Bugging In
Often, situations prove that it may be better to stay put during an emergency. Nobody wants to leave their home unless they absolutely have to. In these scenarios, it is very wise to have a staple of essentials for hunkering down, or as we call it, Bugging In. Since you most likely have your Bug Out Bag on hand already, all those tools and items are available plus whatever you have at home.
Since space and weight isn’t nearly as much of an issue when dealing with supplies at home, there are far more options for you to stock up with.
- Food – Since electricity may not be available, you must categorize mostly everything in your refrigerator as unusable in an emergency. Dried pantry foods, since they do not need refrigeration, are a good start to a well stocked emergency food source. Many foods, like pasta, rice, beans, and canned goods, can be stored for a significant amount of time. It is a good idea to always stay stocked with these food types. For a more sophisticated and longer lasting food solution, dried and freeze dried foods can be stored for up to 25 years. These types of emergency foods can be bought in bulk and are usually sold in units of days/weeks/months per person. Decide what your budget is, how many people and how long of a supply you’d like. Also you’ll have to store this stuff, so make sure you have enough space preferably in a cool dry area.
- Water – Water availability should not be taken for granted. In certain situations, your water service may be interrupted, or your water supply may become contaminated. Having potable water stored for emergencies is recommended. Your water heater is an overlooked source of water. In extreme bugging in situations, a water heater can provide drinking and bathing water. Toilet tanks (not the bowl!) contain fresh water as well.
- Tools – Since you’re at home, you should have a decent arsenal of tools at your disposal. Even a basic set of tools, when combined with your Bug Out/EDC will be sufficient in a Bugging In situation.
- Light – A few decent flashlights, along with extra sets of batteries are a good thing to have accessible. Ordinary candles are valuable as well as Emergency Candles which burn for long lengths of time. Having a lighter or matches handy will provide light in an instant.
- First-Aid – Since space is abundant at home, a decent First-Aid Kit is a must.
Although a lot of this gear could be available in your Bug Out Bag, it would be a good idea to keep them separate from your Bug In supplies. In an emergency Bugging In scenario, it could instantly change to a Bug Out scenario. You may not have time to fetch all the tools. Keep your Bug Out Bag ready to go at all times.
When is Bugging In preferable to Bugging Out? Click Here: Bug In Or Bug Out?
