Bugging In

Bugging in, or staying put, is simply the act of staying right where you are when an emergency strikes. Most people hope they're at home in this case, particularly if they have food and emergency supplies set aside.

Preparing to stay in place is a simple matter of making sure you have extra food, water, blankets, clothing and misc. everyday supplies on hand.

If you needed to stay home and not go anywhere for two full weeks, what would you run out of? Toilet paper is a common item, as are feminine supplies and baby diapers. Would you have enough soap and shampoo to stay clean? Enough laundry detergent to wash your clothing? What if you have extra people in your home because they were visiting and couldn't leave after the disaster struck, do you have extra blankets?

Look around your home and note down the areas you're weak in, then start buying one or two extra each time you go the store.

Consider keeping some of your old clothing if it's in good shape, just in case you need to create layers and stay warm someday. It doesn't have to be a lot, just a few extra sets of pants, extra socks and a few sweaters.