The bug-in/bug-out debate has been around the block a few times in the prepping and survival community. Most people today say that its best to bug in, rather than bugging out. Without getting into the whole discussion, allow me to just say that I agree with that assessment in most cases. As we all know, there are always exceptions, which explains why we all need a solid bug out plan.
But as with many things, there’s a good chance that our understanding of bugging in is probably just a bit idealistic. We tend to see ourselves living in our homes, just as they are now, but without electricity and running water. There’s a pretty good chance of something like that happening, so that’s not too bad an image to have. But what if it doesn’t work out that way? What if your home is seriously damaged by whatever disaster you find yourself living through?
It’s not unusual for natural disasters to damage homes, so what I’m suggesting isn’t a crazy scenario that’s not likely to happen until after the next zombie apocalypse. It really doesn’t take all that much to have windows blown out or a tree limb fall on your roof. Either one can be rather serious; but does that mean that you have to abandon your home? I think not.
On the most basic level, our homes are nothing more than shelter. That means something that protects us from the wind, rain, and cold. Everything else our homes do for us is secondary to that basic function. As long as it can still protect us from nature, our home is still usable, even if it might not seem as elegant or comfortable as normal.
