Can you walk home after an emergency?
Can you walk home after an emergency?
If an emergency happened that caused the roads/freeways/highways to impassable by cars or trucks could you walk home/ride a bike? I work 25 miles from my home and under “ideal” circumstances I should be able to get home after about 8.5 hours of walking, that’s not including any breaks or other stops. Now if you imagine how the landscape could change after an earthquake, how long do you think it would take me then (12 hours, 15 hours, 24 hours)? I have already planned with my wife to give me 2 days at most to get home (all communications are down no way to contact my family) before proceeding to a plan “B” scenario (meaning I am not going to make it home and to go on without me). There are folders at home that we have written plans down in (hard copies), some of these plans include the loss of family members and how to continue on without them. This can be a reality and there is a need to deal with it, as I have told my wife (and it is written down) ( I could have debris on top of me) grieve/ mourn later but keep the family protected and safe at all costs until the emergency passes.
So how are you going to get home? Walk, Bicycle. Etc.
Let’s see walking has some advantages (blending into the crowd as an example), riding a bike has its own advantages (getting home quicker. Etc.).
But each has its disadvantages as well: Walking will take more time and you may be more exhausted at the end of your trip. Riding a bike will make you stick out more and someone may try and take your bike for themselves, and if the bike gets a flat tire, then you are walking if you can’t the tire repaired and re-inflated.
Have you ever walked/rode the route(s) that you may have to take?
How many routes do you have to get home? If one is not passable then you have to compensate and move to another route, and how are the neighborhoods on those routes? That’s why I recommend checking out (walking/riding) your routes ahead of time and try to avoid areas that may not be the safest to travel through, also carry protection if it is legal in your area to do so.
What kind of shoes are you going to wear?
How about the shoes you are going to wear? I understand that in some positions/professions you are required to wear business attire, and those shoes are not the best for long hikes/walks. However, having some “good” hiking, walking, running shoes in your desk/locker/toolbox, or in your car will be a great benefit to you when you have to go. Also don’t get cheap shoes, spend the money and get good ones you don’t want your shoes falling apart or causing you pain while you are trying to get home.
Do you have a backpack with supplies?
Do you have a backpack? Does it have supplies (food, water/water filter, shelter, first aid, Etc.) for 2-3 days? And is it comfortable enough? Remember you may be wearing it a long time and don’t load it with stuff you may not need, think about what you need and what you don’t and load accordingly, you’re not bugging out, you’re going home, also don’t forget communications equipment like 2 way radio, have a set channel, a back-up channel and a like for like unit at home, this can be big comfort to your family if you can communicate.
Do you have someone to walk/ride with you (meet at an agreed place) and have your back?
Having partners in you quest to go home can be a mutual advantage and help insure your safety, thugs won’t be likely to accost you if you are in a group, and if you have to stay overnight in a park, the group can take turns being on “watch”.
How is your fitness level? You are going to be exerting yourself and perhaps for long periods of time.
Are you physically able to make the journey, is your cardio fitness up to task, it doesn’t matter if you are over-weight can you walk the distance required?
Making your plans ahead of time can reduce your chances of failure and getting home safely. Most of prepping is planning!
