Bugging In or Bugging Out?

When disaster strikes, you will have a decision to make. Do you bug in, or bug out to protect your family?
Regardless of the decision that you make it is important that you realize that each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Bugging in is very similar to digging in or fortifying. When you choose to bug in you are committing to the decision to stay firm in your home and ride out the storm. When bugging out, you are committing to packing up and evacuating your home in a swift manner.

When disaster strikes, you will have a decision to make. Do you bug in, or bug out to protect your family?
Regardless of the decision that you make it is important that you realize that each one has its advantages and disadvantages. Bugging in is very similar to digging in or fortifying. When you choose to bug in you are committing to the decision to stay firm in your home and ride out the storm. When bugging out, you are committing to packing up and evacuating your home in a swift manner.


The decision you make could ultimately be a life-and-death decision not only for you, but for your family as well.
Let's face it we live in an uncertain world, there are risks and dangers at every turn, our lives could be flipped upside down in a matter of seconds. Whether it be a natural disaster, economic collapse, pandemic, insurrection, terrorist attack or societal collapse, we are all vulnerable and susceptible to a myriad of disasters.
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We all know that we currently live in an uncertain society, people are incredibly suspicious of the government, the the media. This type of uncertainty has led to an increase in prepping and lifestyle changes that are dedicated to self sufficiency. Although, preparedness is an historical staple of American life, today it is no longer the tin-foil hat wearing conspiracy theorist who is prepping for disaster, it is gradually becoming the social norm.

Which begs the question, should one bug in or bug out when disaster strikes? We at the Patriot Outpost would first like to state that there is no definitive answer to this question or at least not a one size fits all answer. The correct answer to this question is specific to each situation and each family. In other words, each family needs to evaluate their own set of circumstances and make a decision that is in their best interest. 

First, it is important to evaluate your limitations, strengths, and scenarios that you may face. Then, move forward from there by considering a wide variety of logistics. How healthy are you and your family? How old are the family members, is it reasonable for all members to bug out? Age? Weather? Geography? Do you live in an urban or rural area? What is the population of your area? Is your home easily defensible? Do you have an adequate food supply?

Bugging In

When Bugging In, there are several pros as well as cons, we are going to take a look at them below:

PROS: Best option for younger children, elderly or the sick. When bugging in you are more familiar with the resources at your immediate disposal. You are also more familiar with the area, geography and chances are you may have a network of neighbors and or friends that you can rely on for assistance.

CONS: If you are area is under immediate threat, which is the greater likelihood, then bugging in may not be your best option. If your home and supplies are not easily defended, then bugging in could actually put your family at a greater risk. If the disaster is prolonged, the ability to defend supplies and home become much more difficult. 

Bugging Out

If you decide to bug out, there are some pros and cons as well:


PROS: Escaping immediate danger or a home that would be hard to defend or salvage makes bugging out a viable option. The ability to connect with family and friends outside of your area or connecting with a M.A.G. or Tribe allows you to reHow will we acquiremain safe and secure with the help and cooperation of others. 

CONS: Traveling or leaving familiar territory is always a high risk decision that could put you and your family at risk. If bugging out, there is always high traffic or possible transportation issues such as road blocks, traffic jams and or breakdowns that would not be an issue if you choose to bug in. Bugging out almost always exposes you to immediate danger from desperate people and automatically makes it more difficult avoid conflict. In most cases bugging out could result in social conflict quicker than bugging out would due to the confinement of home.

Final Decision

Regardless of your decision, it is always vital that you and your family have a plan in place. We have compiled some questions below to better help you make an educated decision.

1. Is my home defensible?
2. Is my home well supplied?
3. Is my bug out location secure, well supplied and easier to defend than my home?
4. How am I going to Bug-Out, what mode of transportation will I be using? Is it reliable?
5. Do I have enough food for my family? (Keep in mind, you will need at least 2,000 calories per person per day)
6. How will we acquire water? Do we have the ability to filter and purify water?
7. Do you have an adequate supply of weapons to properly defend your home, family and supplies?
8. How reliable are your neighbors, what type of community do you live in, rural or urban? 

Naturally, there are many other questions that could be asked to better help you make the proper decision for you and your family. Hopefully, this article as at least stimulated your mind. What are some ideas or considerations that you would like to add for consideration, we would love to hear your thoughts?