If you reside in a city and have concerns regarding potential disasters, emergencies, or even a catastrophic scenario, it is essential to create a personalized urban survival kit suited to your requirements. This kit will aid in preparing for everyday emergencies, riots, an economic downfall, or any other concerns you may have.
Even though urban residents face a greater risk compared to those living in rural areas if a major disaster occurs, there are still numerous preparations that can be made.
Urban vs. Rural vs. Wilderness Survival
The basics of survival remain unchanged in an urban setting; however, the landscape, circumstances, and environment will certainly vary, impacting numerous decisions you make.
The order and priority of the survival essentials may change, but you will still require access to air, shelter, food, water, and protection.
To begin with, the most apparent characteristic of urban settings is the landscape. In cities, also known as “short and wide” in the American South and Southwest, maneuvering within buildings, navigating major roads congested with vehicles, and seeking necessary items or attempting evacuation will invariably be affected.
Next, consider the additional defining feature found in urban settings, which is the density of the population rather than the individuals themselves.
In a city, you are constantly in the company of others, which remains true even during unforeseen circumstances like a major disaster. In such situations, people tend to seek safety, leading to a significantly larger presence of individuals compared to any other survival scenario.
Your posture while attempting to survive must adapt accordingly, as this can either benefit or harm you, and either way, failing to do so may result in serious trouble.
In general survival situations, being found by other people could potentially lead to the end of your struggle. However, in an urban setting, particularly one where supplies are rapidly diminishing, being discovered could trigger the beginning of a conflict.
Given the significantly higher number of criminals in urban regions, being perceived as well-prepared and prosperous might make you a target for potential victimization.
Even in an urban area after a major disaster, it is important to minimize attention and stand out as little as possible. This implies that you need to modify your gear selections and luggage choices to blend in effectively.
During regular circumstances, it is not advisable to carry a bulging backpack, wear camouflage accessories, or display any clear signs of preparing for emergencies as it may draw the attention of undesired individuals or even make you a target for theft.
The Essentials
Having a flashlight during a power outage in an urban area can be helpful, especially in windowless areas, as it provides light when people are left in darkness both during the day and at night.
2. In an emergency, it is highly probable that you will require medical supplies from a first aid kit. The reason being, people tend to get injured easily when they panic, and even a small trigger can lead to panic.
A folding knife, unlike a large Rambo-style knife, gives the impression of causing trouble in an urban environment. However, a discreet folding-blade knife, though still effective for self-defense, won’t attract as much notice from law enforcement and other urban residents.
4. Cord, such as light rope, 550 cord, or a similar binding material, can serve numerous purposes in urban survival situations. While a paracord bracelet is convenient, it requires considerable time to unravel. In contrast, having a bundle of cord readily accessible in your knapsack allows for immediate deployment.
In the event of a significant emergency, it is possible that municipal water may become contaminated. To ensure your safety, it is important to have access to clean water both at home, at work, and even in your car. If you are required to evacuate, it is advisable to bring some water with you. As a guideline, the American Red Cross recommends storing three gallons of water per person for an average emergency.
6. A lighter, which is an inexpensive and unpretentious object, can provide both fire and light. Ensure you have one in your pocket and several others placed randomly within your emergency equipment. Although you may already be familiar with the idea of redundancy, it is crucial to remember the important saying: “two is one and one is none…”
7. A small emergency radio will give you bulletins and information, potentially saving lives in specific disasters like a NOAA weather radio.
8. A small pry bar, although it may appear to be excessive, can be an invaluable tool for opening stubborn doors and windows. Furthermore, it can be utilized for breaking through walls, manipulating locks, and various other tasks. This particular item can serve as an excellent means of escape during challenging bug-out situations.
9. It is a simple decision to use your mobile phone if the phone lines are not overwhelmed, as you can use it to ask for assistance, communicate with loved ones, and gather information about the current situation.
If telecommunications are not functioning, it is probable that your credit and debit cards will be declined as payment for essential goods and services. To have an advantage in negotiating for necessities such as food, bottled water, transportation, etc., it is advisable to keep some cash concealed both at home and on your person.
11. The subject at hand is an emergency blanket.
Originally developed for space travel, these are sheets coated with light metal that will effectively keep you warm.
Emergency blankets, which are occasionally referred to as space blankets, are typically observed wrapped around accident victims and are provided to them by first responders. These blankets are made of gold or silver-colored foil.
Due to their impressive appearance resembling science fiction, these blankets possess the ability to reflect nearly 90% of body heat emitted by individuals, making them highly efficient. Additionally, they are incredibly lightweight and remarkably compact when folded. It is highly recommended to acquire one.
Types of Urban Survival Kits
To do this correctly, you will require 3 kits, which are neither difficult nor costly to put together.
- an everyday carry EDC kit – things you almost always have on you (in your pockets, wallet, lanyard, purse etc.)
- a get home bag GHB (an additional bag you keep with you in your proximity, such as in a desk drawer)
- a bug out bag (a regular backpack designed to get you to evacuate the city when SHTF)
