Bug Out Bag (B.O.B.)

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Checking to see how many people in the Village have a bug out bag packed and ready in the event of some type of disaster (not just a hurricane).

Lets hear what you have prepared, packed and ready to go. I am guessing that most people have nothing figuring they will have time. Others will have a few items and some will be totally prepared. For those who feel they are ready to bug out in 15 mins or share your thoughts & suggestions!

[Lauren Sweeny]

Yes I am repaired to leave for whatever reasons. One bags has clothes for a variety of weather..another bag has important papers including insurances,titles and passports. In the garage are tubs of Survival type equipment ; camp stove,tent,gear and a variety of canned foods for about 2 -3 weeks. All MEDS are in one place as is a first aid kit. In the car we have: bungy cords,rope,pocket knife, flares,matches,candles,blanket,baggies,water,grano la/ protein bars,small bag of tools, all in one eating utensils,scissors,and rain gear outfits. Maps writing paper,pen and important to us phone numbers.
All these are in one medium sized plastic bag.My husband thinks I am over prep - aired BUT I think it is just being wise to the possible need to evacuate .

[KayakerNC]

For some reason, I first thought of the "other" BOB. :a040:

http://i1.cpcache.com/product/840153093/bob_battery_operated_boyfriend_mug.jpg?side=Back&height=225&width=225

[DigitalGranny]

Important papers, sweater, food, water, cell phone charger, batteries and flashlight, a knife, gun and ammo, cash, and dog food. Blanket, cooking pot, candles and matches are in the car. Extra gas can sits ready in the garage.

[njbchbum]

Since TV is not our permanent home we would simply travel light. With 15 mins to prepare we would have time to toss clothes and some water bottles into the car; and then just make sure we had our credit cards and Disney Vacation Club card with us. Hopefully Orlando or Vero will be far enough away from any disaster in the Villages!

[buggyone]

I would like to know what type of "disaster" the OP is thinking of besides a hurricane. This far inland I do not think we need to be prepared to leave if a hurricane moves across Florida. It would produce wind and rain but not serious enough to warrant leaving.

What other types of disasters could warrant leaving your home in The Villages and spend time in a tent with a cooking pot, camp stove, and your gun?

The poster that has extra gasoline stored in the garage probably knows that gasoline in the garage is dangerous and it does not keep very well. Hopefully, she changes it out for fresh on a regular basis.

[wendyquat]

Some people just have NO imagination! Read "One Second After". Could easily happen at any time! A real eye opener!

BTW, just so the mod won't kick my post off for being "off topic" yes, my BOB is ready but it is only good for short term emergencies!

[rdhdleo]

I only pack a bag when the lightning is bad after our near miss especially! I toss in one change of loathes and underwear, meds important papers some toiletries extra shoes the dog stuff can be purchased easy enough and my laptop is small and very portable and IPad. Not worried much about hurricanes here. Lightning, tornado or sinkholes more likely but still the odds are in our favor.12 years here and we have not lost poet for more than 30 minutes.

[graciegirl]

The day before yesterday when Sweetie was going to the grocery, I asked him to get about fifty bottles of water.

The night before, watching the news, I thought...what if ISIS could poison our water here in the U.S.?

He brought it home. It's in the garage and that is the last I thought of it.

[wendyquat]

The day before yesterday when Sweetie was going to the grocery, I asked him to get about fifty bottles of water.

The night before, watching the news, I thought...what if ISIS could poison our water here in the U.S.?

He brought it home. It's in the garage and that is the last I thought of it.

But you won't store it in the hot garage will you? That's a no no':beer3:

[tippyclubb]

Natural disasters can happen anywhere, anytime and suddenly. A few weeks ago we had flooding in Detroit and all highways were flooded and closed. Some sections had up to 14 feet of water and even if we had a BOB bag we could not have left.

When we arrive in TV I'll be putting an emergency bag together. One just never knows what could happen after going through what we did recently.

[janmcn]

Make sure you keep your gas tank topped off. Even if your area doesn't lose power, if the delivery trucks can't get through, the supply dwindles very quickly. This is what happened here during the hurricanes of 2004. The Villages gas stations never lost power, but Orlando did.

