How many folks have prepared bug out plans? My friends are regularly working to strengthen our plan. Of course - "The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men..." Still - it's better to plan and risk failure than to fail to plan and guarantee failure.
We are straddling the fence to invest in things that will bring value whether or not it all goes to crap. Some things are only useful in the "goes to crap" territory, but most items are stuff we will naturally consume over the course of a few years anyway.
An internet influencer who is a Vet, I don't know his name but old white haired gentleman with a beard, said he keeps getting asked how come he doesn't have a bug-out bag ready. His answer is same as mine- I am where I will fight. I will not run, I will fight right here.
If you bug out you only have what you carry, you will be travelling and so at risk, and you will forfeit any advantage of home turf.
If you have a farm or some place that you are familiar with and have prepared it's different but get there early.
I understand the worry urbanites have, I will not be in a city just because they are filled with Enemy, with monsters and criminals of all sorts. So if I were trapped in one I'd run when the shooting starts but in many cities it is already a war zone, so WHY are you in there?
Anyhow, we prepared our Alamo and we'll fight here, the urbanites will have a very hard time getting to us, we have prepared as we could and are Ready.
I urge everyone to stand and fight, don't run, fight where you are for your Homes. If you are surrounded by Enemy WHY are you in there? But if you have a few like minded neighbors, stay and fight. If it IS your home defend it.
Same.It’s better to shelter in place, esp in crowded areas like Tampa where I wouldn’t get out due to traffic.