Choosing an ideal bug out location is one of the most important things to consider when prepping. Deciding on the best getaway location requires the careful balancing of different needs and requirements. Keep in mind that all of the following items will cover what you’ll need to ensure your family’s safety.
1. Distance
To begin with, if you reside in or near a big city, you want a location that is far away enough from the city to ensure that you distance yourself as much as possible from all the ensuing chaos. However, you will still need it to be close enough to avoid being on the road for longer than necessary. When choosing an appropriate distance, you will need to take into account your means of transportation.
In case you are planning to move on foot, you should ensure that the location you pick isn’t more than 60 miles from the city you live in. It is also important to ensure that you have an appropriate bug out bag at hand.
In case you are driving, make sure that you won’t have to drive a distance more than what you can cover with one full tank of gas. But if you have to travel for a longer distance than that, you will need to make sure that you have sufficient additional fuel to get you there. You shouldn’t expect to depend on gas stations for refueling.
The point here is to pick a bug out location that you can reach quickly and safely, while still making sure that it is far away enough from your urban center.
2. Seclusion
Pick a getaway location that is isolated and can’t be easily seen from travel routes.
You want a bug out location that can’t be easily accessed. Keep off the major roads and also have substantial tree cover. The location should be well concealed to ensure that people walking along any paths, roads, or railway tracks around that area don’t easily notice the place in the day or night. Hence, your lights shouldn’t be visible.
The point here is to make sure that your place is hidden from all senses. Take extra precautions when lighting fires. Keep in mind that the smoke from a fire can sometimes be seen from long distances. Hence, it is in your best interest to have fires at night. When it comes to cooking, the smells produced can travel for almost half a mile. Thus, it is best to cook at night when there is a very low chance of people moving about. You should also minimize your use of spices.
3. How to Get there
While having an appropriate bug-out vehicle is crucial, you’ll need to carefully consider the route you’ll use to get to your chosen location. Plan out a minimum of three different routes that will help you to safely get to your hideout spot.
Your primary route can include main roads that you can use in case you manage to get out fast enough, and if they are still accessible. However, you will also need to have alternative routes that you can use if you have to stay off the main roads. In most cases, major roadways are usually closed in emergency situations or swarming with law enforcement agents. You will want to keep away from anyone who may force you to turn back and any route that you can get stuck.
4. Shelter
Here, I am talking about what you will actually be living in. If you are able to afford a remote property with a house or cabin, then that’s good. But if you want something that is as remote as you’d prefer, you may need to buy the land and build on it.
Another important consideration is whether you will need to live in a trailer or tent before you can build a permanent structure. This is particularly crucial if you stay in cold climates.
Don’t forget that it may take you more than a day to reach to your bug out location. So, you still need to make camping preparations, despite the season. Make sure that you have somewhere comfortable to live in, some warm clothing, and a sleeping bag in case it is cold.
5. Water
Ensure that your property has access to a round-the-year source of freshwater.
Even though access to fresh, clean water may seem obvious, it is still very crucial. Depending on the situation, there is no telling how long you will have to stay cooped up in the bug out location. You may be forced to stay there for weeks or even months, and in such cases, bottled water won’t last you for long.
Make sure that there is a reliable water source within your property. This can include a natural spring, well, or a clean river or lake.
Keep in mind that you will need this water not only for drinking but also for other important purposes, including cooking, washing, cleaning, and watering livestock and crops. Additionally, if there is running water available on-site, you can utilize it to generate power.
6. Self-Sufficiency
As mentioned earlier, there is no telling how long you will need to stay at your bug out location. Not only won’t you be able to keep running to the store each time you have to restock, but you also won’t be relying on the electrical grid.
Hence, you have to ensure that you have all the right outdoors and survival gear that you will require on the property or have the ability to produce what you need. So apart from water, other things that you will need include:
- A source of electricity: wind, solar, or water
- Adequate resources and space for livestock
- A source of firewood
- Abundant fish and game
- Food garden
7. Security
Your security and that of your family and property will definitely be a top priority. Investing in Sentry Alarm Mines is a great way of boosting your security.
Consider how easy it is to protect your hideaway location. If your property has enough concealment, then it will significantly contribute to you having a secure place. In addition to concealment, you also need to ensure that the location can’t be easily accessed.
No person should trespass your property without you being aware. Ensure that all the paths and roads leading into the hideout location are monitored at all times. You also need to be cautious of any waterways that can lead people through your place.
As such, you need to clearly understand all the strengths and weaknesses of the property. This will make it easier for you to plan an offensive and defend your property if such a need comes up.