[buggyone]

So for disasters, I have heard tornadoes, sinkholes, floods, and poisoned water supply.

You do not leave your home for tornado threats. Sinkholes do not need a "bug out bag". Of course, keep valuable papers in a central safe place that can be grabbed along with jewelry, etc. Floods do not happen in The Villages. Poisoned water would most likely happen in the important cities. Hopefully, they will not think about The Villages.

The EMP's would destroy everything so why worry about that one?

Personally, I have my valuable papers in the central point, gas tank always at least half full, and a supply of wine and cookies on hand. I am ready!

[bluedog103]

No "no bug out bag" but we have a large supply of water and food and other essentials to allow us to hunker down. We've been advised to evacuate three times in other places we've lived and all three times stayed put. Probably not a great idea in all cases but on two of those occasions by staying home we were able to save our home. The other time it wasn't that bad and it turned out that evacuating was unnecessary. It's really hard to pack up and leave your home, at least it was for us.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Yes I am repaired to leave for whatever reasons. One bags has clothes for a variety of weather..another bag has important papers including insurances,titles and passports. In the garage are tubs of Survival type equipment ; camp stove,tent,gear and a variety of canned foods for about 2 -3 weeks. All MEDS are in one place as is a first aid kit. In the car we have: bungy cords,rope,pocket knife, flares,matches,candles,blanket,baggies,water,grano la/ protein bars,small bag of tools, all in one eating utensils,scissors,and rain gear outfits. Maps writing paper,pen and important to us phone numbers.
All these are in one medium sized plastic bag.My husband thinks I am over prep - aired BUT I think it is just being wise to the possible need to evacuate .

You are in pretty good shape and you can never be "over prepped". It's like insurance... you hope you never need to use it but very glad you have it if you do. Florida of all places lots of bad things can pop up.

Thanks for the feed back!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I would like to know what type of "disaster" the OP is thinking of besides a hurricane. This far inland I do not think we need to be prepared to leave if a hurricane moves across Florida. It would produce wind and rain but not serious enough to warrant leaving.

What other types of disasters could warrant leaving your home in The Villages and spend time in a tent with a cooking pot, camp stove, and your gun?

The poster that has extra gasoline stored in the garage probably knows that gasoline in the garage is dangerous and it does not keep very well. Hopefully, she changes it out for fresh on a regular basis.

It is certainly your choice to be prepared or not. If you do a little research on the internet you will find that FL ranks high in risk of earthquakes... that's right. Also look and see how many nuclear plants there are. What could possibly go wrong there??? Just the loss of power alone for an extended time could bring on major issues. Enough said.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I am thinking there is probably enough interest in TV to start a small group and share ideas and suggestions. May be sit around and eat some MRE's lol just kidding. I prefer cooking on my Big Green Egg grill.

Send me a PM if you have an interest. We are out of town until Nov but could get started via emails etc.

JR

[DigitalGranny]

Don't worry Buggyone, I would use the same can of gas that is there for the mower (and to fill my golf cart because Dear Hubby doesn't make me drive to the gas station) to top off the car tank. It's never gone bad -or burst into flames.

I don't know what kind of reason we might need to bug out -but we try to be prepared to take care of ourselves --and help others when we can. Hubby was a first responder kind of guy in his career, so without dwelling on all the stuff he has seen, we just try to be smartly prepped -but not overly so!

[kaydee]

But you won't store it in the hot garage will you? That's a no no':beer3:

Why is it a no no to store bottled water in the garage?

[Halibut]

Well, we have plenty of bugs but no bags. I suppose important papers are in the same file cabinet, if that counts. Otherwise, completely unprepared and unworried.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

We have received several replies from people interested in forming a small group. If you are interested send a PM with you email and info. This is not intended to be a club or anything. Just a group of Villager's to get together and share ideas and friendship.

Thanks

JR & Christine

[Serenoa]

I would like to know what type of "disaster" the OP is thinking of besides a hurricane. This far inland I do not think we need to be prepared to leave if a hurricane moves across Florida. It would produce wind and rain but not serious enough to warrant leaving.

