Third in a series of three stories

By JOHN NORTH

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FORT MILL, S.C. — Given the possibilities for calamity in today’s world, “if you don’t have a bug-out plan, you need to have one,” self-sufficiency expert David Kobler said during a breakout session that he led during Charlotte PrepCon on July 14.

“No one knows the future, so make a plan,” said Kobler, co-owner and co-founder of Practical Preppers, LLC, based south of Greenville, S.C.

“There are all kinds of disasters that could happen,” he said, citing nuclear plant problems, a chemical spill, or wildfires, as a few examples. The worst situation, Kobler said, is “a full-fledged breakdown of law and order.”

Further, he said, “Don’t become a refugee ... Refugees don’t do well. The only way to avoid being a refugee” is to prepare in advance with planning and provisions.

For those unable to afford a storage building, he recommends getting an old refrigerator or freezer and “cover them up. They’re usually pretty secure.”

He suggested bugging out to a primitive location off the beaten track, with a water and fuel sources. It also needs to be defendable.

“The best option, as we all know, is with 20 acres and a cabin in an isolated area,” Kobler said. 

He also said a bug-out bag, with provisions like food, water and medicine intended to last for three days, is a must. 

As for a bug-out plan, Kobler said, “Make sure your plan will match your physical condition — what you can do and the weakest member of your team can do.”

On a more general level, he suggested “don’t stick out — blend in” with the way one is dressed or with the vehicle being driven, so as to not draw unwanted attention.

He said getting to a bug-out retreat during a calamity can be a daunting task. One method is by following a road, a stream, railroad tracks or power lines. However, Kobler said “there are security problems” with taking that tack, as others may be hiding out to bushwack travelers in those areas.

“The way to do this is to walk 100 yards to the left or right of the lines” or other marker in a procedure that, in the U.S. military, is called “handrailing,” Kobler said.

He especially warned of using roads for an escape route because they “don’t offer much cover or concealment ... Typically, roads are not good to be on, but they’re also the quickest way to get from point A to B.”

Kobler noted that “I’m a big fan of cacheing — that way, if someone beats you to your bug-out location, you’re going to have vital supplies in (hidden) locations” all along the way.