Bug Out Detours
Dr. John Woods 07.22.19
As most preppers know and fully realize, it may become necessary to bug out during some SHTFs. This essentially means going on the run away from the disaster event to escape harm or destruction.
It has long been advised that one should plan for such an escape by mapping out various routes away from potential oncoming disasters of all kinds. This means literally getting out a map to investigate all the travel routes away from home, work, or school and to become intimately familiar with such routes.
You can usually find multiple ways to drive out of the area, and you should become up to speed on all these routes, paying attention to road names and highway numbers. These can be jotted down in a preparation manual or notebook to keep copies in all vehicles.
Then comes the constant awareness of these routes and any potential changes such as road hazards, construction or delays and such. If you do not maintain a regular observation of your selected routes, things could change that could alter your safe escape or worse, cause you to become locked in traffic or unable to get out of the area.
Case in point: in our area, there have recently been a number of rural bridge closures mandated by the Federal Transportation Commission for safety reasons. In our area, once outside of many towns you are suddenly in rural areas. Such routes are critical for evacuation from disasters or other SHTF events.
In this case, if you were to pile in the family SUV with bugout bags stowed and ready, you could drive down one of these county escape route roads only to be halted by a bridge out of service. Where I live, two of these exit roadways are currently out of service due to closed bridges. I drove these routes recently to double-check on their status. This is the kind of information you need to constantly factor in to any bug out plan.
As you develop escape routes, note, too, the availability of essential services. Mark locations for gas stations, convenience stores, food and water supplies, medical services, road repair, overnight motels, campgrounds, and such. A bug out during an emergency situation is not pleasant at best, but can be managed better by having a pre-determined plan in hand.