What other types of disasters could warrant leaving your home in The Villages and spend time in a tent with a cooking pot, camp stove, and your gu

Nobody wants to say, but I believe it's the dreaded ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

[wendyquat]

Nobody wants to say, but I believe it's the dreaded ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE

You just can't keep a secret, can you!:22yikes::22yikes:

[wendyquat]

Why is it a no no to store bottled water in the garage?

They USED to say heating plastic water bottles could release cancer causing toxins but seems that theory has been debunked as "debateable". Sorry to panic everyone!

[BobnBev]

PLEASE folks....proofread your posts before you hit the SUBMIT button.

[Medtrans]

My husband just said his driver, a dozen balls, golf shoes and a few extra tees!

[KathieI]

They USED to say heating plastic water bottles could release cancer causing toxins but seems that theory has been debunked as "debateable". Sorry to panic everyone!

I'm still not sure that theory isn't correct. My recent experience, if the water is non-refrigerated in the garage, the bottles collapsed from the heat and the water tasted like chemicals. So I'd suggest putting them in the garage refrigerator if you have one.

Living in earthquake country for so many years, I was always prepared for a quick evacuation or ready for the "big one" and could pack my car in 15 minutes, including the dogs, pictures, papers, etc. But here in FL, I don't see a need for that quick of a response but I do have a large amount of candles handy and flashlights by the bedside, just in case.

[saratogaman]

It is certainly your choice to be prepared or not. If you do a little research on the internet you will find that FL ranks high in risk of earthquakes... that's right. Also look and see how many nuclear plants there are. What could possibly go wrong there??? Just the loss of power alone for an extended time could bring on major issues. Enough said.

I don't know where you did your 'research,' but there are no seismic faults in central and southern Florida. Also, how could terrorists contaminate an aquifer...they're way underground and are many square miles in size. Relax, people!

[KayakerNC]

I don't know where you did your 'research,' but there are no seismic faults in central and southern Florida. Also, how could terrorists contaminate an aquifer...they're way underground and are many square miles in size. Relax, people!

Logic? We don't need no stinking logic! Preppers GOTTA prep. :1rotfl:

http://www.mommyish.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/gas-mask.jpg

[janmcn]

It is certainly your choice to be prepared or not. If you do a little research on the internet you will find that FL ranks high in risk of earthquakes... that's right. Also look and see how many nuclear plants there are. What could possibly go wrong there??? Just the loss of power alone for an extended time could bring on major issues. Enough said.

Earthquakes, not so much in Florida, sinkholes yes. When a neighborhood has to be evacuated because of a developing sinkhole, public safety officials tell residents to get out now, this second. Your bug-out-bag better be kept next to the front door at all times. There will be no time to go searching for it.

The disabled nuclear reactor sitting 50 miles due west of The Villages has always been a concern, especially since it cracked in 2009. This is the reactor, owned by Progress Energy at the time, that they tried to repair themselves and only made the cracks worse. This turned out to be the biggest energy debacle in Florida history.

On a lighter side, the nuclear plant that was planned for Citrus county has been shelved for the moment by Duke Energy. This facility would have been even closer to The Villages than the disabled one at Crystal River.

[Serenoa]

[QUOTE=KayakerNC;931127]Logic? We don't need no stinking logic! Preppers GOTTA prep. :1rotfl:

http://www.mommyish.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/gas-mask.jpg[/QU

:a20: good one!

[Lauren Sweeny]

Ok folks,where would you decide to go when leaving TV? Mountains ? From what I have read,seen, out , Blue ridge, out West , Colorado or Montana sounds safe for those who think of long time survival . Of course if it is some type of chemical or biological problem, many states or communities would barricade or quarantine those coming or going. Most folks would want to try to go North but that is the most condensed populated areas. What is your plan? Maybe I' ll follow you[emoji6]

[borjo]

I definitely would hunker down right here in my house. I've got supplies including masks and the usual water and water filters, batteries, security, etc. I'm too old to hike, don't want to run out of gas on the road and be stranded in Timbuktu.

[buggyone]

Hunker down in your house? What kind of disasters are we talking about that would necessitate leaving The Villages?

