I have decided bug-out is necessary for survival. My focus is on getting myself and loved ones through town to a known place of shelter and re-supply. At most the trip will take a couple days walking.

First I will decide what I need to survive a couple days of walking and customize what I choose to carry to provide those things and not present an obvious target for robbery or worse. If possible I will not use backpacks or other "I have goodies for you" means of carry. I will not take my fully equipped BOB.

I know from the Rule of Threes that I will need air, shelter, and water to get through the journey. I know I will want but not absolutely need food.

Several N95 masks and bandanas are probably the best I am going to be able to do about air, together with whatever asthma and allergy meds my group needs. These will be spread many places throughout clothing and gear - not in a centralized first aid kit.

Shelter needs will heavily depend on weather, but will be primarily met by layered clothing. Used, even tattered, clothing masking underlayers; new stuff will be camoed with a few strategic tears, some felt pen markings, etcetera, to make them appear undesireable. A number of trash bags will be worn and distributed several places throughout clothing and gear.

Small bottles of water will be distributed throughout clothing and gear. No large or fancy water containers to attract the eye.

Small bars of food and candy will be distributed throughout clothing and gear.

Trade goods and "tribute" in the form of water and candy will be in the top, outermost layer of clothes and gear, ready to be given away.

Everyone will carry a used second pair of shoes / boots. Everyone will carry several pair of used socks distributed throughout clothing and gear.

We will travel by day and try to blend in with others moving around us.

1. Other than for legal authorities, who do you stop for?

Only briefly for those in need of aid to preserve life or limb.

2. What is your response to those who want what you have?

Verbal defense. If necessary, reluctant and piecemeal give away tof trade and tribute goods, and if that is not enough, retreat while shedding up to all your stuff. You win by surviving to get out of town not having the most stuff when you get there.

3. What protocol do you follow with those who want to join you?

Decide which of your loved ones you would risk for the stranger's possible safety. Prepare lies: oh, we are only going a couple of blocks to the park; as soon as we get to --- we will guide help back; this is our second trip, wait right here you can be part of the next group; etcetera. If you must add others to the group, try to keep the additions self-supporting overall, that is, if you add kids or disabled then add others to care for them. If you make the hard choice to refuse, console yourself: as soon as your loved ones are safe, you can return and be part of the effort to aid everyone else.

4. Where do you draw the line between looting and foraging for a resource you decide you need?

Unless things go wrong you have what you need to get out of town, so take nothing. If unexpected need arises, then take just what you need to survive the trip out of town.