Some would say that survival is survival, but there is a distinct difference between staying alive alone in the wilderness and trying to save your skin in the middle of the city. And while people normally think about the former, urban survival is more relevant when it comes to prepping for an emergency because the truth is roughly 80% of Americans live in urban areas. So let’s talk about survival there…
Make a Plan
While this seems like a no-brainer, when in the face of an emergency or a threat, fear tends to call the shots for those who do not have a plan in place. Think now while you’re not in danger on the best course of action for a variety of situations and then practice. That way when something happens, you know exactly which are the best moves to make and you already know how to do them. This plan should be written down or recorded or anywhere that is NOT in your head so that you can regularly refer back to it and adjust for our ever-changing lives. Where are your emergency bags? What else do you need to grab on your way out? When do you leave and when do you stay put?
Keep Secrets
In the event of an emergency, it is likely that those who are unprepared will target those who are prepared, so if nobody knows that you fall into the latter category, you’ll be safer. Keeping people from seeing where you keep your food and water storage, your firearms, or just your camping gear, can remove the target off your back. Maintaining a network of people you trust is crucial, but keeping everyone else in the dark with regards to your preparations is far better for you. Consider learning about the Grey Man concept and adapting certain techniques to fit your life (refer to the Grey Man Theory article).
Act Fast
Congestion is one of the biggest risks of being located in a high-density area. When things go wrong in a highly-populated area, the odds of being trapped where you are with what you have increase dramatically. The first way to account for this is by being prepared in the places that you spend most of your time, likely your home, your car, or your work (if possible). But perhaps equally important is to act fast to limit the likelihood of being trapped. Having pre-determined signs to watch for and planned routes to take when you see those signs, allows you to get ahead of the mobs trying to buy supplies or get out of town. When grocery store shelves are empty and half the city is sitting in a traffic jam, you’ll be well on your way to your destination.
Leverage Hometown Advantage
Be prepared to take advantage of your surroundings in an emergency. It is shocking how few people know the alleys and side-streets within a mile of where they live. Even in suburban areas, you can find trails and dirt roads that are less frequently used and can serve a huge purpose when trying to move fast and avoid crowds. When is being on foot or on a bike actually more effective than a car?
Everyone should also be aware of the safest places around their home or work location to wait out immediate danger before moving on to the next steps of their emergency or evacuation plans. What doors are made of steel instead of wood or glass? Do you have easy access to a basement or attic that is less conspicuous?
Be Ready to Adapt
In reality, the odds of encountering the exact disaster or threat that you planned for are minimal. While physical preparation is crucial to take on these situations, it is equally important to prepare yourself with knowledge and skills that can come in handy when things don’t go according to plan. Read books like “100 Deadly Skills” by Clint Emerson to learn how to make impromptu decisions that can save your life.