I asked that before and got answers that included sinkholes, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, and zombies.

A sinkhole does not require bugging out - just go to a hotel. Floods do not happen widespread here, tornado gives no warning, no earthquakes, and zombies are at Brownwood frequently. No reason to evacuate.

We are many times safer here than in an urban setting like New York, Washington, or San Francisco.

[Lauren Sweeny]

Why leave TV ? Here are my reasons. First my heart would go out to all the unprepared persons,the sick, handicapped , elderly in-firmed etc.These folks would be looking for someone or somewhere to get help and resources in any type if emergency or disaster situation.
Considering the emergency is long term , ( meaning reality ) these people will be relying on government, FEMA and the Red Cross to come help. We saw what happened during Katrina and in Sandy. Here in TV we would hope and expect our friends and neighbors to pitch in to help BUT only so much goes so far .....what then ? Chaos,hunger death, remember Katrina?
Better to take care of yourself and immediate family needs and get to a a more private/ secure place where your group can maintain a bit of control of your people,supplies and resources.
It is inevitable ( probable) that in the near future ; some biological ( either by act of nature or intended dispersal) pandemic will effect the major population areas . The weather patterns have radically changed and data suggest will continue to do so for several years, It indicates weather pattern changes, higher tides, increased drought , severe lightening and hail,tornadoes,hurricanes all changing in strength and duration. Radiation from the sun has also gained more strength with pockets in our atmosphere showing up more frequently and stronger in intensity. ( burning up birds recently). I do not even want to go to EMP from sun or elsewhere,meteors off trajectory, Plum Island escapees,terrorists, ..get the sad picture. This is not something to dwell on but a fact of the age we live in ...this is going on outside our TV bubble folks! What will you do ....drink wine and laugh?
Do not coming looking for those of us who are prepared...Remember Esops fable about the ant and the grasshopper...so be it....I wish you all the best with you decisions!

[Patty55]

Why leave TV ? Here are my reasons. First my heart would go out to all the unprepared persons,the sick, handicapped , elderly in-firmed etc.These folks would be looking for someone or somewhere to get help and resources in any type if emergency or disaster situation.
Considering the emergency is long term , ( meaning reality ) these people will be relying on government, FEMA and the Red Cross to come help. We saw what happened during Katrina and in Sandy. Here in TV we would hope and expect our friends and neighbors to pitch in to help BUT only so much goes so far .....what then ? Chaos,hunger death, remember Katrina?
Better to take care of yourself and immediate family needs and get to a a more private/ secure place where your group can maintain a bit of control of your people,supplies and resources.
It is inevitable ( probable) that in the near future ; some biological ( either by act of nature or intended dispersal) pandemic will effect the major population areas . The weather patterns have radically changed and data suggest will continue to do so for several years, It indicates weather pattern changes, higher tides, increased drought , severe lightening and hail,tornadoes,hurricanes all changing in strength and duration. Radiation from the sun has also gained more strength with pockets in our atmosphere showing up more frequently and stronger in intensity. ( burning up birds recently). I do not even want to go to EMP from sun or elsewhere,meteors off trajectory, Plum Island escapees,terrorists, ..get the sad picture. This is not something to dwell on but a fact of the age we live in ...this is going on outside our TV bubble folks! What will you do ....drink wine and laugh?
Do not coming looking for those of us who are prepared...Remember Esops fable about the ant and the grasshopper...so be it....I wish you all the best with you decisions!

Major population area? That's not us.

I don't think it matters how much you stockpile, if a real situation happens it won't be enough. Katrina & Sandy? There was plenty of warning, people were told to evacuate and chose not to. They then added to the problem by having to have their sorry ash selves rescued.

I believe that in times of crisis the good in people comes out. Saw it after 911, people pulled together and helped one another.

Instead of hoarding, drama and panic I like to think that people will pool their resources and get through it the best they can. While they're at it maybe they'll feel a little charitable toward the people who will be flocking here from South Florida.

You just have to believe in the Rule of Abundance. If you have wine, share it.

