There are a lot of questions preppers ask when it comes to planning for a bug out situation. It's impossible to prepare for everything, so you must instead prepare for the most common situations you see yourself running into when bugging out.

Knowing the most important things you should be concerned about when prepping for a bug out is the key to developing a solid plan. That said, what are the most important questions?

1.What Vehicle is Best?

Things to consider in an escape vehicle are ground clearance, four wheel drive or not, load capacity, fuel consumption and toughness. Even if you plan on bugging in during an emergency, not having a backup plan complete with a remote location that is well supplied could prove fatal. Case in point and mentioned often is when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans. Thousands of people hit the roads to evacuate and many had no idea of where they were headed.

Things to store in your bug out vehicle at all times:

1. A ranch jack: Can be used to lift the front or rear onto stable ground.
2. Straps or chains: Can be used with a jack or come along.
3. Folding shovel: Dig around the tires to improve traction
4. Ratchet straps: Can be used to strap a board or tree limb for self rescue.
5. Snow chains: Can be used in snow, ice or mud to improve traction.
6. A hand operated come along: Able to wench the vehicle out.
7. A tool kit: For small repairs.
8. Leather gloves
9. Extra towels
10. Hatchet or hand axe

2. What Should You Pack In Your Bug Out Kit?

1. Two blankets (wool if possible).
2. Drinking water (can be used for water for the vehicle if needed).
3. Food bars
4. Fire starter
5. Emergency shelter
6. Small stove with fuel
7. Flash light with extra batteries
8. Multi tool
9. First Aid Kit
10. Cell Phone and charger
Everything we need is prepped and ready to load at a moment’s notice. My advice to everyone is to take the time to do this now, not at the last minute when you are under intense pressure. You will be glad you did. I know that I have forgotten some things not listed above but you get the idea. If you have to leave, you don’t know what you will be facing or when you may be back.

3. Where Are You Bugging Out To?

Every evacuation plan should have a well thought out destination. If you don’t have a land lease, maybe you should consider State or National forests. The down side to this would be having to share space and resources with other people you may not know and can trust.
Another safe place may be with relatives or friends who live in safer more desirable location to weather out emergencies. It is good to consider the resources you need to survive and for the location to be defensible against undesirables.

4. What Route Should You Take?

Getting to the bug out location is the last consideration. Evacuation routes are going to be packed. For people who don’t know the back roads, they will all follow the signs and before long the roads will become blocked. I have planned two alternate routes to our bug out location and there are even more if I need them. Study your routes for safety issues like areas that may flood during storms.

These are the most basic things to consider when planning a bug out expedition. How you answer these questions should not reflect on things you've heard from other preppers. They need to be based on your individual needs and the needs of your family.

If you have small children, your bug out location may not be to a remote place in the woods where they may get scared or may get lost when you turn your eyes on them for a moment. Instead, you'll likely want to bug out to a relative's house where everyone can feel safe and comfort each other. There's safety in numbers, and the extra eyes will help to keep everyone safe at all times.

If the bug out route that you practiced does not require you to go off road, you don't need a huge 4×4 as a bug out vehicle. Often, not sticking out from the crowd will be the best method to keep your family safe.

Applying these questions to your own bug out plans will help you best in your endeavor to bug out safely.

This is an excellent set of tips that everyone needs to take into account in their prepping plans. To read more tips about bugging out, go to SHTF Blog.