section: 10 Facts About Bugging Out and Bugging In
- The term “bug out” originates from the Korean War when U. soldiers would “bug out” or retreat when under attack.
- FEMA recommends having a bug out bag ready and stocked for 72 hours, but survival experts often suggest supplies for 96 hours to account for unexpected delays or complications.
- The largest mass bug out in U. history occurred during Hurricane Rita in 2005, with an estimated 3. 7 million people evacuating the Texas coastline.
- The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic led to a unique kind of bugging in, where millions of people worldwide stayed at home to prevent the spread of the virus.
- A well-stocked bug in pantry should have a variety of foods, not just rice and beans. Experts recommend having enough diverse food items to last for at least two weeks.
- Bugging out isn’t always about wilderness survival. Sometimes, it’s about getting to another populated area that isn’t affected by the crisis.
- An essential part of bugging in is having a plan for waste management. Without proper sanitation, you run the risk of attracting pests or creating health hazards.
- During the Cold War, many American families built bomb shelters in their backyard as part of their bug in strategy.
- A bug out vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to be an SUV or a truck. Bicycles, motorcycles and even boats can serve as effective bug out vehicles.
- Bugging out can sometimes mean bugging up. In urban environments, moving to higher floors can provide safety from threats on the ground.
Author Spotlight: James Wesley, Rawles
When it comes to survival and preparedness, few are as knowledgeable as James Wesley, Rawles—a former U. Army Intelligence officer and noted blogger on survival topics.
He is the author of the bestselling “Patriots” series of survival novels and the non-fiction guide “How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It. “
Rawles advocates for a balanced approach to bugging in and bugging out, emphasizing the importance of rigorous planning, physical conditioning, and meticulous supply gathering. He frequently shares practical advice, survival techniques, and in-depth information about emergency preparedness on his blog, SurvivalBlog.
In Rawles’ view, the decision to bug out or bug in is context-dependent and should be made based on a careful analysis of the situation. He recommends always having a bug out bag ready and planning for various scenarios, including the possibility of bugging in for an extended period.
Stay tuned for the next part of our series, where we will be addressing frequently asked questions about bugging out and bugging in, and providing actionable tips to improve your preparedness. Whether you decide to stay put or move out, the key is to have a plan and be ready for anything.
Part 4:
FAQ Section: 10 Questions and Answers about Bugging In and Bugging Out
- What should be in a bug out bag.
A bug out bag should contain essentials for survival for at least 72 hours. This includes food, water, first-aid supplies, a flashlight, extra batteries, a multi-tool, personal documents, and any necessary prescription medications.
- How much food and water do I need for bugging in.
As a general rule, you should have at least two weeks’ worth of non-perishable food and one gallon of water per person per day stored at home.
- How do I decide whether I should bug in or bug out during an emergency.
This decision is largely context-dependent. Factors to consider include the type and speed of the threat, your location, your health and mobility, your supplies, and your plan.
- What should I do if I don’t have a bug out location.
You should have an emergency plan that includes several options for places to go, such as a relative or friend’s house, a hotel, or even a designated community evacuation center.
- When should I bug out.
You should bug out when staying at home becomes more dangerous than leaving, such as during a wildfire, hurricane, extended power outage, or if essential services are no longer available in your area.
- What are the pros and cons of bugging in.
Advantages of bugging in include the familiarity of your home environment, control over your surroundings, and avoiding the dangers of travel.
However, your home may be in the path of a disaster, or you might lack the necessary supplies or appropriate security measures.
- What are the pros and cons of bugging out.
Bugging out allows you to put distance between yourself and danger. But it also comes with risks such as impassable roads, harsh weather conditions, uncertain shelter, and limited resources.
- What makes a good bug out vehicle.
A good bug out vehicle depends on individual circumstances. It could be a car, bike, boat, or even a well-maintained pair of hiking boots. The key is reliability, fuel efficiency, and the ability to carry necessary supplies.
- How do I prepare my home for bugging in.
Preparing your home involves storing enough food, water, and medical supplies for all members of the household for an extended time. You also need to secure your home, plan for waste management, and establish a communication plan with family members and neighbors.
- How do I stay informed during a disaster.
A battery-powered or hand-crank radio can help you stay informed about the situation outside. Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone and stay connected with neighbors and community members for local updates.
NKJV Bible Verse:
As we consider these challenging scenarios, it’s helpful to remember the words in Joshua 1:9 of the New King James Version (NKJV): “Have I not commanded you. Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go. ”
Strong Conclusion
The decision to bug out or bug in is complex, requiring careful thought, planning, and adaptability. Regardless of the path you choose, the key to surviving any disaster is preparedness. Throughout this series, we’ve highlighted the importance of having a plan, staying informed, and maintaining a well-stocked supply of essentials.
Whether you choose to ride out a crisis at home or evacuate to a safer location, remember: your survival strategy is only as strong as your weakest link. Run through potential scenarios, address any gaps in your plan, and always be ready to adapt to changing circumstances.
If you’re looking for more detailed insights and guidance, we recommend visiting James Wesley, Rawles’ blog, SurvivalBlog. com, where he shares practical advice, survival techniques, and in-depth information about emergency preparedness.
Remember, the key is to stay vigilant, stay ready, and most importantly, keep safe.