The effects of Hurricane Rita on Houston showcased for us the futility of trying to get out of a city when a disaster has been predicted. Sidenote: the 3.5 million who did leave couldn't find a hotel or motel ANYWHERE in Texas!! You NEED to have a place to go if you are going to leave!

If somehow we are faced with a similar situation and can by the grace of God get out our "plan A" is to drive about 150 miles to friends in Austin, Texas. "Plan B" is to drive 1,200 miles to my folks up in Minnesota. We have friends between here and there, but if things get that bad my folk's place definately will be worth the trip.

Our bugout vehicle is a 2005 Honda Pilot and it's pretty awesome. Good gas milage (~19 mpg), good horsepower, and a large amount of storage space. I've even determined it has some off-road capabilities <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />. It has a bike rack capable of carrying up to four bikes, which, depending on the nature of the bugout, would be brought along as secondary escape vehicles.

Between DW and me we've lived in seven states all across the USA and still have friends/family in all of them. Bugging out to friends or family is definately the first choice. Trying to set up a secure site for my family "in the woods" would be a wasted effort. If it came to that I'd more likely try to set up something in our neighborhood storm sewers if hiding from other people/mutant zombies/killer tripods from space was required.

-Blast