Bugging Out: The Secrets to Selecting the Perfect Bug Out Spot

Bugging out. Whether or not you're into prepping, I'm sure you've heard the term. But just where are these people bugging out to? Listen to find out, and see if that’s something you’d like to consider as part of your emergency plan.

The original blogs are: https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2024/06/26/the-prepper-dilemma-bugging-in-and-bugging-out-explained/ and  https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/2024/09/27/survival-preparation-101-how-to-choose-the-perfect-bug-out-location/ Check out the other articles, and sign up for my weekly newsletter here: https://urbanladyprepper.com/index.php/contact/

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you've heard the term, but just where are
these people bugging out to?
Listen to find out and see if that's
something you'd like to consider as part of
your emergency plan.
Hi, it's the Urban Lady Prepper.
I help single moms and solo women with

(00:20):
practical emergency preparedness, but of course, all are
welcome to become better prepared for whatever happens
next.
Should you stay or should you go?
And most importantly, where are you going?
Whether or not you're into prepping, I'm sure
you've heard the term bugging out, but just
where are these people bugging out to?

(00:41):
If you've ever been curious about bugging in
or out and what a bug out location
is, this episode is for you.
In the face of disaster, a critical decision
arises to bug in or bug out.
Bugging in involves sheltering in place and writing
out whatever event may have occurred.
Bugging out refers to evacuating your current home

(01:02):
or safe place and seeking refuge elsewhere.
You may ask yourself, why in the world
would I leave my home?
I went through all the trouble of handling
the essentials, keeping my pipes protected and my
HVAC working.
I beefed up my security and stockpiled a
sufficient amount of food and water.
Why would I leave that behind?
The answer is you shouldn't.

(01:23):
The vast majority of preppers from the casual
to the most hardcore agree that most of
the time it's safe to stay where you
are, bug in, when an event happens until
you get the chance to evaluate the situation
or you have enough advance warning to determine
whether you have no choice but to leave.
A bug out location is a secondary place

(01:44):
you have prepared in advance for a long
-term stay.
Having a perfect bug out spot isn't just
for the rich and famous, and it doesn't
have to be an underground bunker or a
decommissioned missile silo.
For many of us, it may be a
friend or family member in an unaffected area
or at least an area with more resources.
A secure secondary location is a savvy move

(02:06):
and gives you a definitive destination.
Whether you're a seasoned survivalist or just getting
started, stick around to discover how to choose
a bug out location that ensures safety, security
and self-sufficiency when it matters most.
I'll explain how wealthy preppers are transforming the
real estate market with luxury off-grid living
options and why these secluded retreats are the

(02:28):
ultimate emergency escape plan.
While these compounds may be out of a
price range, they can still offer some good
ideas that even the most basic bug out
location could use to its advantage.
Bug out locations are a cornerstone of survival
preparation.
They offer a secure retreat from urban chaos
during emergencies.
A designated bug out spot becomes crucial as

(02:51):
global uncertainties like natural disasters, political upheaval and
economic instability grow.
These aren't just temporary refuges but strategic investments
in personal safety.
The wealthy have increasingly been buying bug out
properties and compounds lately and it's important to
watch those with money because it can hint
at what's on the horizon.

(03:11):
You can use this knowledge to develop your
preparedness plans.
You can decide whether or not your bug
out location can be just someone else's house
or if it's worth investing in a piece
of property designed for off-grid living and
self-sufficiency.
By understanding the importance of having a bug
out location, you can make informed choices that
align with your survival goals.

(03:34):
As more people embrace this lifestyle, it has
opened up possibilities for prepper real estate, offering
diverse and adaptable options to meet various needs.
This trend reflects a shift towards proactive preparedness,
recognizing the need for comprehensive emergency escape plans.
The market continues to grow, presenting new opportunities
for those interested in securing a bug out

(03:55):
location.
However, it doesn't have to be doomsday specific.
For most of us, finding a suitable plot
of land where you can grow enough food
for a family with renewable resources will be
sufficient to ride out most emergencies short of
a nuclear attack or something like the Yellowstone
super volcano erupting.
Wealthy preppers are reshaping the real estate landscape

(04:17):
by purchasing sophisticated bug out locations with advanced
features.
These properties often come equipped with renewable energy
solutions like solar panels and water filtration systems,
ensuring self-sufficiency even off the grid.
The rich seek secluded yet accessible spots, blending
privacy with practicality during crises.

(04:37):
Such properties frequently boast advanced communication setups and
supply caches, ensuring a comfortable survival where little
has changed for them.
But again, even those of modest means can
use a similar approach and the same technologies
to make the most of their bug out
spot.
The difference is that most of us may
have to embrace off-grid living, and while

(04:58):
they may take some getting used to, it's
crucial for surviving a time when you may
have no choice.
Off-grid living is essential for anyone considering
a bug out location.
It involves cutting ties with public utilities and
embracing things like solar power, which is particularly
popular due to its minimal environmental impact and

(05:18):
sustainability.
Depending on geographic factors, wind turbines and water
-powered systems can also provide energy alternatives.
Water sourcing is critical with solutions like rainwater
harvesting and well drilling.
For waste management, composting toilets and great water
systems are sustainable options.
Properties can have gardens or greenhouses for farming.

(05:41):
You may have livestock such as chickens or
choose an area where wild game can be
hunted.
Off-grid living options should reflect personal needs
and the specific environment of the location to
ensure your plans will work and you should
be ready to run that location, working on
the skills you will need to maintain it.
So how do you choose the right place?

