Seaford Emergency Survival Website in Seaford Delaware - We must learn to take care of ourselves

Bug Out Exercise Vehicle Departure Checklist

By Joseph Parish

We all tend to forget important items when actually performing a bug out exercise. About the only way to prevent such things from occurring is to do as the military does and use checklists. Included in the checklist are several items that should be performed prior to departure if time permits.

This checklist should be used as a guide and you are encouraged to customize it for your personal use. It is not necessary to perform the sequence of events in the order that they are presented. Feel free to skip around if it benefits you. The checklist can also serve as a checklist for RV adventuring as well.

Bug Out Information

Date: ______________________

Destination _________________

Starting Mileage _____________

Ending Mileage _____________

Pre-Departure Checklist

1. Review your proposed Bug Out route and ultimate location. Take into consideration, the time of the year, possible delays, and weather conditions.

2. Check the expected weather for your proposed route from your departure location to your final destination. We fully realize we can not control the time when we may actually have to deploy but we can ensure our safety while on exercises.

3. Prepare the necessary route directions and maps. Although I generally use a GPS I do keep adequate maps in my BOV. As I travel I always stop at state rest areas and obtain one of the state maps.

4. Wash up any dirty laundry that you may have before your departure.

5. Purchase any needed groceries and supplies which you may need for the your proposed bug out exercise.

6. If you use an RV, as I do for your Bug Outs, ensure that your propane bottles are full.

7. Top off your BOV fuel tanks so you have a full tank to start your trip on.

8. Perform a complete vehicle fluid check to include radiator, oil, transmission, power steering fluids, brakes and battery.

9. Check tire pressure in all tires including the spare. Make certain you have the necessary tools to change a tire if needed.

10. Clean all of your bug out vehicle’s windows both inside and out.

11. If you have battery operated items that you will be taking with you such as communications gear, flashlights, etc check all the batteries. Include extras as well. Myself, I use rechargeable types and above all make sure that you have the charger with you as well.

On the day that you actually depart on your bug out exercise you should perform the following activities.

1. Fill your drinking water containers with fresh water.

2. Properly store any outside items which you may be taking. In my case these would include chairs, mats, etc.

3, Secure any loose items you may have in your bug out vehicle. If using an RV as your bug out vehicle make certain that the items within the cabinets, the kitchen sink and counters, bathroom sink, items in the shower area, and other loose items can not bounce around while traveling. Securely latch all cabinet doors.

4. Secure any electronic items that you may be carrying with you such as TV, Computers, VCR, etc.

5. Load your bug out kits at this time as well as any extra clothing and food you will be taking with you.

The following entries would apply specifically to those who employ an RV as a bug out vehicle.

1 Ensure the refrigerator door is latched, the stove top cover is secure and the oven door can not accidentally open.

2. Make certain the roof vents are closed.

3. Close and secure any awnings you may have for your RV.

4. Store any electrical adapters you may have for the RV as well as extension cords and water hoses.

5. Turn off unnecessary inside RV lights, the water pump, propane bottles should be shut off, fridge should be set to 12 volt option and lock any external compartments of the RV.

Finally when you feel confident you have completed everything perform a final walk around, adjust your mirrors and record your starting mileage. Have a safe trip.