When should you leave? The question no one wants to ask.

A hasty start is often a failed start.

No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they have to leave their home urgently. Yet, the facts are there: mass evacuations due to natural disasters, social tensions, infrastructure collapse... When the situation escalates, leaving at the right time and in the right way can mean the difference between a controlled evacuation and a chaotic displacement.

Most people don't have a plan, equipment, or backup route . As a result, they leave too late, are ill-equipped, or get stuck in massive traffic jams. Planning ahead is the key to an efficient departure.

Three axes for a successful evacuation

1. The plan: know where to go before everyone panics

• Define a drop-off point : second home, refuge in the wilderness or with a loved one, a safe place must be identified in advance;
• Plan for alternatives : in case of unforeseen circumstances, have at least two emergency routes to different destinations;
• Avoid main roads : During mass evacuations, motorways and major roads will be congested. Use secondary routes, country lanes and quiet roads instead;
• Test the routes : Is it Sunday? Is the weather nice? Do some reconnaissance to ensure the routes are viable in real-world conditions and consider how they might work in wet weather (e.g., dirt roads through fields? In good weather, no problem! Not pouring rain, that's the best route for getting your vehicle stuck in mud).

2. Equipment: take only the essentials, nothing superfluous

A bug-out bag should be prepared in advance. It should contain the essentials for at least 72 hours of emergency:

• Food and hydration : light and nutritious rations, minimum three liters of water per person, portable filtration solution;
• Tools and equipment : tactical knife, multi-tool, fire starter, headlamp with batteries, long-range walkie-talkie;
• Protection and safety : suitable clothing, gloves, safety glasses, first aid kit;
• Energy and navigation : solar battery, physical maps, compass;
• Transport and portability : a sturdy, lightweight and well-organized bag to allow for quick and efficient movement.

3. Timing: Knowing when to leave before it’s too late

Hesitation is often the difference between a strategic departure and a disorganized escape. It is crucial to identify early warning signs that warrant an evacuation:

• Supply disruptions : fuel shortages, prolonged power cuts, shutdown of basic services;
• Security deterioration : social tensions, riots, civil unrest;
• Extreme weather events : floods, fires, storms, events requiring preventive evacuation;
• Official evacuation orders : do not wait until the last minutes to act.

Anticipate rather than suffer

In short, an evacuation cannot be improvised. Those who have a plan, equipment, and alternatives will have a better hand in their hands. Knowing where to go is already essential. Having identified the crash site, a clear route, and alternatives is already 70% of the work! Being ready to leave quickly, with a complete evacuation bag prepared, equipment tested, and direct access to resources is also fundamental. Finally, deciding based on facts, not emotions, is absolutely crucial: an early departure is always preferable to a hasty escape. You and/or your family are certainly very attached to your home and your belongings, but your safety is resolutely the most precious asset you have because it is the foundation of everything you can build. Keeping your cool and making rational decisions is therefore the best approach.

Reliable solutions with WildTactic

WildTactic offers selected equipment to ensure a quick and efficient evacuation.

• Pre-assembled evacuation bags with the bare essentials for 72 hours of autonomy are available on our webshop;
• Proven tactical and survival equipment to deal with critical situations;
• Guides and training for making strategic decisions in an emergency.