(06:02):
Location is key when picking a bug out
property.
Far enough to avoid urban chaos, but close
enough for a quick escape.
But first, assess your financial situation.
If an additional property is not possible for
you, you should work out a plan with
a family member or friend in an area
far enough out to escape any immediate danger.

(06:22):
For example, if you know a hurricane is
coming or an upcoming event may cause civil
unrest, you can use that notice to get
to that safe location with whatever preps you
can as early as possible.
If you don't know anyone in an area
far enough out, research long-term stay hotels
or a Vrbo in a location you feel
would be safest.
This is where having an emergency fund will

(06:44):
come in handy.
Pro tip, never walk into a hotel to
get a room without a reservation.
You'll end up paying what is called the
rack rate, which would be much more expensive
than if you just made a reservation using
your phone in the parking lot.
If you rely on public transportation, make sure
you have a plan to get out of
the area and get to that designated location.

(07:06):
Always keep updated schedules and double check if
they will be changed based on any impending
coming disasters.
Or rent a car or use a ride
share service to get where you need to
go ASAP and take the lesser known route
to get out of town.
If you're thinking about buying a secondary property
as a bug out location, it's important to
set a realistic budget.

(07:28):
Then align property features with your survival needs.
Research its investment potential, consulting with local real
estate experts for advice as they will know
the area, terrain, and climate that influence off
-grid living's feasibility and easements or rights of
way affecting privacy or land use.
They may also know of legal considerations like

(07:49):
water rights and zoning laws that might conflict
with your survival plans.
Accessibility is vital.
Your bug out location should be reachable in
emergencies.
Infrastructure such as road access and communication capabilities
play a significant role.
Resource availability like water and tillable land supports
self-sufficiency and reduces outside dependency.

(08:13):
Security is paramount.
Natural barriers and fortifications can protect against threats.
Consider expenses for off-grid living options such
as solar panels, rainwater systems, and any animals
you wish to have.
Community support and local resources are valuable, offering
potential networks for bartering opportunities.

(08:33):
Addressing these factors within a comprehensive strategy creates
a solid plan for your bug out location.
Be thorough yet flexible, exploring various locations and
weighing the pros and cons.
While I'm no financial expert, these budgeting and
investment tips should help you make sound decisions
that align with your price range and survival
preparation goals while also securing a valuable asset

(08:56):
for future emergencies and generations.
Now you've selected or purchased your bug out
spot and stocked it with the things you'll
need such as your long-term food storage,
water, and other necessities like toiletries, extra clothing,
and medicine.
Now you've set up the perfect bug out
location, but you need a plan to get
to it.

(09:16):
A clear and adaptable emergency escape plan is
crucial for choosing the right bug out location.
Ensure all family members understand their roles and
identify multiple routes to the site, accounting for
roadblocks or hazards.
Regularly updating and rehearsing the plan keeps it
current and effective.
Communication strategies are vital for staying informed and

(09:37):
connected during crisis.
Equip vehicles with necessary supplies like a CB
radio, portable ham radio, or walkie-talkies, and
ensure they're ready for immediate use.
Security at the bug out location is as
crucial as reaching it, so establish defense protocols.
Do you have an alarm?
What weapons or firearms do you have?

(09:59):
Prioritizing these aspects, you enhance your escape plan's
effectiveness, ensuring a safe transition to your bug
out location during emergencies.
Of course, I have to mention the obvious
for my single moms and solo ladies.
It's easier for men to bug out than
it is for women, just as it's easier
for a man to pick up and move
anywhere.
That doesn't just apply to an apartment in

(10:20):
a random city.
It also applies to bugging out in a
potentially dangerous situation.
A man traveling solo doesn't have to fear
much.
Returning to the man versus bear conversation, a
man can wander around in the woods and
not feel threatened by anything other than a
wild animal.
A woman bugging out doesn't know what she'll
run into.
Just as we say, a man is afraid

(10:42):
of being rejected, a woman is afraid of
being killed.
That applies while civilized society supposedly exists.
When disaster strikes and we can count on
protection even less, this reality will devolve into
something worse than it already is.
So, if you do intend to have a
bug out location, your personal safety will be
paramount.

(11:03):
Be sure to factor this into your escape
plan.
You may still be wondering, do I really
need to go through all of this?
Well, there's no one-size-fits-all answer
to the bug out or bug in dilemma.
The best course of action depends on several
factors, including the nature of the threat.
Consider the specific danger you're facing and how

(11:25):
it aligns with your home's strengths and weaknesses.
Your preparedness.
Are you well-stocked with supplies?
How long will those supplies last?
And does your home offer adequate protection?
Evacuation orders.
If authorities recommend evacuation, it's usually best to
comply, so be sure you have a place

(11:45):
to go.
Your personal circumstances.
Factor in your health, mobility, and any dependents
you might have.
The key is to be prepared for both.
This means having a good supply of preps
at home and a plan for evacuation, including
a designated bug out location and a communication
plan with loved ones.

(12:06):
By considering these factors and taking proactive steps,
you'll be better equipped to make the right
decision when that time comes.
It may seem easier to hope everything works
out because there's so many valuables to consider.
Hope is great and faith is nice, but
being realistic and practical will at least give
you some choices should disaster strike.

(12:27):
Please try to give yourself options, even if
they aren't ideal.
One of my banner quotes is, you never
know when the day before is the day
before, so prepare for tomorrow.
That applies whether you bug in and definitely
should you need to bug out.
Thanks for listening.
Until next time, this is the Urban Lady
Prepper signing off.

(12:56):
I'm sure I've given you some things to
think about as you go through the upcoming
week.
Has this episode resonated with you?
Let me know in the comments.
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(13:16):
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