My wife and I live in the middle of a very large city and I can't decide if we should bug out or bug in in case something happens.

Obviously if there is some kind of toxic gas or something similar it would probably make sense to get the hell out, but what about civil unrest, disease, war, etc?

Not a lot of natural disasters in this part of the country, but there are a lot of people who could make life very uncomfortable.

My instinct would be to bug in, we have pets (4 cats) that we would like to make part of our plan if possible, and we have no car. If our building is still a safe place to be I would prefer to stay put.

Should I have a detailed plan for either eventuality or focus on one over the other?

As I get older I find that I need to be prepared for these kinds of unlikely scenarios <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Living in the city makes me uncomfortable on many levels, especially this one, but until we can get out of here I need a plan and some home defense options.

Would it make sense to organize with other like minded individuals?

What are your opinions on this?

MD,
As you know I live in OK but I live in the state's capitol and the largest city in the state. I used to say I would bug out but as I get older I don't think that as much. My parents are in their 60's and will not leave unless a total deal (father is handicap) and my wife's grandmothers who are in their 80's all live within about 3 miles......so see where I am at.

I would say find some like minded people in your area and start a plan. Best case is that numbers make it safer--to a point. One thing about it, I do not look forward to a BOO-BOO situation.

I pretty much agree with Jeff, and bugging in is my course of action. However, I live out in the country and my nearest neighbor is a mile away, so what works for me will not necessarily work for you. In your case M/D, I would suggest concentrating on bugging in; laying in water, food,blankets, first-aid supplies, and have a couple of firearms for defense if needed. I would also have a big bag or pack with similar items ready to go, just in case you ARE forced to leave. A small camp cook set or even just a canteen and cup and a few freeze-dried meals from Wal-Mart, along with a few snacks for energy, can go a long way if needed.
IF you know some neighbors whom you feel that you can trust, develop a group plan; there IS safety in numbers. After all, you have to sleep sometime, and if you have a group then folks can take turns keeping watch. NEVER OVERLOOK SECURITY!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Most people Bug In until they can't and then they must Bug out.
I live in Los Angeles and I think (Geographically wise) I'm in a similiar situation. I would make a decision as to what you can handle until you know you must leave.
As far as like minded individuals...depend on how "like minded" the are. Do they support fire arms. Luckily I know who knows first aid and who has an "Emergency preparedness kit"

BTW, my Mom and Stepdad (they are in their 70's) were at a block party years ago and there was a young women not talking to many people, my step dad found out she was a nurse and promptly introduced himself.."finally a neighbor I can use!"...he even got her cell phone number



MM

We will be bugging in if at all possible just because my parents are a couple blocks away, the wife's grandmothers are a few miles away, and I do have a few buddies real local that I can count on.

Bug in makes the most sense unless there is an issue that makes my home dangerous. All my gear, food and supplies are already there and ready to go. I don't need to find shelter or fight traffic to stay. I have good neighbors and most would be a benefit rather than a hinderance.

Monsterdog, IF you can, maybe you could get to know, or DO know someone on the "outskirts" of town. That way you would be closer to being able to "Safely?" bugout if necessary. If not, get to know your neighbors, and concentrate on those that are like minded or that you can MAKE like minded.

have any of you guys read the book patriot by James Wesley Rawles? its a great book and also a survival guide of sorts. I would bug in for as long as possible in the country. But leave as fast as you can if your in the city. just think how nasty people will be when the have no food, no running water, and no order. you will not and cannot have enough firepower to stop them. they will shoot you, burn you, or find any way possible to take what you have. your first prep should be between you and GOD. I will be in the country with my preps, arms and my Busse kin blades. and will only bug out if forced.

looks like jwr has a new book coming out soon

gun dog...................where do you think those hungry, mad, masses of hatred will be heading when they figure out the country is "Utopia"?

Id bug out but then again i own 200 acres of off the beaten path land outside of my city dwelling

Man that sounds sweet <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />