The preparation of a binder of critical documents is the first item to get ready. In this binder, you will want to include birth certificates for every member of your family. If you are married, your marriage certificate should also be in this binder. You want to have emergency plans for your home, the titles for your home and vehicles, proof of your current address, numbers of out of state relatives or friends, and your investment portfolio.

Another critical item is your evacuation routes. You can never have enough. You need to plan for different types of transportation. Store your maps ins a weatherproof casing and have a firm understanding of navigation methods before you set out on your journey. In a past episode, Family Evacuation Planning, I discussed a grid system that you can develop with your loved ones to mark critical points on your map secretly. If separated, you can leave a message regarding a new meet up location that only you and your loved ones know.

Make sure that your evacuation kit or “go-bag” is prepacked at all times. For a list of items to get you started, you can subscribe to my newsletter and get a free listing of essentials. Alternatively, over at mydisastersupply.com, the 2-person stealth tactical survival kit is an excellent option to reach you, or a loved one started. The items in your bag share some essential things, but eventually, your pack will evolve to suit your individual needs. Try to include items that have multiple purposes. Keep it light; you may have to walk.

Don’t forget about your pets. What do you plan on doing with them? Larger animals may be able to pull a cart with their supplies or carry them in packs on their backs. Your animals will need food and water as well.

Phase one of a long-range bug out will start in a vehicle. An RV or a trailer is a good option because they have more comforts of home. However, they are slow and hard to maneuver. They may also make you a target because people may assume you have more supplies. Alternatively, a four-wheel-drive vehicle with a high chassis and tires that are in excellent condition is the next best option. Make sure you have a maintenance manual stored in the automobile. Always keep any vehicle you plan on using for evacuation in good repair. Include extra oil, tools, and essential maintenance items in a car kit.

There is lots of space in a vehicle compared to what you can carry on your back. Brink everything you can and fill every bit of space you can find. Pack it up with food, water, medical supplies, ammo, and whatever else you deem essential. You will also want to consider carrying extra gasoline. Remember, you can’t travel with it inside the vehicle. You could put it in the back of a truck, but others in need may steel it. If you don’t have an exterior option, there are racks you can install on your vehicle to transport it. Remember that tanks of gas on the outside of your automobile may make you a target for theft, and they can be a spot for people to target with a firearm. The best-case scenario is installing an auxiliary tank hidden on your vehicle. This extra tank allows you to double your capacity with little attention from prying eyes.

Alternative transportation should always be a consideration. Can you take alternative transportation with you in your vehicle? Maybe a bike rack on the back of your automobile or a motorcycle in the bed of the truck?

Motorcycles, quads, or ATVs are alternative options, but you can’t carry nearly as much as you can in a vehicle. However, they are more maneuverable when traveling clogged highways or using alternate routes that are inaccessible to automobiles. Fuel becomes a significant concern. Plus, not all of your family members may be able to operate one.

A bicycle is another viable alternative transportation method. For extra supplies, pulling a cart behind the bike is a great idea. Take everything you can reasonably carry from your vehicle. It is time to start prioritizing supplies. Water is heavy, so carry light and have water purification options available. Transport pets, elderly and young individuals in a cart or a basket. Make sure your bicycle is well maintained as well. Carry extra inner tubes for your tires, an extra chain, and oil.

Making use of a horse or animal is also a viable long-range evacuation option. If you are interested in this, check out the past episode on horse husbandry. There are many considerations you need to take into account. They require food and water. Maybe they can pull a cart, but you better practice while times are good. You will also need veterinary items and knowledge of shoeing. Consider walking and animal and letting them carry your supplies, rather than riding it.

In the past, we have also done an episode on boat bugout. Evacuating in a boat, raft, or personal watercraft has some special considerations. You are going to need fuel unless you are rowing or sailing. You can carry a large number of supplies, depending on the size of the boat. Be careful because water is a popular gathering place. You will be open to attack from the land as well as other boats on the water.

When all else fails, you will be walking. Now is the time to majorly prioritize what you have to have for survival. The lighter you can travel, the better. You can pull a cart so you can include more supplies or carry those who can’t walk as far. Make sure you account for weather in the geographical areas through which you travel. On foot, you have access to many alternative routes. Try to avoid crowds and clogged roadways and use greenways, railroads, and electrical line avenues instead. Make sure you study the terrain along with the courses you are considering before adventuring out.

Remember, ammunition is heavy! Consider carrying firearms that use the same caliber. Larger caliber weapons pack a big punch; however, the ammunition is more cumbersome and you won’t be able to carry as much. The idea is not to get into an altercation. Any fight you are not in is one you are guaranteed to walk away from.

Water is also weighty to carry. Have water sources planned out before you use your route. Approach these locations with extreme caution. People will flock to the water. Research collections methods you can employ while you are on the move to maximize efficiency.

Food can also be hefty. You want to choose items that pack a big punch for the weight needed to carry them. Beans and rice are a good option or look at the article we did on food on the go. Bring a rat trap or two for snatching smaller animals. Study geography and know the wild foragables available along your route. Many plants grow throughout most of North America, become familiar with these items first. When you are cooking on the go, remember, food smells good, and the smell travels a long distance.

Before you even consider evacuating on foot, use Google Maps to research walking times. You will not be able to walk continuously, and those are the numbers Google provides. If you are out of shape, expect a maximum travel time of four hours. If you are athletic and have no children or elderly with you, an eight hour day of walking may be possible. You will need to take breaks. Pay attention to your feet and body. As the days pass, your body will become injured and fatigued. If you need to defend yourself, it is going to be a challenge. It is best to avoid any altercation, if possible.

Your body will start to chaff from body parts and packs rubbing and pulling carts. Consider carrying a powder remedy. Also, overweight individuals may be dealing with fungal issues where folds of skin overlap. Don’t set your distance expectations too high, and plan your provisions accordingly.

Remember that group tension is going to rise significantly. People are going to become fatigued and emotionally irritated. Understand that everyone, including your pets, is going to be stressed and tired. Mental preparation for this irritability may help you to keep the peace.

If pets are part of your evacuation equation, talk to long-range hikers. Often, they carry foot coverings for their dogs because the animals’ pads will wear out. Your pets need food and water, and they will be tired and irritable as well.

A long-range evacuation is not an easy undertaking. Planning for the worst now will make facing the process much easier in the future. A vehicle is the ideal method of transportation but consider alternatives now, while in the planning phase. When all else fails, you still have your feet. Pay attention to your body, and don’t expect too much.