[Lauren Sweeny]

Clogged roads for evacuation,no gas ,not enough ready small cash to pay for,food,water,gas etc..would help a person make the decision as to stay or leave. This was stated by many many people caught up in a mass exodus from several disasters recently across the globe.
The haves( prepared folks) vs Have nots( needy) will always be in confrontation when events last too long and supplies or help run out.
Newspaper articles from around the globe show long lines, frustrated people and gun toting individuals in all types of disasters,man made or natural.
Pooling resources works only within small very organized groups of prepared people willing to have a group leader or leaders making the important decisions.
Without some sort of organized leadership there is chaos! Disaster organization means; goods inventoried and securely stored,who has access to food water guns,ammo, MEDS.
Needed would be individuals from the group to maintain leadership teams,security teams, individuals to oversee medication,stocks of food & water, shelter,transportation etc.
All of the above info is referred to in disaster preparedness manuals .
When an individual is desperate anything can happen, emotions, frustration and anger beat out altruism in the real world.
We may be Americas Friendly town but outside are borders....?

[janmcn]

Clogged roads for evacuation,no gas ,not enough ready small cash to pay for,food,water,gas etc..would help a person make the decision as to stay or leave. This was stated by many many people caught up in a mass exodus from several disasters recently across the globe.
The haves( prepared folks) vs Have nots( needy) will always be in confrontation when events last too long and supplies or help run out.
Newspaper articles from around the globe show long lines, frustrated people and gun toting individuals in all types of disasters,man made or natural.
Pooling resources works only within small very organized groups of prepared people willing to have a group leader or leaders making the important decisions.
Without some sort of organized leadership there is chaos! Disaster organization means; goods inventoried and securely stored,who has access to food water guns,ammo, MEDS.
Needed would be individuals from the group to maintain leadership teams,security teams, individuals to oversee medication,stocks of food & water, shelter,transportation etc.
All of the above info is referred to in disaster preparedness manuals .
When an individual is desperate anything can happen, emotions, frustration and anger beat out altruism in the real world.
We may be Americas Friendly town but outside are borders....?

Were you living here when the tornado hit in 2007? If you were, you will remember a community truly coming together. The Red Cross served three hot meals a day. FEMA was here. All the major insurance companies were here in a matter of hours, set up to write out big checks immediately. Governor Charlie Crist spent five days here pledging all the state help we needed. More residents opened up their homes to evacuees than were needed. I could go on and on, but you get the gist.

If these services had not been able to get through, the state would have been in bigger trouble than imaginable, and nobody would be able to go anywhere. In a case like that, as we used to say in the airline industry, bend over and kiss your behind good-bye.

[Patty55]

I don't know how many disasters all the preppers on here have been through but I'm thinking they are taking that television show a wee bit too seriously.
You all do know it's a "reality show" ie entertainment, not a blueprint for life.

I've never seen the show or read the manuals, just been there and done it. (Until recently I thought a "prepper" was somebody who wore a lot of Ralph Lauren and tassel loafers.)

[buggyone]

Why leave TV ? Here are my reasons. First my heart would go out to all the unprepared persons,the sick, handicapped , elderly in-firmed etc.These folks would be looking for someone or somewhere to get help and resources in any type if emergency or disaster situation.
Considering the emergency is long term , ( meaning reality ) these people will be relying on government, FEMA and the Red Cross to come help. We saw what happened during Katrina and in Sandy. Here in TV we would hope and expect our friends and neighbors to pitch in to help BUT only so much goes so far .....what then ? Chaos,hunger death, remember Katrina?
Better to take care of yourself and immediate family needs and get to a a more private/ secure place where your group can maintain a bit of control of your people,supplies and resources.
It is inevitable ( probable) that in the near future ; some biological ( either by act of nature or intended dispersal) pandemic will effect the major population areas . The weather patterns have radically changed and data suggest will continue to do so for several years, It indicates weather pattern changes, higher tides, increased drought , severe lightening and hail,tornadoes,hurricanes all changing in strength and duration. Radiation from the sun has also gained more strength with pockets in our atmosphere showing up more frequently and stronger in intensity. ( burning up birds recently). I do not even want to go to EMP from sun or elsewhere,meteors off trajectory, Plum Island escapees,terrorists, ..get the sad picture. This is not something to dwell on but a fact of the age we live in ...this is going on outside our TV bubble folks! What will you do ....drink wine and laugh?
Do not coming looking for those of us who are prepared...Remember Esops fable about the ant and the grasshopper...so be it....I wish you all the best with you decisions!

