When it comes to preparing for a potential SHTF (Shit Hits The Fan) scenario, there are various strategies to consider. One particularly debated approach is whether to bug in or bug out.
While both have their merits, this article will make a case for why bugging in during SHTF is the best option.
What is Bugging-in?
Planning to remain in a secure and familiar place during an emergency is a strategy known as bugging in.
In certain scenarios, such as when the external environment is too hazardous, uncertain, or congested, bugging in can be a more suitable option than bugging out.
Furthermore, bugging in can offer more comfort, safety, and resources than bugging out, as one can use their home and its contents for sustenance.
Bugging-in or Bugging-out?
When disaster strikes, it is essential to make the right decision between bugging in or bugging out. Bugging in involves staying put and reinforcing your current location for safety.
The downsides of bugging out
First, let us explore the downside of bugging out when it hits the fan.
1. Limited Mobility
One significant drawback of bugging in is the limited mobility it offers. If the situation deteriorates rapidly or you face imminent danger, you may find it challenging to escape or find a safer location.
If you are intending to evacuate with someone who doesn’t have the most mobility, the safest option would be to remain sheltered in place. In areas with difficult terrain or regular inclement weather, it is strongly advised to stay sheltered and observe the necessary precautions.
2. Exhaustion of Resources
While you may have stockpiled supplies, there is always a limit to how long they will last. If the crisis extends beyond your initial calculations, you may face a scarcity of resources, putting your survival at risk.
When evacuating, you must prioritize essential items, leaving behind any items of sentimental or emotional value.
The best practice is stocking up on enough supplies so that they can last for an extended period of time.
However, carrying only a few food packs and liters of water may not be enough to sustain you, not even for a month, especially in an unpredictable and uncomfortable environment.
3. Vulnerability to Threats
Bugging out makes you a target for potential threats. When others in the area run out of resources or become desperate, they may attempt to forcefully take what you have. For this scenario, nothing beats the advantage of bugging in.
Being on the road presents potential dangers, as you can easily be spotted, particularly if you are armed or carrying a lot of equipment.
Fleeing in a dangerous situation can be incredibly hazardous. In some scenarios, you may be at risk of falling, or worse, being trampled by a panicked crowd.
The deterioration of our social well-being during this time can bring out the least desirable traits of each desperate individual, and all the undesirable elements in our community.
It is imperative that you take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. Without established defensive measures in place as you transition, you are at a disadvantage and more vulnerable to potential threats.
Why bugging-in is the best option?
Let’s explore the advantages of hunkering down in your own safe space.
1. Safety and Security
During a crisis, your primary concern should be the safety and security of yourself and your loved ones. Bugging in allows you to fortify your home and create a defensive perimeter that is familiar to you.
By staying put, you avoid the potential dangers of traveling through unfamiliar and possibly hazardous territory.
Staying in your own home can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, allowing you to stay surrounded by your own belongings and resources. This can be incredibly beneficial in times of stress, providing emotional stability and peace of mind.
2. Familiarity and Resources
Your home is where you have your essential resources stockpiled. Food, water, medical supplies, and other necessities can be easily accessed when you bug in.
By staying at home, you also have the advantage of knowing the layout, which can be a crucial factor in defending your territory against potential threats.
Staying put is the best option for your survival; you have access to all the supplies that you have been stockpiling, such as food, water, medicine, and other essential items.
Don’t let go of these precious resources; bug in to ensure that you don’t have to abandon them.
3. Community Support
Bugging in allows you to rely on your local community for support. When crisis strikes, having a network of neighbors who are familiar with one another can be invaluable.
By staying in your neighborhood, you can pool resources, share skills, and offer mutual assistance during challenging times.
Gather your support system and hunker down together! In times of distress, the power of numbers can be a great asset in providing protection and assistance.
Imagine the chaos that could ensue during the SHTF times. Criminals, or maybe, desperate individuals may form gangs that will target individual homes for plundering and potentially try to evict the inhabitants and seize their supplies. These gangs will focus on homes with a limited number of occupants to make their raids simpler.
The more people you have in a group, the more workers you have at your strength. Gather your support system and hunker down together! In times of distress, the power of numbers can be a great asset in providing protection and assistance to each other.
This means that with extra sets of hands, you can more efficiently garden, cook, pack supplies, gather water, hunt for food, and most of all, secure your territory from looters. It is clear that the benefits of having a larger group are considerable!
4. Minimizing Exposure
One of the risks of bugging out is the potential exposure to external threats. When you leave your home, you are exposed to various dangers such as hostile individuals, natural disasters, or even government checkpoints.
Bugging in minimizes these risks by allowing you to remain under the radar and avoid unnecessary confrontations especially when you are carrying supplies and even long firearms.
5. Cost-Effective Approach
Bugging in is a cost-effective strategy compared to bugging out. When you bug out, you may need to invest in additional gear, supplies, and possibly even a remote bug-out location.
Putting yourselves in a costly bugging-out scenario without a plan on where to go, you can improve the security and fortify your shelter instead.
On the other hand, bugging in requires fewer financial resources as you are utilizing your existing home and stockpile.
Are you bugging in?
In conclusion, bugging in during SHTF provides several advantages that make it the best option for many individuals and families. You may enjoy homesteading with comfort, peace of mind, and the luxury of the fruits of your hard work on prepping for many years.
By prioritizing safety and security, utilizing familiar resources, leveraging community support, minimizing exposure, and adopting a cost-effective approach, you can increase your chances of surviving and thriving in a crisis.
Remember, preparation is key, so start fortifying your home and premises today. Prepare and survive!
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