Shelter In Place and Getting Out Are The Only 2 Things We Should Prepare For

Row of Homes by Cristie Guevara. Image Source: Public Domain Pictures
CREDIT: Public Domain Pictures

A lot of times we hear folks say that they’re preparing for this or that. Sometimes what they’re preparing for gets really specific. The reality is, there are only two things we should be preparing for and that’s whether we are going to shelter in place or get out. That’s it. Prepping isn’t complicated. It only becomes complicated when we try to be too specific in what we’re preparing for. Or when we attempt to imagine every possible situation and try to micro-prep.

Everything else builds off of these two concepts. No matter what the survival situation is and how hard shit hits the fan, either we’re staying and riding it out or we’re going to GTFO. If we shelter in place, we need supplies and gear that allow us to stay at that location. If we’re getting out, then we’ll still need supplies and gear that allow us to do that.

We only need five basic things to survive in just about any location or condition. Food, water, air, shelter and security. Having these things all but ensures survival. If we don’t have any one of them, we won’t survive very long. Without air, water or food, death comes in minutes, days or weeks. Without shelter or security, our chances of survival can end instantly.

Shelter In Place

When we’re staying at our location, we need enough food, drinkable water, breathable air, shelter from the elements and security from danger to allow us to stay there. If any of those things become unavailable, then we must leave that location and find one that has all five elements. In most realistic scenarios, we prepare to stay where we are because the basic five are met. Whether the economy collapses, terrorist attacks or super storms hit, most likely, we’ll be staying put.

Getting Out

The same basic five to survive needed for staying where we are, are also needed when we’re prepping to get out. The main difference between prepping to getting out and sheltering in place is that we may not be able to carry all the supplies we need. The plan may include having a way of getting them en route. Getting out can be a life of constant travel, but it can also be very short. We can be on the go just enough to get to a location where it’s possible to stay indefinitely. Neither concept is the be-all and end-all. A major component of prepping is adaptability. If we can’t adapt to changing conditions, we won’t survive.

Every situation fits into one of the two concepts. Think of your favorite SHTF scenarios and what your plan is. Does it fall into staying or going?

1 Comment

  1. Hmmmmm. Most of my scenarios involve staying put, to be honest. I think it is easier and more practical. Like you said, one can’t carry everything when one needs to get out. I also think in an urban environment, people should be more focused on strengthening bonds with their neighbors and such, instead of trying to run and hide in the hills and defend their one little cabin against the marauders they’re sure are coming. I think too many people have this kind of mindset because of the American romanticism of the rugged individual und blah blah blah. The reality is, going it alone is tough and draining as hell.
    Also important is if you’re getting out, have a clear destination. And be very wary of places other entities are steering you towards (remember the Superdome in Katrina, anyone?)!
    Preparation takes time and money. Most of us don’t have those in spades, but we can get it done a little at a time. Partial prep is better than no prep IMO, and we can go a lot farther by helping each other than by isolating and insulating ourselves.

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