Survival Planning - Bugging In, Cold Weather Threat

UrbanSurvivalSkils.com received a comment from Jack, reference to Being Prepared to Bug In,.......”There is a lot to consider if bugging in, and you mention a several considerations... Many people, I find forget about how they might heat their home, if bugging in if the gas or other utilities get shut off. Considerations other than security, food, and water are just as important. You may be sheltered from a winter snow storm that lasts several days, but without adequate heat or knowing how to dress for the cold weather, many people would certainly perish.

As heating oil, gas, and other commodity/utilities go up this winter, it would be good to mention ways of thinking about keeping warm, etc. if you have to shelter in. The same concept applies in the summer, when it is 100+ degrees out in certain geographies. How do they plan to stay cool if the grid goes down etc. Just my 2 cents. I read your blog avidly.

UrbanMan’s Reply: Jack makes a good point. After an infrastructure collapse, not only the lack of electrical energy but the availability and delivery of fuel oil and propane for heating will threaten many people, especially in the Northern latitudes of this country. Even in the desert Southwest, winter temps can get into the single digits and routinely go as low as the high teens and lows twenties, are very threatening. It has been my experience that the homes built in last 30 or 40 years have very little insulation, my house is an example, so without a heat source the inside temperature of houses may not get more than twenty (20) degrees above outside temps. And this presents a very real hypothermia threat to Survivors.

There are some counter measures we can take to ensure cold weather is as minimal threat as possible:

1. Weatherproof our house as best we can; new weather stripping on doors; be prepared to board up windows which act as a cold radiator. This should tie into your defensive plan as well.

2. If you own a propane gas grill, buy extra tanks. I have three which two of them are always full. I have a heater attachment and when operating which can increase the temperature in a 10 x 10 foot room by 12-15 degrees. However, you will rapidly burn through the propane so use it wisely. One reader wrote me about his procurement of a propane tank gauge. He bought it intending to do “triage” on abandoned propane tanks to determine if they have enough propane in them to worth hauling away.

3. If you have a fireplace, ensure it is serviceable. Fireplaces are very inefficient ways to heat, unless you put in an insert. Electric blowers on fireplace inserts can make a big different, however require electricity, which probably won’t be available. I have quite of bit of wood stockpiled and save newspapers as well, not only for burning but to use as insulation against windows or for ground insulation if and when my house becomes full of my Survival Group and stranglers. I also have about 30 butane lighters divided in my Bug Out bags and go kit bags and bricks of wooden matches, so I can start fires anywhere.

4. Buy good quality cold weather clothing. Pants, thermal underwear, socks, good boots, gloves, watch caps (stocking caps), scarves or neck pull overs. Did I say gloves? One pair is no pair; three pair is one pair – get the idea? Have multiple spare pairs. Ensure that the members of your Survival Group understand the hypothermia threat. Dress in layers, avoid sweating or getting wet at all costs. Use the buddy system to ensure everyone is looked after.

5. Have sleeping bags. Again, quality bags and multiple bags if you can afford it. The military style two bags in one with an outside gortex cover are great, but bulky. Look at your potential environment and choose the necessary bag rated for that climate’s extreme temps. Good selection of sleeping bags here: Sleeping Bags.

6. Be prepared to designate a sleeping room where members of your Survival Group can not only rest, as they will and should be on different security and work shifts, but so they can sleep in the “warm room”.