So a bug out bag is kind of a double edge sword. It is generally safer to stay put at home. If you think about it, what are the chances something happens in your neighborhood? Most likely slim to none. The bag is more of a oh shit, we have to retreat last ditch effort. Lets be real, you are not running at the first sign of trouble. Or even the fourth sign. You are going at the point you know you have to go. Like the wild fires are a block away type thing.

No one smart will tell you where they are going. That is their family secret. In regards ro wandering the forest, no it is more dangerous in the forest then your home.

Fortifying your home and getting family friends, and neighbors to form a small group is ideal. Each one looks after the other. Your home is ideal because it has all your stuff in it.

I generally say the stuff in your bug out bag should be in your home in a bag. That way you know where it is, its all in one place, and if you need to run, you grab the bag and run. No looking for shit, no checklists, no nothing. I have a bag. But my bag has 10% of the stuff. The rest is in a bin in my house. I use my bag daily so i dont need to carry fire starting or compass or a rifle in it.

If you start collecting the stuff on this list, it is more important to be able to use it then to actually have it if that makes any sense. If you are not trained in trauma, get trained. If you cant shoot for shit learn. If you think looking at a compass is all you need to tell where north is, you are wrong.