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I asked my friend Beau for some advice for folks who would need to get out of a big city and to another, safer location.  Here’s what he offered:

Getting out of an unsafe area and to a pre-determined “safe place” presumes the ability to get there. In order to do so, whether you are near or far, will require some detailed planning and preparations on your part. I suppose the first question is… when? Followed closely by…How to know when? These, of course, are very subjective questions dependant on a lot of variables.

Ideally you could just look at your crystal ball and get-out with no more effort than if you were on a family summer vacation. That is the best of all scenarios. We, however, need to hope and pray for the best and plan/prepare for the worst.

There is some merit to the idea that if you cannot get out before everything goes crazy on you…then you hunker down and wait out the first spasm before you launch your movement to your safe location.

Here are some thoughts on “GET OUT OF DODGE” or “BUG-OUT” Preparation:

MOVEMENT PLAN:

1) Vehicle Preparation/Maintenance – Since no one can predict…your vehicle must be kept in a high state of readiness…fuel tank topped off at all times, fuel cans full (to 80% remember to allow for expansion), all fluids full (oil, coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid) it is a good idea to keep a quart of each type of fluid in your vehicle. Other useful items such as “fix-a-flat”, radiator sealant, extra spark plugs, fuel filter, oil filter, and air filter should be stored in your vehicle as well.

2) Vehicular Equipage – Car starter, air compressor, fire extinguisher, spare tire, jack, jack plate, jack handle

Flotation vests/devices are good for you to have in the event that you are forced to abandon your vehicle and affect a dismounted river crossing. You should learn how to construct field expedient rafts and flotation devices. It’s fairly easy once you understand the concept and is covered in most survival books and the Ranger Handbook.

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