Emergency Plan for a Family of 4 to Evacuate and Survive

Immediate Actions (First 24 Hours)

1. Gather the Family:

   • Ensure all family members are at home or contact them to come back immediately.
   • Maintain calm and reassure each other.

2. Pack Go-Bags:

   • Prepare each family member’s backpack with essential items:
     • Non-perishable food (MREs, granola bars, dried fruits, nuts)
     • Water bottles and purification tablets
     • Clothing (layered for various weather conditions)
     • Personal documents, cash, and identification
     • Basic first aid kit
     • Flashlight and batteries
     • Multi-tool or Swiss army knife

3. Secure the Home:

   • Lock all doors and windows.
   • Leave a note for any authorities or neighbors indicating your departure for safety reasons.

4. Communication:

   • Use cell phones sparingly to conserve battery.
   • Establish a communication plan with trusted contacts outside the city.
   • Keep a battery-operated or hand-crank radio to stay informed about the situation.

Travel Preparations

1. Vehicle Preparedness:

   • Ensure the car is fueled and in good working condition.
   • Include an emergency car kit (spare tire, jumper cables, maps).
   • Pack additional fuel cans if available.

2. Identify Wilderness Locations:

   • Research and choose a remote location with access to fresh water and natural resources.
   • Consider areas like state parks or national forests around Pittsburgh (e.g., Allegheny National Forest).

3. Plan Routes:

   • Plan multiple routes to the wilderness location, avoiding major roads and highways.
   • Use less-traveled paths and backroads.

Supply List for Wilderness Survival

1. Food:

   • Non-perishable items for the initial phase (canned goods, dried beans, rice, pasta).
   • Hunting and fishing equipment (fishing rods, traps, snares).

2. Water:

   • Minimum of 1 gallon per person per day for the initial phase.
   • Water filtration system or purification tablets.

3. Shelter:

   • Tents and tarps.
   • Sleeping bags and thermal blankets.
   • Rope and paracord for building shelters.

4. Medical Supplies:

   • Prescription medications (2-month supply).
   • Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, antiseptics).
   • Comprehensive first aid kit (bandages, antiseptics, gauze, etc.).

5. Fire and Cooking:

   • Portable stove or camping stove with extra fuel.
   • Fire-starting tools (matches, lighters, flint and steel).

6. Tools:

   • Axes, saws, and shovels.
   • Multi-tool or Swiss army knife.

7. Clothing:

   • Weather-appropriate clothing (layered for warmth, waterproof items).
   • Sturdy boots and socks.

Wilderness Survival Strategies

1. Establish a Base Camp:

   • Set up tents and shelters in a safe, concealed location near a water source.
   • Create a perimeter using natural barriers for security.

2. Food and Water:

   • Boil water from natural sources to ensure it is safe to drink.
   • Use purification tablets if boiling is not possible.
   • Forage for edible plants and hunt or fish for food.

3. Fire and Cooking:

   • Build a fire pit safely away from the tents.
   • Use a portable stove for cooking when necessary.
   • Keep the fire small and manageable.

4. Hygiene:

   • Regular hand washing with soap and water.
   • Proper waste disposal to avoid contamination.
   • Use biodegradable soap and toothpaste.

Health and Wellbeing

1. Maintain Hygiene:

   • Regular hand washing with soap and water.
   • Proper disposal of waste to avoid contamination.

2. Mental Health:

   • Engage in family activities to maintain morale.
   • Allocate time for rest and relaxation.

Safety and Security

1. Stay Concealed:

   • Keep the camp hidden from potential threats.
   • Avoid making loud noises or visible signs of presence.

2. Defensive Measures:

   • Set up basic alarms or tripwires around the perimeter.
   • Keep pepper spray or other non-lethal self-defense tools accessible.

Community Coordination

1. Connect with Others:

   • If you encounter other families or groups, establish trust and consider forming alliances for mutual support.
   • Share resources and responsibilities.

2. Monitor Local News:

   • Stay informed about the situation via radio or trusted sources.

Contingency Plans

1. If Base Camp Becomes Unsafe:

   • Have a secondary location planned and be ready to move quickly.
   • Travel in groups and avoid drawing attention.

2. If Supplies Run Low:

   • Ration remaining supplies.
   • Increase foraging, hunting, and fishing efforts cautiously.

Summary

By evacuating Pittsburgh and heading into the wilderness, your family can avoid the immediate dangers of the city during a governmental collapse and riots. Preparation, resourcefulness, and adaptability will be crucial for surviving the two months in a remote environment. Establish a secure base camp, maintain hygiene and health, and be ready to adapt to changing circumstances.