Bugging in can be the best choice you'll have in a survival scenario. Think first before you start packing up your outdoor gear!
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Bugging In Guide for Survival
This article was originally posted at thesurvivalmom.com and is shared with full permission
I’m sure you’ve noticed that on most of the survival blogs out there, “bugging out” is the word of the day. There are tons of articles full of tips for what to do and what to bring with you when you’re forced to bug out in an emergency situation.
What doesn’t seem to come up as often is bugging in—that is, staying put where you are instead of setting out in search of a safer location.
While there are some situations where you have no choice but to pack up and leave, you shouldn’t assume that this is always the best choice. Sometimes staying in your home is your best bet for safety and survival.
There are many factors to consider when deciding whether bugging out or bugging in is the best choice, and it’s not a decision that should be taken lightly. But since you hear so much about bugging out, I thought I would share a few bug in survival tips.
1. Higher Security
You know the layout of your home. Most people feel safe in familiar surroundings.
Knowing the quickest way through the house gives you an advantage of being able to get to a weapon before some intruder gets to you. If you are bugging out, you are out in the open and more vulnerable.
You also know escape routes out of the home in case it is imminent that you will be overcome.
RELATED: Disaster Preparedness: Reasons to Bug Out or Bug In
2. Knowledge of the Neighborhood
Unless you just moved in last week, you know the immediate area around your home. Chances are, you know what your neighbors look like, if not their names.
You may even be close to friends, and that is very powerful. You can identify people who are new to the area.
An armed stranger is more of a threat, generally speaking, than your next-door neighbor. Having a group of ‘known’ people come together in a crisis raises everyone’s chance of survival.
There are more eyes for security and more hands to do the work. Yes, there are more mouths to feed, but there are also more people to acquire the food needed.
Bugging In | Why Staying Put Might Be Your Best Bet For Survival
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what you need to do to keep yourself and your family safe. That very well may mean bugging out and seeking shelter elsewhere – but then again, it may not.
There is a lot to be said for riding out a disaster in the safety and familiarity of your own home and neighborhood. It’s definitely worth it to at least consider bugging in preparations when developing your own disaster plan.
Whichever you choose, (bugging in or bugging out) in the end the most important thing is to be ready by having a clear plan and adequate supplies. Be safe out there!
Would you consider bugging in a safer option when disaster strikes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below!
UP NEXT:
- Things To Consider Before Bugging Out
- 16 Creature Comforts For When You Need To Bug In
- Bugging In | Why Staying Put Might Be Your Best Bet For Survival
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on April 21, 2015, and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
There is one other very important reason for people to consider BUGGING IN, and that is age. Older folks and young children can not hit the road to who knows where. Children and older folks may have medicine needs that you cannot store in a BOL. Prescriptions are hard enough to get in good times. Most of the folks who believe in Bugging Out are probably in the 18-45 age range and may or may not have family to be concerned about. If you have a specific Bug Out Location to head to, that might work regardless of age, but staying at home, with all that is available can work for everyone. Leaving almost everything rarely works for anyone. The exception of course is a natural disaster that takes away your Bug In Location. You just have to hope it doesn’t take out your Bug Out Location also.