I didn’t post yesterday, so I will bring everyone up to speed on what I learned from my “Exercise”, where I practiced a bugout. I was waiting to hear a random word on the Sunday morning news programs. The word was “Hillary”. I didn’t hear it until 1214 and I then had 30 minutes to get out of the house.
The first part went pretty smothly. I was running through the house throwing things into the SUV. Fortunately, I have the critical items in go bags. I was still packing extras at 30 minutes and stopped loading at that point. Depending on the level of emergency, I would prefer more time, but you can do a lot in 30 minutes. — if you have lists and have some items ready to go (bug out bags etc).
I hit the road. I try to keep the vehicles at least half a tank full. I had 3/4 tank, which is sufficient to get me away from Philadelphia.
I had planned a route using highways that kept me further away from the major cities, Philly, Trenton, NYC, etc. I went west and used only my maps. I had highlighted several routes using bright highlighters — this was key especially as it got darker.
Halfway through I quit using the major intersates and used more local roads. This proved interesting as I encountered road maintenance and one accident that I had to navigate around using my maps. Thankfully I didn’t get lost, but it was close. I pulled over a couple times to consult the maps. Also key was my compass as I needed to keep heading north.
Everytime my tank was at a third, i started looking for a gas station. There are a lot less gas stations on local highways and roads. I also found that travelling at night would be tricky to find open gas stations. I have changed my thinking that I would stop at the next open gas station any time my fuel guage was half or less. I used cash for everything.
The trip took about 30% longer. Upon arrival I was tired. I was very happy that I have someone plowing my driveway as my area had about 12 inches on the ground.
On Monday, I rested and thought about what I learned. I was happy that I have lists in a binder and that I have various bugout bags. I was in a hurry so I did forget a few things but nothing major. Also, I am glad that I have a little of extra items in both houses. One is none and two is one. For the road trip, maps and compass are key. Highlighting prior helps but accidents and road maintenance will cause rerouting. We have all gotten so use to GPS. Also remember good will want to take you back to the major interstate. It pays to do a route study and if possible have an extra person to navigate. I was glad to have plenty of cash on hand. Also keeping the gas tank at least half full at home was key. If something bdoes happen, you want to he able to get as much distance as possible from the big cities. I do keep some gas cans of fuel. Next time I do this exercise I am going to try using the gas cans and refilling. From my calculations, I have just about the right amount in extra gasoline to get me to my Up State house with the local rerouting etc (and arrive with about a third tank).
I had lots of little ideas too. The big thing is actually practicing. I am going between my two houses for the next few months, until I hopefully sell the other house in late Spring. I will definitely do this exercise another time or two. Practice