I would definitely keep moving, but on the main streets. No back alleys or areas that look like they came from a bad movie.

I like the idea of looking homeless or crazy, but something tells me ripping my ironed jeans and spreading mud on my clean t-shirt isn't going to fool anyone who lives on the streets.

If possible, I might plan a route between police stations and fire stations. At least there would be pockets of safety (hopefully) during the long trek out of town.

And of course the most important part... luck! <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Unlike most, I don't have the handgun option but do live in a city where this type of scenario is possible, save for the volcanic ash (we'll call it "generic toxic cloud"). I'd throw the 10/22 and 20-gauge pump in the car with a dry box full of ammo for both.

If I had to abandon the car, I'd put the 20-gauge in pistol grip, 30-inch mode (if it wasn't already) and take 28 shells of #3 buckshot (8 in the tube and 20 in my BOB). I would likely slip the shotgun into a gun sock and strap it to the side of my pack or tuck it inside with only a bit poking out. Though less than ideal for hunting, it would probably be needed more for defensive purposes in the described scenario.

Off the top of my head, some things I think you really need to pay attention to if you're going to try and look homeless. These are things that might give you away:

- Shoes - They should be years old... not new
- Hands - Calused(sp?) and rough is better, if you have delicate hands, cover them with some crappy old work gloves
- Eyes/Face - Most homeless I've seen look "worn", or "tired". A long haired wig and some dirt might help
- Your smell - If you smell like Salon Selectives and Irish Spring, that will give you away faster than anything else.
- Shopping Cart - If it's not old, rusted out, and one wheel held together with shoestrings, then, you don't fit in! I also hear it is hip to have 2! Make sure you fill your cart with things that could be recycled, and things that look like "mementos".

I may make jokes, but that doesn't mean I don't respect them as human beings, in fact, you might actually learn something about survival by talking to someone who is homeless.

Think I just stay with my 40 watt C.P.G.
<>< <img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Here in Phoenix our Boy Scout Troop takes a turn at working at a "soup kitchen". It is St. Vincent de Paul Chris Becker Memorial Dinning Room. They feed 7 days a week from 5 to 6 PM. We go and set up tables and serve food. We then clean up when their time is up.

I have truly seen the homeless first hand! They are mostly mildly mentally ill and/or on drugs. Sometimes they smell of sweat and/or urine. They look like a cross section of America as far as race and intelligence. They are mostly clean and do not smell. I suspect we pass homeless people every day and do not realize they are homeless.

I think the most camouflaged person in America is an average middle class white guy. If you don't look grubby are wearing jeans, a polo shirt, tennis shoes and no "bling" you are invisible to other Americans and the police. The homeless pushing a shopping cart or sleeping on a bus stop bench stick out.

I suspect if you look the way you normally do and are not doing something strange that no one will be interested.

Just don't look like an easy target!

I would have some kind of handgun for personal protection. Something 9mm or larger. I personnaly have a .40. A long rifle and a shotgun, maybe even a 20 guage with birdshot.

WIth all due respect ... why did you wait so long?

The only major event I can think of that could get you completely off guard is a major earthquake. And then you probably wont be able to get home, load your BOB, and bug out.

My apologies, but guns are the least of your problems/concerns under these circumstances.

Why did I wait so long? For what?

Possibly, but this topic is like a board game....you have to play by the scenario. And the scenario is about firearms

I've been trying to diplomatically to find a way to say the same thing.

If you say so... chuckle, chuckle.

Troy