The "natural" disasters such as increased draught, tornado, lightning, hurricanes, radiation from the sun, and pandemic would not be lessened for anyone who leaves their home in The Villages and camps out with a tent, MRE's, and a gun. We keep a few weeks of canned food and bottled water on hand - along with the mandatory few week supply of wine and cookies.

Hurricane Katrina demolished New Orleans as it is at sea level and Lake Ponchitrane flooded the city. We have nothing like that here. Hurricane Sandy flooded the coastal areas. We are not at the coast.

Go ahead and shoot your neighbors who want food; that is exactly what Jesus preached.

[jbdlfan]

I believe in always being prepared, so we are. But a bit of a note for those that believe it will be all Hakuna Matata around here, you might want to look at the ares a round you. If times became tight, you can bet your booty that we will have "neighbors" in here looking for goods. Heck, they already do.

[Sable99]

I worked in Washington, DC. After 911, we were advised to have a "Go To Bag" in our office that included water, batteries, masks, bandages, antiseptic wipes, non-perishable food, flashlights, etc. My boss and I always wondered who would get the one oxygen mask that we were given.

I also kept these supplies at home and a small generator for lights and to charge my cell phone. Oops, I forgot we were also advised to keep prescriptions readily available.

BTW after the towers were hit, I gathered with a group of about 90 people at someone's home. My cell phone was the only phone that worked that day!! Everyone used my phone to call home.

[Lauren Sweeny]

Government and agencies such as FEMA and Red Cross ,insurance companies etc, work fine when a situation is more or less localized. The big BUT is is a situation is multiple,across the US . If many cities are affected or all coasts are swamped or a plague like epidemic occurs the fair m

[Lauren Sweeny]

Sorry hit wrong key.....the bottom line is do not expect someone or some agency to take care of things.Staying informed , have an evacuation plan,gathering emergency goods and knowing ( judging) the preparedness of the surrounding countryside ,road maps and spare cash or barter goods. This is standard procedure in every countries field manual.
Prayer are always needed anytime, anywhere.
The Creator gave us ; senses, emotions , humor and logic to use,do not waste these gifts.

[Sable99]

Sorry hit wrong key.....the bottom line is do not expect someone or some agency to take care of things.Staying informed , have an evacuation plan,gathering emergency goods and knowing ( judging) the preparedness of the surrounding countryside ,road maps and spare cash or barter goods. This is standard procedure in every countries field manual.
Prayer are always needed anytime, anywhere.
The Creator gave us ; senses, emotions , humor and logic to use,do not waste these gifts.

I agree that you should be aware about what is going on around you. Don't panic or go overboard but be prepared with supplies and a possible evacuation plan. If an event should happen, you need to know if you should evacuate, where you should go or whether you need to "shelter in place".

I now live about 30 miles from Toledo, Ohio. A few weeks ago the Toledo area had a "water scare". All of our local stores were sold out of water in a few hours. If the news even mentioned it "might" snow when I lived in the DC area, all of the store shelves were emptied.

[NotGolfer]

O.k.---this discussion is on "what if" situations. So, what if Issis does in fact begin on our shores what it's doing in the MIddle East?? Where would we go? How would we react?? Would we lock up our homes and stay?? Consider this...it could happen! I think I'd be more concerned with something like this rather than the natural disasters mentioned.

Preppers?? We could prep but for how long and how much to store up?? It could be for the "long haul"!

[janmcn]

Government and agencies such as FEMA and Red Cross ,insurance companies etc, work fine when a situation is more or less localized. The big BUT is is a situation is multiple,across the US . If many cities are affected or all coasts are swamped or a plague like epidemic occurs the fair m

The Ebola virus is probably a bigger threat at this time than a plague like epidemic.

