The fact is that each event must be evaluated on its own merits. The decision to bug-in or bug-out ultimately rests on a family’s ability to stay safe, secure, and healthy during the duration of the event.

No two events are identical. The power may go out during a hurricane one year but stay on through a tornado the next year. Looters may be a problem in the big city but not in your town. A blizzard may last one day or a week. An economic crisis creating a food shortage may endure for months.

Review the checklists and think through your family’s needs and your ability to meet those needs with the preparations you have made. The right decisions are usually clear.