Determining Who Should Be Included in Your Bug Out Plan: Essentials for Your Survival Circle

When preparing for any emergency, having a well-thought-out bug-out plan is crucial. This plan outlines the steps you need to take and the resources required to quickly leave your home if necessary. A critical component of this plan is determining who will be part of your bug-out group. This decision should be made thoughtfully, as it will significantly impact your preparedness strategy, resources, and overall likelihood of successfully navigating an emergency.

Assessing your personal circumstances is the first step in deciding who to include in your bug-out plan. Consider your immediate family members—spouses, children, and anyone else living in your household—as they will likely be your primary concern. However, you should evaluate the potential role of extended family, friends, and even neighbors. Including people outside your immediate family may offer a broader skill set and additional resources, but it can also create complexities in planning and coordination. Building a cohesive bug-out group involves communication, leadership, and the ability to work together under stress.

Regularly revising your plan is vital to ensure that it stays relevant and effective as circumstances change. Over time, the needs and capabilities of your group members might evolve, and so should your plan. Regular reviews and updates will help you maintain a clear and practical strategy for when a quick escape becomes necessary.

Key Takeaways

• Assess immediate and extended family when creating your bug-out plan.
• Consider the addition of friends and neighbors for a diverse skill set.
• Update your bug-out plan regularly to accommodate changes within your group.

Understanding the Concept of a Bug Out Plan

When you hear “bug out plan”, think of it as your blueprint for a quick exit during emergencies. You’ve seen enough movies to get the gist—it’s your plan when you’ve got to get out of dodge, fast.

So, who gets a seat in your getaway car? Start with your household members—that’s a given. But think beyond that. Do you have an elderly neighbor who’d be stranded without your help? Maybe a friend who’s like family? Consider that your posse.

It’s not just about bodies in seats; it’s about roles and capabilities. Got a nurse in your group? Their medical skills can be life-saving. What about someone who’s good with maps and navigation? Gold star for them, because getting lost is not an option.

Remember, this isn’t a solo gig.

List-making time: jot down who’s in, consider their skills, and how they’ll contribute. Are they dependable? Strength in a crisis is key. Pencil them into your plan but stay realistic—you can’t save the world when the world’s flipping upside down.

Here’s a quick take: your bug out plan is your strategy, tailor-made for you and yours. Keep it tight, keep it right, and make sure everyone knows the drill. When the alarm sounds, you’ll want the right crew to ride the storm out.

Assessing Your Personal Circumstances

When planning to evacuate in an emergency, it’s important to consider everyone who relies on you and any specific needs they might have.

Household Members

• Adults: List all adults in your household and note any medical conditions or disabilities.
• Children: Include the ages of children and any specific care requirements.

Special Considerations for Dependents

Necessities for disabled or elderly dependents:

• Mobility Aids: Ensure wheelchairs, walkers, and other aids are accounted for.
• Medications: Keep an updated list of medications and dosages they require.

For those with sensory impairments:

• Include communication devices or aids they rely on.

Pets and Service Animals

Pet Essentials:

• Food and Water: Bring at least a 3-day supply.
• Leash and Carrier: For control and safety in transit.

Service Animals:

• Documentation: Carry identification and any necessary service animal certification.
• Care Supplies: Pack medications and grooming tools.

Incorporating Extended Family

When planning your bug out strategy, consider whether including extended family members is beneficial and how it could affect your group’s dynamics.

Geographical Considerations

Your Location: Examine the proximity of your extended family members to your location. If you’re in close vicinity, it can be easier to coordinate plans and gather together quickly in case of an emergency.

Table 1: Family Member Proximity

Their Location: Recognize if they live in areas prone to specific hazards such as coastal zones (hurricanes), earthquake fault lines, or wildfire high-risk areas. This knowledge could be critical to your plan.

List of Potential Hazards by Family Member Location

• Grandma & Grandpa: Hurricanes
• Aunt Laura: Wildfires
• Cousin Joe: Earthquakes

Health and Mobility Constraints

Medical Needs: Consider the medical conditions and needs of your extended family. Do any of them require regular treatment or medications that must be factored into the plan?

• Uncle Bill: Insulin for diabetes
• Cousin Sarah: Asthma inhalers

Mobility: Assess the mobility of each family member. Young children, elderly relatives, or those with disabilities will impact your bug out plan regarding transportation and the pace at which you can move.

List of Family Members with Mobility Constraints

• Elderly: Grandpa Jones uses a cane; consider terrain accessibility.
• Disabilities: Cousin Tim uses a wheelchair; ensure transport capability.

