Hi,
sitting in a bigger City in the center of Europe I realised, that I have the short term problem covered, but no real plan for long term inconveniences.
To be clear, in my opinion this is tailored to the EU as the USA has a vaster landscape, and a different infrastructure in regards to power and food delivery. The point is, that almost all European countries can be traversed in one day, so in case of regional events help and relief could be there faster.
Bug in
I have in accordance with the Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance goods to stay self sufficient for about a week, maybe more. Because of a hiking and camping hobby, I have everything to deal with colder weather. So, I have some gear and skills which can be put to use.
Bug out
Hopefully seeing the signs early enough, I plan to leave town when everyone goes mad. I plan to head towards family and friends, which have houses and are situated more rural. I have one bag packed which would help me to make the way by bike or by foot. But actually I hope to have a car until then, or that the trains are still going. Anyhow: I would make my way out with a dedicated place to go and would stay there until I can come back.
But what If there is nothing to come back, too? I mean, if something is fundamentally changing the world or my country as it is? Would it be okay to stay with said friends and family and to build up a community that watches after each other?
I have certainly no clue but with this densely populated European countries the many times dreamed up living in the backcountry is no real option -- simply because there is not enough backcountry to provide for all the people.
What is your take?