Bugging in

[Cal44]

My wife and I are in our 60's.

We live in a suburban area, quite far from the kinds of places riots would likely start.

Quarter acre lot.

In some kind of society breakdown for whatever reason, I'm inclined to bug-in rather than bug-out.

So suppose power and water were out for an extended period -- say 3 months. No services, no food delivery.

What do we need?

How much water per person? 75 gal hot water heater to start.

Would you worry about generators? I'm inclined to get a solar panel and battery system that can run my ham radio, recharge cell phones and flashlights etc. But forget about refrigerators etc.

Cooking? Have Coleman stove (white gas and unleaded), a couple gasoline backpacking stoves for backup, propane BBQ with side burner.

Live off canned and dried food.

In central California, we could do without heat or AC all year.

Lots of battery powered lights, and rechargeable batteries.

What are people's thoughts on this whole subject of bugging-in?

BTW, we have three cops on the street, former marine across the street, other x military types. With a little coordination we could probably build some kind of neighborhood watch/security group.

Dave

 

[shaggist]

Like you, I am too old to hit the road in a time of crisis. So, what I have done to prepare myself, is basically equip my apartment for an extended, unsupported stay. I have the capability of storing 50 gallons of water in addition to the case of bottled water I have on hand; I keep a 30-day supply of food in the forms of canned goods, dry goods, and LRRP rations. I have my Coleman stoves and lantern for cooking and light, along with numerous AA & LiOn batteries for my powered lights. This, combined with my protection firearms and ammo stockpile, should see me through most anything that I can foresee during the remaining years of my life (I am 71). Hopefully, none of the dooms-day predictors will be correct, but I will face it if it comes reasonably well prepared. I also have an extensive library to keep me occupied when the TV goes out.

 

[jarhead 0802]

bugging out as a first response to a crisis is just plain silly. Why would you choose to walk away from your shelter and stockpile of food/water? The opposite end of the spectrum, the "I aint leavin no matter what" people are equally silly. Can you say "house fire"? IMHO flexibility is key. It's not too hard or expensive to get a bunch of canned food from the grocery store (inexpensive, and long shelf life), and fill up the pantry.

 

[gdnagle]

Water source close by you could think about one of the water filtration systems like LifeStraw. 75 gallons won't last forever if it is for a extended period of time FEMA states each person needs 1/2 gallon of water each day just for drinking. Then you have food prep. Battery charging I would think about a solar source as you have plenty of sun light charge your car batteries and use a inverter to run your radio. If your into a survival situation you may have problems getting gas for a generator. I have a small 13k and it uses about 7 gallons for a half day. Don't forget sanitation needs, protection and like you said food. They claim the vacuum pack tuna will last a very long time, peanut butter is high on a preppers list. Most of all it will be decided as to how long you will be without essentials.

Figure out how long you will need to be self supportive and then add you food items accordingly. dried, canned and if you have the proper technique to keep it bulk. Things you will eat.

The Rule of 3's for Survival is this
3 minutes without air
3 hours without shelter
3 days without water
3 weeks without food
3 months without hope

And for Ivan

You can die in 3 seconds if you don't think!

Very important one also. Your brain is the first and finest survival tool if you use it right.

 

[zzzippper]

I'm good for at least two weeks. All of our food can be eaten cold if necessary but we have a propane stove as well. Cooking is plan B, I don't want to waste water doing dishes. I think 1/2 gallon per person is recommended, certainly no less. We also have water filters.

 

[Cal44]

Sanitation is good point.

My wife had a knee replacement recently, and can now walk fine.

But during the convalesce, I got her a in-bedroom potty chair with a normal toilet seat and a bucket.

I figure to use that and then dig a hole in the back yard about 3 ft deep and dump in there. Other than that, it's sponge baths.

I figure if I get some warning before the water goes off I'll fill the bath tubs and some of that can be used for sanitation.

Also considering getting some kind of 55 gallon drum connected to the downspout to collect rain water.

 

[arjay]

Food,water,shelter and a way to defend yourself are it.

 

[A10]

Ok...I ain't goin nowhere..

We have a generator that is good for a day on its fuel tank, and we are good on gas for another 20 or so. After that the food in the freezer and fridge are gone. We have canned and dry food for another couple months, including feeding the grandkids. Enough wood for the airtight stove for a couple weeks. Hand crank radios and flashlights, and a years supply of candles. Seeds to grow food, if the season is right. Potting soil so we can grow stuff inside. Dog and cat food for several months. Meds for 3 months. And......mebbe a gun or two just in case.....

EDIT. We're on a septic system, so sanitation is easier.

 

[photobiker]

I think the situation determines whether I stay or go. If I'm leaving it's going to be by car to a much less congested place I have in mind. I'm old enough to know that I can't trek through the woods with a 30 pound pack for 8 or 10 days. If I'm staying I realize I live in a plastic house that you can almost shoot a BB through, so defending what I have can be a problem. Either way I'm prepare. In less than an hour I can be heading down the road with everything I need. But I would much rather stay home. If the problem exist for any length of time the OP idea of neighborhood security is the only way to survive a lengthy situation. Everyone looks after each other, like they used to before government intervention.

 

[Ivan the Butcher]

gdnagle quoted all of the laws of three except one; "You can die in 3 seconds if you don't think!" Ivan

 

[Cyrano]

Water is key here in the desert. It's been ±100º since 1 June and humidity is around 15%. We've had 0.65 inch of rains so far this year. You won't live long here without a source of water and you can figure about one gallon of water per day per person.

 

[5-Shot]

Fortunately, I believe we have most items covered. We are in the middle of a 14 acre forest (fuel for fireplace, squirrels for the pot). There are at least three very good springs and about 100 Angus cattle within a mile of the house (one even jumps the fence occasionally and comes to visit me).
That covers everything but the internet.

Ed

 

[islamoradamark]

water is the key to life you must make it or produce it some how i agree im buggin in