20 Bug Out Location (and Homestead) Considerations

20 Bug Out Location Considerations by Tin Hat Ranch

Going green into purchasing a bug out location can yield one or many major flaws in your post-SHTF plans.  Sure, our ancestors showed up to a location in the woods with a flintlock and an axe and lived, but most of us wouldn’t have the first clue what to do.  They had the opportunity to pick the land of their choosing and literally stake it out.  Modern folk tend to want to bring as much of 21st century life with them, so there are many considerations in purchasing bug out real estate.  Nobody I know has an unlimited budget, but we all must keep in mind certain factors when choosing a property, here are some of them:  

• Location-When considering any real estate, the main concern is location, location, location.  Some prefer complete isolation, some prefer to be able to be in sight of a neighbor.
• Water- Ideally, your land would provide enough clean water for your survival, either from a lake or river.  For those of us that can’t afford waterfront property, don’t despair, look for close water sources and if all else fails, make sure the property is on a well.  In most cases, something like a Simple Pump or solar pump setup can provide the water you need.
• Above the Grade- Whether buying a house or vacant property, pay attention to flood plains.  FEMA will not be around to rebuild if your dwelling floods.  Also, very important, pass on any house with a sump pump.
• Alternative Energy- We are sure alternative energy is part of your plan, but you need to look at it from a property perspective.  Is there ample space on a south facing roof?  To harness wind energy you must get above any obstacles; the optimum location for a turbine might not be the optimum location for a house.
• Maintenance Free-  Siding, windows, doors, and paint are your responsibility to make when the Big Box stores close for good.  How long will vinyl siding last?  Who knows.  Stone, bricks, and logs may be ideal starting points if you aren’t handy in making window casings…by hand.
• Da Roof- Even more important than siding and windows is the roof. The typical asphalt shingle has a lifespan of around 30 years.  Modern steel roofs can last 50 years or more.  For the big spenders, a slate roof can last 150 years.  As far as the dwelling is concerned, either choosing the proper roof or getting the roof squared away is of utmost priority. 
• Instant Chaos- A nearby jail or prison can turn a tranquil setting into utter chaos when the doors swing open in SHTF.  The same goes for chemical plants, nuclear reactors, and a myriad of other facilities.  Pick your BOL as far as reasonably possible from threats that are out of control.

Nuclear Reactor Locations

• Heat-  If you choose to live in an area that requires your home to be heated, make sure the home is set up for wood heat or can be easily modified with a good wood stove.  The considerations don’t stop there.  Where are you going to get your firewood? In some extreme cases, it can take up to 10 acres of hardwoods to sustain enough firewood to heat a home.
• Tactical Consideration- a house hidden deep in the woods affords you concealment, but it also limits your ability to detect an intruder.  In a house high on a hill you may be able to see everything going on for miles, but your doings can also be seen for miles.  There is no right answer, but your tactical defense plan must be considered.
• The Pesky Neighbors-  I’ve said this in other articles, but neighbors can be a great asset or your worst nightmare.  In most rural areas the natives don’t take kindly to strangers moving in.  Before you sign on the dotted line, make a visit to your potential neighbors.
• Acreage-  A decent rule of thumb is it takes an acre of land to sustain a person.  If you want animals you can add to that.  If you need to heat your home up north, see above.  The answer differs for everyone, but make sure you get what you need the first time because its nearly impossible to add to that total later.
• State and Federal Land- We said nearly impossible.  Buying land or a home that adjoins state or federal land allows some breathing room and if at a certain point the state or federal government no longer exists..well.
• Soil- Are you planning to buy an unimproved chunk of woods and carve out the needed farmland?  Will the soil sustain the types of crops you are going to grow?  Do you know what you are going to grow?  Check the soil before you buy.
• Distance from your current location-  I’d imagine that most folks who buy a bug out location hope to someday make it their permanent homestead, SHTF or not.  We tend to be “those types of people”.  But for those of us that live near populated areas we might have to search far and wide to find land that is both suitable and affordable.  Keep in mind, how long will it take you to travel to the property to make improvements?  How about in a bug out situation?  How long for a bug out on foot?
• Target Areas- Is your bug out location within 50 miles of a 10,000 foot runway?  Military base?  Missile silo?  Things are still hot in the cold war, don’t forget it.  While the number of warheads has been dramatically reduced, there are still over 1,800 active strategic nuclear warheads in the Russian arsenal alone.  The first place to see the flash is always your country’s ability to strike back.  Stay away from sub bases, Airforce current and form B-52 bases, and Minuteman missile silos.  Contrary to popular belief, cities are tertiary targets, though in an all out exchange they will be hit.

Minuteman Missile Locations

• Space- We like the tiny house movement, but in reality, homesteading and self-sufficiency needs space.  The pole barn is the homesteader’s best friend.  Take a look at the outbuildings on the farms from the last century and a half.
• The Law- All of your best laid plans can be crushed if you don’t learn about the local government first.  They can shut down your dreams of livestock, quash the shooting range you planned, and so on.  Keep in mind, S hasn’t HTF yet.  Conversely, a local government that exercises no control can lead to mile after mile of rusted out trailers, abandoned cars, and half burnt mattresses on the front lawn.
• Access- Not always a concern in southern areas, but definitely up north and out west in the mountains.  Winter can make some locations inaccessible.   Without prior planning this can make some bug out locations nearly unreachable.  Find out if your potential land is accessible by plowed county roads or if that pass nearby stays open all winter.
• Improved or unimproved-  You can save a substantial amount of money purchasing unimproved land.  Land that does not have a well or electricity run to it.  It costs money to do both.  If you plan to go totally off the grid, you can put this money towards alternative energy but the well will probably be unavoidable.

A little forethought and maybe a check list go a long way to avoiding potential issues in your future bug out location/homestead.  We home to put together something a little more comprehensive in the future, but just considering these points will avoid many pitfalls.  

This article originally appeared HERE at the Tin Hat Ranch