By taking into account both geographical considerations and health and mobility constraints, you can build a comprehensive bug out plan that includes your extended family, ensuring everyone’s safety and readiness during uncertain times.

Should You Build A Bug Out Group?

In a bug out scenario, it’s crucial to consider not only what supplies you’ll carry but also who will accompany you. The strength of your group can be pivotal for survival.

Recruiting Like-Minded Individuals

When building your bug out group, look for companions who share your mindset on survival and preparedness. It’s important that everyone:

• Agrees on the main goals and strategies for various scenarios.
• Has a consensus on the potential destinations and routes.

Create a list to jot down potential group members like family, close friends, or neighbors. Make sure they understand and are willing to commit to a bug out situation.

Defining Roles and Responsibilities

Once you have your group, define roles to ensure efficient functionality.

• Leader: Someone who can make decisions under pressure.
• Medic: A person with medical knowledge or training.
• Navigator: A skilled map-reader and pathfinder.
• Scout: Good at reconnaissance and staying alert for danger.
• Quartermaster: Keeps track of supplies and equipment.

It’s beneficial to have a meeting to discuss and assign these roles based on each person’s skills and strengths.

Training and Preparedness

Regular training is essential to ensure everyone in your group is prepared.

• Hold survival skill sessions such as first aid, food foraging, or self-defense.
• Organize mock bug out drills to practice evacuating and setting up a temporary camp.

Last but not least, make sure everyone’s personal emergency kits are up to date and customize group supplies based on the collective needs.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication and coordination are vital in a bug-out scenario. You need to know who to contact, how, and where to meet if separated.

Establishing Contact Protocols

First thing’s first, you gotta set up Contact Protocols. Think about how you’ll reach your crew when cell towers are down.

• Primary Method: Decide on your go-to communication tool. Could be a text, a call, or a two-way radio.
• Backup Plan: Have a fallback, like a satellite phone or signal flares, for when Plan A goes bust.
• Code Words: Use pre-arranged code words to convey messages swiftly and securely.

Remember: Keep your communication gear charged and ready to go.

Creating a Rally Point

Next up, let’s talk about setting a Rally Point. This is your meeting spot if things go sideways and you can’t chat directly.

• Location: Pick a place that’s easy to find and reach on foot if needed. Could be your favorite camping spot or a community landmark.
• Route Maps: Keep maps with routes to your rally point in your bug-out bag because Google Maps might not help you out here.
• Time Frame: Decide how long you wait for others before moving to a secondary location.

Keep these details in your plan so everyone’s on the same page.

Revising Your Plan Regularly

When you’re serious about preparedness, keeping your bug out plan up-to-date is crucial. Think of it as a living document that evolves with your life’s changes. Remember to review who is in your plan. This could mean family, friends, or anyone important to you who might be dependent on your plan in a crisis.

Here’s a checklist to consider when revising your plan:

1. Changes in Your Circle
   • 📝 New family members (like a newborn)
   • 🚫 Departures (someone moving away)
2. Health and Abilities
   • ✅ Assess if there are any changes in physical abilities
   • ❗️Update medical needs and medications
3. Skillsets
   • 🔍 Do new members have skills that contribute?
   • 📚 Has anyone received relevant training recently?

Make it a habit to revisit your plan, marking a calendar:

• Seasonally (4 times a year)
• After significant life changes (marriages, births, etc.)
• Post any major events that could impact safety (natural disasters)

Use a table format to track revisions:

Utilize tools like shared documents or planning apps for easy updating. Ensure all members know where to find the latest version and understand their role in the plan. Regular revisions are not just about staying current; they’re about ensuring everyone’s safety and effectiveness when it matters most.

Conclusion

When planning your bug out group, prioritize those who will contribute to the survival and emotional well-being of the team. Family members and close friends often top this list, but also consider individuals with critical skills that can enhance the group’s chances in an emergency.

• Family: Your immediate family is likely non-negotiable.
• Close Friends: Trust and reliability matter.
• Skills: Medical, mechanical, or tactical expertise.
• Dependability: Can they handle stress well?
• Mindset: A positive, solution-oriented attitude is vital.

Remember to balance the size of your group to maintain mobility and ensure enough resources for everyone. Keep communication open to discuss plans and expectations well in advance. Regularly update your plan as circumstances change.

Staying well-prepared increases your resilience in the face of unpredictable events. Build your team thoughtfully, focusing on trust, skills, and reliability for the best chance of safety and security in any scenario.