[Lauren Sweeny]

So true janmcn! Avoidance of people is only means of protection from Ebola. The right masks,gloves and protective suites were used by the WHO and CDC and it still killed.
Having stocked food and water might help but as said above, who knows for what time duration you would/ should stock up for. Food for thought.

[billethkid]

I am late catching up with this thread. It certainly is a to each his own comfort type subject.

Make sure you always have a cash stash available. Money always talks!

Think twice about the evacuation event. Even with a full tank of gas you have no idea how far you will or not get. And then there is the crushing demand for gasoline that will run the supply line dry in not too long a period.

We had to evacuate once while in Beaufort, SC. Because I had friends in the "system" I found out about an evacuation order that was to come in 24 hours. We chose to head north to our lake home. Once the evacuation order was given the roads were clogged....completely bumper to bumper for at least 100 miles heading north. We had many friends who waited out the oncoming hurricane in their cars!!!! There was no way to go or do anything else.

So give some real thought to roads that could be used. How far would one likely get if there was in fact grid lock?

If the disaster is regional there is not much choice? If it was national there would be no choice at all. If it were local (south FL or central FL, etc) there may be some choices.

Also remember that self preservation breeds a much different behavior pattern in us humans and does not take long for civility to decay!

The best plan is to try to out guess the inevitable and respond ahead of the masses if at all possible. You may wind up making an uneccessary trip (known after the fact) from time to time.....but isn't that a much better outcome.

Time to go get a beer and watch something uplifting....let's just :pray: we never are tested!

[Barefoot]

. .....completely unprepared and unworried.

..... Relax, people!

Other than keeping our passports, some cash and important papers in a "special" location, I can't say we're very prepared or concerned.

In 1999, I recall all the dire predictions about what would happen when the year 2000 rolled in.
I was living on a horse farm outside of Toronto. Neighbors were burying money in their backyards.
Many were preparing to fend off with guns, the hungry hordes who would be swarming up from Toronto looking for horses to eat.
It certainly doesn't hurt to be prepared, but I've found most disasters are of a nature we would never anticipate.

[Halibut]

I'm naturally sardonic and probably pessimistic, but it's not reallly Hakuna Matata -- it's more that if there was some global catastrophic event, what's the point of running and scavenging and extending my life maybe a month? I'm not talking about precautions against tornadoes or natural disasters and whatnot, but if we all became Road Warriors, I definitely wouldn't be one of those people fighting tooth and nail over the last scrap of food. Eh, you take it.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I am late catching up with this thread. It certainly is a to each his own comfort type subject.

Make sure you always have a cash stash available. Money always talks!

Think twice about the evacuation event. Even with a full tank of gas you have no idea how far you will or not get. And then there is the crushing demand for gasoline that will run the supply line dry in not too long a period.

We had to evacuate once while in Beaufort, SC. Because I had friends in the "system" I found out about an evacuation order that was to come in 24 hours. We chose to head north to our lake home. Once the evacuation order was given the roads were clogged....completely bumper to bumper for at least 100 miles heading north. We had many friends who waited out the oncoming hurricane in their cars!!!! There was no way to go or do anything else.

So give some real thought to roads that could be used. How far would one likely get if there was in fact grid lock?

If the disaster is regional there is not much choice? If it was national there would be no choice at all. If it were local (south FL or central FL, etc) there may be some choices.

Also remember that self preservation breeds a much different behavior pattern in us humans and does not take long for civility to decay!

The best plan is to try to out guess the inevitable and respond ahead of the masses if at all possible. You may wind up making an uneccessary trip (known after the fact) from time to time.....but isn't that a much better outcome.

Time to go get a beer and watch something uplifting....let's just :pray: we never are tested!

You certainly bring up some very good points! I would hate to get stuck on some interstate for days on end. I my opinion the point of being "prepared" and ready to leave on a moments notice is what it is all about. You can choose to leave or not but at least you are ready and you have a plan. Hopefully if you hit the highway before the masses you not be one suck in a jamb. Should something big happen we would much rather be in our home in TN than in the Villages! In TN we can survive for quite a long time as there is abundant water, food, and other supplies.

Like you say hopefully you will never have to take such actions! Now where did you say you were having that beer? :beer3: