SHTF?: What's Your Bug-Out Destination Plan?

Top Considerations for a Bug-Out Destination Plan

When disaster strikes and staying at home is no longer an option, having a well-thought-out bug-out plan can mean the difference between survival and catastrophe. A crucial aspect of this plan is selecting appropriate bug-out destinations. Here are the top considerations for developing a comprehensive bug-out destination plan to ensure you have safe locations or sanctuaries in various disaster scenarios.

Distance and Accessibility

The distance to your bug-out location is a critical factor in your planning process. Consider the following:

Aim for destinations within a 1-3 hour drive from your home3.
Ensure you can reach the location on a single tank of gas7.
Plan multiple routes to each destination, avoiding major cities and potential bottlenecks5.
Consider geographical barriers and how they might affect your travel during different types of disasters1.
Have at least four potential destinations, ideally one in each cardinal direction (North, South, East, West)1.

Remember, the farther your bug-out location, the more challenging it may be to reach during a crisis. Balance the need for distance from danger zones with practical accessibility.

Water and Resources

Access to clean water and other essential resources is paramount for long-term survival. When selecting a bug-out destination, prioritize:

Proximity to natural water sources such as rivers, lakes, or springs7.
Availability of food sources, including wildlife, fish, and areas suitable for gardening.
Natural resources for shelter and fire-making, such as forests.
Potential for off-grid living, including solar power or other alternative energy sources.

Ensure your chosen locations have the necessary resources to sustain you and your group for an extended period.

Security and Concealment

Your bug-out location should provide both security and privacy. Consider these aspects:

Choose areas with natural defensive features, such as high ground or dense forest.
Look for locations that offer concealment from main roads and populated areas7.
Assess the property for potential security upgrades, such as fencing or surveillance systems.
Consider the local population density and proximity to urban centers7.

The ideal bug-out location balances isolation with defensibility, allowing you to remain hidden while maintaining a secure perimeter.

Climate and Natural Disasters

Different regions face various environmental challenges. When selecting your bug-out destinations:

Assess the local climate and how it might affect long-term survival.
Research the area's history of natural disasters, including floods, wildfires, earthquakes, and severe storms.
Consider seasonal changes and how they might impact travel to and habitation at the location.
Look for areas with diverse ecosystems that can provide various resources throughout the year.

Choose locations that offer protection from the most likely natural disasters in your region while providing a suitable environment for long-term survival.

Infrastructure and Facilities

While the goal is to be self-sufficient, having some basic infrastructure can greatly enhance your chances of survival. Look for:

Existing structures that can be used for shelter or storage8.
Potential for off-grid power systems, such as solar or wind.
Areas with good natural drainage to prevent flooding.
Locations with potential for constructing basic sanitation systems.

Remember, a bug-out location with some existing infrastructure can provide a significant advantage, allowing you to focus on other critical survival tasks.

Legal and Financial Considerations

Securing a bug-out location involves more than just finding the perfect spot. Consider these legal and financial aspects:

Research local laws regarding land use, building codes, and off-grid living.
Investigate property taxes and any ongoing costs associated with maintaining the location.
Consider forming a group or partnership to share the costs and responsibilities of the bug-out location.
Ensure you have proper documentation and legal rights to access and use the property in an emergency.

By addressing these legal and financial considerations, you can ensure that your bug-out location remains a viable option when you need it most.

In conclusion, developing a comprehensive bug-out destination plan requires careful consideration of multiple factors. By assessing distance and accessibility, water and resources, security and concealment, climate and natural disasters, infrastructure and facilities, and legal and financial considerations, you can create a robust plan that provides multiple safe havens in various disaster scenarios. Remember, the key to a successful bug-out plan is flexibility and redundancy – always have backup options and be prepared to adapt to changing circumstances1 2 4.

References:

The Bug Out Bag Guide: How to Make a Bug Out Plan
Frostburg State University: Chapter 14: Bugging-Out
Utah Preppers: Creating your own Bug Out Location
Off Grid Survival: Bug Out or Hunker Down During a Disaster?
Backdoor Survival: The Location and Planning Of Your Bug Out Camp Or Cabin
The Survival University: Surviving the 2025 LA Fires: How to Evacuate Safely with Your Bug Out Plan
Off Grid Survival: Considerations when Finding the Ultimate Bug Out Property or Survival Retreat
The Shooter's Log: What Makes a Good Bug-Out Location?