Lessons learnt from a practice Bug-Out / Evacuation

Household evacuation or 'bug out' plans are a recommended staple of both Emergency Management functions and the prepping community. This article shares the lessons learnt from the first drive of my bug out route in just over three years. The main lesson for me is that consistent practices or test runs are essential to ensure all knowledge, gear and supplies kept up to date. 

It was a sunny day for a drive, so I decided to test my bug-out route. This test was limited to driving the route from home to a designated Finish Point about 90 minutes away, near the regional boundaries. I'll test the supplies and gear another time. 

The Default Plan

As part of my general disaster preparedness, I have a default 'bug out' route which was developed and last practiced some three years ago. This is based on the principles 

• Destination: Family outside the Auckland region.
• Route: Southerly, avoiding the main highways for various reasons.
• Supplies: Three-day kit for light camping. 

The route is documented, printed out and stored in my glovebox. 

The Actual Experience

Unconsciously, I expected it all to flow smoothly...

However the reality was slightly different ...

• Got in car. Decided I would need a bottle of water. Went back to house.
• Got in car. Realised I should take my work tools ( laptop, backup drive, briefcase). Accidentally found the 'bug out' raincoat in the house when it should have been in the bug-out kit.

• Got in car. Realised I would send a text to family/contacts before going. 

• Refreshed memory from the printed map. Glanced at it and just assumed I knew what I was doing.
• Checked petrol - just under half-tank, spare petrol can was empty. Decided to fill up once out of the city but forgot to do so.
• Turned on car radio as if there would be 'updates' but couldn't remember which stations are the official update stations.  

• Started driving. Relied upon memory and ended up in the wrong suburb. Turned the wrong way at key intersections. Constantly had to use my phones' map/navigation app to get myself back on route.  
• Arrived at Finish Point with petrol running low and unsure if I could reach the next petrol station - but had either forgotten or never known where that was. Again, used my phone to find the options.
• By this time, driver-fatigue was noticeable. Made a coffee from my 'rations', which were either past or approaching replacement dates. The butane container for the gas cooker had a spot of rust on it (safety risk). While squinting at the label, realised I had left my reading glasses at home. 
• Returned home, filling petrol on the way.

Specific Lessons

1. The reality is that I had forgotten the route. I'll add a practice to my six-monthly checks.

2. Bug-out kit to be updated for my changed circumstances e.g. reading glasses. 

3. Ensure all bug-out gear is in its allocated space e.g. the raincoat. 

4. Consumables (e.g. food and water) need to be routinely refreshed. Refresh as needed and add checks to the future practice runs.

5. Route Planning. My existing route involves joining a state highway which could be under heavy use and/or impassable. There are options to use secondary roads which should be considered.

6. I need a 'Pre-flight Checklist' for all those things to do/decide before going. Add this to the map packet.

7. I must be able to navigate accurately & safely under pressure. 

• I had to keep stopping and consulting the route map, requiring me to concede time and potentially my place in a queue. I want to be able to either rely on my memory or use my phone with its verbal guidance.
•  The printed map survived my forgetfulness and the change in my phone. Keep it going. 
• Explore saving the route on my phone as a convenience.

8. I should have 'adequate' petrol on hand to start with

• Aim to be out of Auckland before needing to refuel.
• Mark on the map which petrol stations I would be aiming for.
• Ensure my minimum petrol is enough to reach these.
• Get back into the habit of keeping petrol up to my minimum standard.

9. I have to assume there is limited access to updates/information  

• Assume cellphone voice and data is out, best case is radio stations. No access to voice calls, text, internet apps, and assisted-GPS often used for location details.
• Include frequencies for 'official update' radio stations in checklist.
• Check phones ability to navigate from satellite GPS only. 

10. Allow for driver fatigue. 

Conclusion

While this experience was stop-start, the ability to evacuate is good enough in practical terms. 

The exercise was positive in that I could pull out the printed map and go, showing the relevance of the previous work done. The negatives were mostly due to a lack of practice, but could have been more serious in an actual event/emergency. The gaps are easily-fixed, with their real significance being the stress caused during any actual evacuation, aggravating a difficult situation.