I apologize,,I got sidetracked,,sometimes I take off like a squirrel,, sorry folks,, and I apologize to Justadad as well ,,
Given the one post and not much clarification (even though he has been online) I am not sure what the point is. Even if only to identify a rough geographical location.
It's a good exercise in any event. A bare bones start: Have a plan What defines SHTF and when to take action Given SHTF what is the communication plan? What days and times? What frequency? Have a travel plan that includes multiple options and way points. Have a way to indicate a waypoint has been been reached in the event that comms are down or not appropriate. Identify when bugging in will not be viable and travel is necessary. Have an alternate destination in the event that both locations are no longer viable. Have self sufficient comms Mobile HF Radio seems most appropriate when other communications like cell, Internet, etc., fail or are not otherwise appropriate Practice during non-emergencies Have supplies at hand Water purification Stable food supplies for how long? Reference for locating edible wild plants Provisions/knowledge/tools for sanitation First aid supplies Have transportation A robust vehicle and bicycle combo I would suggest the last frame on generation of Jeep Cherokee. Robust, very short turning radius, small footprint, designed for easy maintenance, 6 cylinder inline motor has a near diesel lifespan. Should be setup for multiple gas cans and bicycle rack Get home bag stored in vehicle along with hiking boots and several pairs of socks Map and compass plus skills to use them. Don't depend on GPS or phone services On trips home use the above as transport. Take a different route each way to gain familiarity and spot potential places where there are potential hazards such as likely choke and barricade points as well as p0laces where bridges could wash out Keep in mind that this requires the college student to be on board
Yeah, that's why I made the assumption for him of Austin and Boston. It's a nice mental exercise but the only way I see out of a true SHTF situation with 2k miles in between is a boat and a crapton of fuel or a private plane directly out .. not in and out. Best bet would be to monitor and leave BEFORE all hell breaks loose.
@Bandit99 The "worst" was when we put our "nameplates" away after the first month and the professor forgot to use the specified pronouns. Some of my peers acted personally slighted. I don't miss all that. I think in the words of Dr. Seuss, "A person's a person no matter how small."
My son didn't need coaching, he grew up living off grid and loving it. Right now he's probably more prepared than I am. He also has girlfriend that is as much into survival as one can get. If one surrounds them self with like minded people prepping gets easier.