Should a disaster strike and you and others forced to leave the town or the city you live in, most will more than likely follow these paths: interstates, highways, state roads, and farm roads; in that order.

The problem here is that all the roads will be jammed with cars leaving - going nowhere, just leaving.  As they attempt to turn around and get off the main roads, they will find that most destinations are going to be just as bad if not worse than the ones they just left.

Most if not all, are going to seriously overestimate their vehicle range – or how far they can drive before they need to get more gas.  Just so you know in advance, just because you are in a traffic jam and sitting, your car will still be using up the fuel.  In fact, traffic jams use up a lot of fuel - more than most people realize.

It’s not like you will have the luxury of stopping before hitting the highway to gas up.  And, if you do, you have just put yourself farther behind an ever growing gridlock.

As the vehicles creep along, most of those thousands to hundreds of thousands of cars on the highways, interstates, and roads (yes they intersect at times) are going to run out of gas in a matter of hours.  Even with full tanks they will eventually run out.  Sooner or later, angry, frustrated people will abandon their vehicles and start walking on foot – probably one of the hardest things they’ve done in a long time – walking long distances – while attempting to lug whatever they can carry; many wearing the shoes they left in – yes ladies, including high heels and, armed with whatever means necessary.   

Once they arrive at the nearest small town, most of which will be peppered along the interstates and highways, the hungry and thirsty – hot and tired will begin their human survival mode.  They will advance on the locals for food, water and shelter. 

Most will actually stay put opposed to move on, trading a place of congregation with others over walking to unknown destinations.
 
If no law enforcement or governing body is present to attempt to keep the peace, most likely desperation will set in and violence will most assuredly erupt as looting begins and a fight for power ensues.

Let me give you a visual: with Hurricane Rita, in Texas, people knew of the impending storm days in advance.  And yet, they still delayed evacuating.  When it was all said and done there were traffic jams, some of them literally a 175 mile long, as millions (not thousands) tried to evacuate all at once. What happened was gas stations along the routes quickly began running out of gas, food and water.  What should have taken 3 or 4 hours to drive from Houston to Dallas actually took 10 to 15 hours.

Bottom line: Have an evacuation plan – and consider taking the low road.

- Survivor Jane

Thank you for sharing Survivor Jane with your friends!  

For more information on Survivor Jane recommended products and services click on Survival Products above. 

If you have any questions, or would like to see a specific article addressing survival preparedness for women; on SurvivorJane.com click here