Bug Out Time

When you look at the political chaos this world has been in for the past 30 years, and the damage of national disasters of the past 20 years, it is hard to imagine that the future cannot get any worse. Do you remember the chaos of Katrina? Do you recall all of the supposed improvements to some government program called Federal Emergency Management Agency? Well, for the past half an hour all that has been on television is interviews of citizens of New York and New Jersey with nothing but complaints about the lack of support from the government. And, all I can think about is “why would want anyone to rely on a government for help in times of crisis. So, my thoughts and efforts are turning toward what I can do to prepare for the worst and hope for the best. It is easy to see that many people in this country have become so convinced that a government handout is easy to get, and few people are preparing for the fact that it will not come.

Food: As a trucker I learned to keep a few days supply of food in my truck. Although I knew weather conditions could cause me to be cut off from a food supply more often than not it was shippers, receivers, and my schedule that caused me to miss meals on many, many, many occasions. So, I now have a week of supplies in a closet at home, and a few days supplies in the kitchen cupboards. And, I am putting money aside to make arrangements for the worst of times.

Clothing: I am not looking for clothing that shows a sense of fashion. I am hitting the garage sales, used clothing, and surplus stores. I am shopping for clothing that is comfortable and functional in the coldest of weather, and comfortable and functional in long days of extreme heat.

Grooming supplies: I have two of everything in my house, and one of everything in my “bug out” kit in the trunk of my car.

Gear: If I still had all of the tools that I have purchased over the years I could open a truck repair center, and a carpenter’s shop. But, it seems that the tools that I most have a need for are the tools that other people thing they need more than I do. My tools are no longer loaned to would be friends and neighbors. Today, they are stored in two places. Most of them are inside my home, and an emergency tool kit, and a “bug out” clothing and supply kit are in the trunk of my car. And yes, there is an emergency first aid kit in my car.

Weapons: mine are no longer stored in a safe place. Mine are sitting where they can be used the instant I see danger. I may be crazy, but I not only fear the real criminals, I no longer trust people that I know have not prepared for the worst.

Brief case: This is a list I keep of things that I watch for as a scavenger such as tools that I would like to get my hands on. I also list ideas and places that I may go to get bigger items that I might need. My brief case is where I store the most often needed office supplies.

For the past few months I have been searching for a vehicle that I can live in to do my work as a photographer and a musician. And, I plan to buy a small trailer that will hold even more things that can be very helpful, and will serve me well in case it comes time to “BUG OUT”. However, with what I now have, I figure I can have everything I will need in my car and be pulling out of my driveway within 3 minutes, and I can head for “higher and safer“ ground.

Why do this? Simply remind yourself of the chaos of the world over the last 30 years, and the natural disasters that have occured just in your life-time. That is why everyone should be prepared. And today, no matter which political party you belong to, you should realize that you cannot rely on a dysfunctional government in your times of need.