Survival Preparedness Means a Bug Out Vehicle

survival preparednessThe Bug Out Vehicle (BOV) is an area of survival preparedness often overlooked. High gas prices have driven the average motorist to opt for tiny pieces of rolling plastic as transportation, which is fine until you need something to power your family out of a natural disaster or emergency situation. Consider keeping an older truck or vehicle not so reliant on modern computer systems, which could be fried in the event of an electromagnetic pulse. The capability of going off-road in four-wheel drive could be handy as well.

Survival preparedness means the BOV is well-maintained and ready to go at all times. First, plan on having essential vehicle fluids onboard: motor oil, transmission fluid, anti-freeze, brake fluid, and windshield wiper fluid. Keep five gallons of gas nearby but never in the vehicle itself unless you are evacuating. Next comes basic tools like a shovel, hammer, both Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, sockets and wrenches, pliers, duct tape, electrical tape, first aid kits and emergency flares.

Check and rotate the supplies in your BOV every quarter or to coincide with the change of seasons. Different weather requires different gear. Include bedding, tents, clothing, boots, tarps, ropes, a few gallons of water and purification tablets, matches, and cookware. Candles would be a good idea as well. Keep 72 hours worth of food for the family stored in the BOV. Meals Ready to Eat are a good option but there are others.

With such thorough survival preparedness and stocking the bug out vehicle with all these supplies, the question becomes where will you put the people? That’s easily answered. Either make sure it’s a big vehicle, pack carefully, or both.

The Holistic Survival Team

Holistic Survival

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