Just as Beachdoc recalls hurricane Floyd, I have to remember the traffic snarls with hurricane Andrew here in S. Florida. It took many hours for government powers to realize that the toll plazas had to suspend tolls and open the gates to relieve the highway bottlenecks. In a bio/chem/nuke disaster the highways would be so clogged you'd probably be living in the car for 24 to 72 hours to get even fifty miles away. Mike is right - it's a judgement call, but I see bugging out as the last choice. We keep plenty of food and forty gallons of water on hand at all times. Don't see many pidgeons, but seagulls and Ibis are always flocking in the yard - hope I never have to roast one to feed the kids. Would probably use my air rifle to attract as little attention as possible. As for self defense, we've had a few riots here in the past too - things can escalate very quickly if you're in the wrong place at the wrong time. I'm just glad Florida is a concealed carry (permit) state. Regards, Keys