Why choose urban survival and specifically urban survival gear? There is a plethora of resources available on wilderness survival and bushcraft techniques, with less emphasis on urban scenarios. Though some information on urban survival can be found, there is always a need for additional knowledge in this area.
What is Urban Survival?
Urban Survival involves having the necessary mindset, physical abilities, skills, and equipment in order to successfully navigate through natural or manmade disasters or events that occur in urban areas. In essence, it refers to being able to endure and overcome unfavorable circumstances within urban environments.
As urban areas become increasingly crowded, the severity of disasters in these areas is also intensifying, resulting in greater consequences for human lives. Although certain factors are beyond our control, it is crucial to acknowledge and focus on the aspects we can positively influence. Therefore, it is recommended to be prepared for the aspects we have the ability to impact.
However, some individuals choose to disregard their surroundings, resist acknowledging the truth, and reject any need to plan for situations beyond their familiar, sheltered existence.
Why Urban Survival Gear?
As previously stated, gear and equipment are essential for survival. While not all items are vital, they significantly contribute to easing the situation.
If you ever find yourself in an emergency situation where you need to start a fire, there is no extra credit for choosing to use a Ferro rod. Simply take out your Bic lighter and ignite the fire.
When considering what to carry, it is important to take into account both the size and weight of the items in order to prevent becoming overwhelmed.
The ability to be lightweight and mobile can determine one’s success. It is essential to have the capacity for movement. The utmost importance lies in the ability to cover long distances, run, climb, and navigate narrow corridors when carrying a load.
Has it happened?
The events of 9/11 are well-known and familiar to many, either through personal experience or through reading and learning about it.
Aside from the deaths, the consequences of this attack were numerous and extremely dire. Public transportation was suspended, emergency services were overwhelmed, and communication was completely disrupted. The extent of these repercussions is immeasurable.
Due to the dust and debris, visibility and breathing became almost impossible. The street signs were covered and unreadable, creating significant challenges for navigation. Moreover, the ensuing chaos and panic exacerbated the situation.
The toxic dust from 9/11 has caused numerous deaths, with some studies providing evidence that it is responsible for causing cancer in many affected individuals, including first responders. This cancer risk is primarily due to inhalation of the dust.
Since that terrible day, time has been steadily passing, yet the knowledge acquired continues to endure.
Everyday Carry Urban Survival Gear
Everyday Carry (EDC) refers to the collection of small items that are convenient for daily carrying, capable of serving various purposes.
There are all sorts of cool EDC gear out there that you could buy.
I possess a collection of practical wallet-sized cards that can be utilized during emergencies. Additionally, I utilize a survival belt crafted from paracord, which incorporates a blade and firestarter within the buckle.
You can easily create your own kits, so you don’t need fancy EDC gear.
You may need to make adjustments to this list according to your requirements, but here is a solid initial guide.
Everyday Carry Gear Checklist
Make sure to always have this gear with you!
- Multi-tool
- Knife – We picked the best budget knives here.
- Flashlight
- Paracord rope
- Firestarter
- Lock pick
- Water purification tablets
- Paper and writing tool
- Safety pins
- Mini first aid kit
- Emergency histle
- Cash in small bills
Hazard Protection Urban Survival Gear
The USA has experienced the terrorist attacks of September 11th, which can be considered as one of the worst instances of urban disaster.
This text is also an illustration of our lack of preparedness for the environmental hazards that arise in an urban disaster.
The striking of the Twin Towers resulted in a vast release of construction materials into the air, forming a massive dust storm.
To name a few, some of the substances found were asbestos, lead, mercury, crystalline silica, cadmium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A decade has passed and the impact of the disaster is still being felt. From 2015 onwards, cancer has affected over 2,500 WTC rescue workers and first responders.
You should not only be concerned about asbestos.
- Disasters can cause sewage overflows and hygiene risks.
- Weather-related disasters can cause outbreaks of vector-borne diseases.
- Crowded conditions lead to the outbreak of communicable diseases like respiratory infections.
- Uncleaned wounds can lead to infection and sepsis.
In order to safeguard oneself against these environmental dangers, it will be necessary to possess face masks, first aid supplies for disinfecting and managing injuries, a means of filtering water, and sturdy gloves and boots for shielding against harm.
Hazard Protection Gear Checklist
Make sure to keep these items at your survival location.
- Work gloves
- Water purification system
- Disinfectants
- First aid kit
- Anti-diarrheal medicines
- Antibiotics
- Potassium iodide thyroid blocker
- Respirator mask
- Gas mask
Tools for Looting and Scavenging
Within the first 24 hours of a disaster, looting typically takes place, involving mobs of young men forcefully entering homes, businesses, and government buildings to seize anything they consider valuable.
Do not join in the looting after a disaster!
If you have made adequate preparations and gathered sufficient supplies, you can hope to last for the initial month. Make an effort to endure this period with minimal disturbance. By ensuring the boundaries of your residence are protected, you can be assured of safety from any trespassers.
At that moment, it is still probable that the mobs will target the easier victims.
Based on previous experiences with disasters, the severity of looting is typically highest during the initial week to month. Subsequently, all readily available resources have been exhausted, leaving behind only a small number of individuals wandering about aimlessly.
It is advisable to wait until now before going out and commencing the act of looting for supplies. By this time, all the TVs and expensive stereo equipment will have been taken away (which would be of no use during a disaster!), but you will still be able to discover numerous handy items – such as old cans to create a rocket stove and paper that can be converted into fuel.
To ensure efficient looting, it is essential to have these supplies. Acquiring these items in the city following an urban disaster may prove challenging, despite having excellent scavenging abilities. Therefore, it is crucial to gather and store them at your home base.
Looting Gear Checklist
- Crowbar
- Large, sturdy backpack or bag
- Ax
- Tactical flashlight
- Heavy-duty gloves
