On the MeWe earlier, I was chatting with some friends about redundancies, planning, analysis paralysis, etc. about this whole COVID-19 situation, specifically around when to head out to a back-up location, what is needed, etc. It got me thinking about a conversation I had with my baby brother about having what you need. He could not find his lighter, and so I grabbed my diaper bag and pulled out a lighter, a book of matches, and a magnesium fire starter. He giggled and said “Why am I not surprised? I’ll picked up some more lighters and a book of matches when I’m working today.” He’s slowly getting into the mindset of “Two is one and one is none” that I’ve been repeating to him the past few years.

“Two is one and one is none” is a good model to abide by. I always have at least 2 of each item in my kit: 2 ways to start a fire (or 3), bandanas, bandages, back-up locations, multiple ways to get to each location, atlas and written directions (in addition to GPS), clothes, you get the picture. I don’t use bottled water, but I always have 2 40 ounce water bottles, one of which is always completely filled and ready to go; when I’m driving somewhere, they are both filled. Gas cans, I don’t keep them filled all the time, but if I need to go, my first stop will be a gas station to gas up my vehicle and fill two 5-gallon gas cans as well.

What about last resort options, if the main plans don’t work? I’ve got Plan C, D, and E. I’ve driven each way Squatch and I have planned to get from Point A to Point B, so not only do I have that experience, I also have it in written format as a physical map and the step-by-step directions. If there is a flood, or a roadblock, I can adjust my route without hesitation, or just a minor map review.

I also put a lot of trust in my gut. My intuition has never failed me; on the rare occasion I’ve ignored what my gut says, I’ve lived to regret it. So, while I’m still down here with my family, and missing Squatch like crazy, I know that at the moment, I am of more good down here than being up Nort. That’s why I haven’t told him to send his parents (or him, for that matter) down to pick up Little Man and myself.

I keep aware of what is happening locally, nationally, and globally; probably not to the extent most think I should, but I don’t see a need to have that negativity on in the background and my main focus all day. Just one or two quick check-ins will do, thank you very much. Discussions with Squatch on what is happening, what he’s seeing versus what I’m seeing, pros & cons of our decisions, these happen every few days, and ultimately, he lets me make the decision, based on what my gut is saying.

Knowing we have options, and I’m prepared for all of them makes all the difference. How are you prepared? Are you ready to up and leave if you need to? Where will you go, and how will you get there? Make your plans, familiarize yourself with them, and trust your gut. You cannot go wrong. And, if you just need someone to talk to about it, shoot me a message, or leave a comment below. We can discuss the practicalities and hopefully leave you feeling much better and confident.