bug in or bug out, now that is the question.

[terrytaylor84]

Hi all, i was just wondering what all of your takes were on bugging out, or would you bug in. I believe that being in the UK bugging out is almost futile, as there are very limited areas that you can get to. However as i say i would love to get all your input and any advice that you can give too for a newbie prepper on a low budget.

[Quercus-robur]

Well, it all depends on an individuals circumstances. Then will be situations where bugging out is favourable. Conversely, there will be situations where bugging in is favourable. Natural disasters such as flooding or fire could force a bug out. Looting and civil unrest in urban areas could mean you might make the decision to bug out. Bugging out is always a possibility and it is better to leave too early than to leave too late.

However, in general, for long term survival in a SHTF situation it is better to bug in. Growing your own crops, having stores of food, water and medical supplies and being part of a community will stand you in better stead than trying to survive off the land in the woods.

I can't find the article I read months ago so don't have the exact figures but I read an article about the land area needed to sustain a population dependent on hunter gathering compared to agriculture. I think only half an acre was sufficient to support a self sufficient farmer yet (obviously dependent on geography and species density) on average 16 acres was needed per person to sustain a hunter gather lifestyle.

Qr

[Plymtom]

We've done this to death around the place I'd suggest a look around, and tell us what you'd do on the end of those threads

[Arzosah]

Bugging out like you read of in the prepping websites, never! The only reason to bug out in the UK is if you have a house fire. Mind you, yesterday, a thousand people had to bug out when a viable bomb was found nearby to their houses - in general, thats the only sort of bugging out thats realistic, I think. House fire, temporary local emergency. A bug out bag can contain important documents, snacks, a couple of bottles of water, clothes (in case the house fire is at night) a flash drive backing up your computer, that sort of thing. I have the charging lead to my phone in mine as well - and someone suggested I put my purse in there each night, which is a brilliant idea. If there *is* a house fire, I can contact the insurers and get going on fixing things.

Otherwise, what Plymtom said.

[Toddie]

We've done this to death around the place I'd suggest a look around, and tell us what you'd do on the end of those threads

Plym isn't wrong, but i/we expect it'll come up many a time.

This thread a month or so sums it up quite nicely:

viewtopic.php?f=39&t=7973&hilit=bugging+out

[Briggs]

Bugging in or out, as Mr Quercus-robur said, is dependent upon the situation and how that situation develops or deteriorates and that dictates your preps. I say be prepared for both. Prep to bug in, and be prepped to bug out if the situation changes.

How do you defend your bug in location and fight your way to your bug out location, that's the more important question.

Another factor to think about is not just prepping for your immediate family at home. Think about what your friends and other relatives are going to do in a SHTF situation. You know you are not going to turn them away.

[jansman]

Bugging out like you read of in the prepping websites, never! The only reason to bug out in the UK is if you have a house fire. Mind you, yesterday, a thousand people had to bug out when a viable bomb was found nearby to their houses - in general, thats the only sort of bugging out thats realistic, I think. House fire, temporary local emergency. A bug out bag can contain important documents, snacks, a couple of bottles of water, clothes (in case the house fire is at night) a flash drive backing up your computer, that sort of thing. I have the charging lead to my phone in mine as well - and someone suggested I put my purse in there each night, which is a brilliant idea. If there *is* a house fire, I can contact the insurers and get going on fixing things.

Otherwise, what Plymtom said.

What you said Arzosah. I have the same sort of bag as you. If we have to leave Chez Jansman, it will be to family or an hotel.

[terrytaylor84]

for me bugging out is not really an option

A) i have 2 young kids under 5
B) no money to bug out with
C) no bug out location
D) I/we dont drive or have a car

I live in leicester,so there is no where near me to bug out to, my main option would be to raid my local country park for ducks and other wildlife, and some nearby farms if tshtf on a big scale