Prep for a summer bug-out scenario

We hear a lot about packing warm clothes including coats, long underwear and sturdy boots for a potential bug-out situation.

While that’s very good advice, some of us have lost sight of what might happen if we’re forced to live outdoors temporarily during the summer.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to protect yourself from the heat. Don’t forget, heat stroke can be deadly.

In fact, last year a 15-year-old Boy Scout in Texas died of heat stroke during a backpacking trip.

If we have to bug out to avoid a disaster, we may find ourselves in the same situation as that Boy Scout if we haven’t prepared for that eventuality.

Is high heat a potential danger near where you live? If so, you would be wise to…

• Pack some lightweight, light-colored and loose fitting clothing. This is what you’ll want to wear if you’re moving about on foot during a summer crisis.
• Protect yourself from sunburn. A floppy hat might be ale to keep the sun off your face, but also be ready with strong sunblock for any exposed areas of skin.
• Stay hydrated. Stockpiling water is very important. But because it is heavy and difficult to transport, what you really need is a reliable way to purify water.
• Try to take cover during the hottest few hours of the day. In most places, that would be between early afternoon and dusk.
• Make frequent stops in shady areas if you can. The longer you move without a break, the hotter you will get.
• Use bug spray. You might hate the heat, but a lot of bugs like it. Including the ones that want to feast on you and possibly spread diseases.
• Carry mosquito netting. Even if you apply insect repellant before you go to sleep, it will eventually wear off. Mosquito netting should keep those nasty bugs off while you get some much-needed Z’s.
• These are for much more than looking cool. They will protect your eyes from glare, which is good for your eyes and makes seeing easier.

In addition to your own personal summer bug-out needs, your vehicle should be ready to face the heat as well. You may find yourself dependent upon it for getting from point A to point B during a crisis.

So, keep it filled with gas and make sure all of the fluid levels are where they should be.

Keep a fully-stocked bug-out kit in your trunk, just in case you’re not home when an emergency erupts.

Keep several gallons of clean drinking water in your trunk. Also have personal water filters on hand.

Keep a sleeping bag and pillow in your trunk as well. You never know how many nights you might have to sleep in your vehicle in a survival situation.

Use a window shade inside your front windshield when you’re not driving in order to keep your car from becoming a hothouse.