The appeal of urban living is undeniable. Cultural richness, career opportunities and vibrant communities make city living a dream for many. However, cities also hold unique preparedness challenges and potential threats that can test your survival skills. Whether natural disasters or civil unrest, urban environments require a distinct approach to preparedness.
Assess urban threats
As we've said before, whatever your situation, to be prepared for the very real dangers that the world may have in store for you, you must understand the threats that exist and make a thoughtful and thorough assessment of your situation in relation to about these threats and what you need to do to be more prepared. For more information on threat assessment and how your preparedness compares to reality
Understand the unique challenges of living in a city during a survival or disaster situation
During good times, cities can be great hubs of activity, but the downside is considerable if things go wrong. Population density and limited access to essential resources are two of the main threats you will face. These factors create a unique set of challenges for people trying to survive a disaster or long-term survival situation in an urban setting.
Population density : Urban areas are crowded with people, which can lead to increased competition for resources in times of crisis. Even today, most cities are overrun with crime, chaos, assaults and murders on a daily basis. When everyone is rushing to get the same.
Identification of common urban threats
Crime is obviously a major problem, but urban areas are exposed to a range of threats for which urban planners must be prepared:
Natural disasters : Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods and extreme weather events can wreak havoc in urban environments. The dense infrastructure of cities makes them vulnerable to the effects of these disasters, and poor planning and poor government response often make these situations worse.
Civil unrest and demonstrations: Political or social unrest can lead to protests, demonstrations and potential violence. In such situations, knowing how to take cover and navigate your way to safety is essential.
Power cuts : Grid outages can disrupt essential services, including electricity. Whether it's everyday natural disasters, terrorist attacks from hackers, or even the degradation of our aging infrastructure, it's essential to have backup plans in place when the lights go out in a city,
Public transport disruptions : In many large urban areas, a large portion of the population does not drive and relies on public transportation. In the event of a disaster, cities that rely heavily on public transportation systems will struggle. When these systems fail due to an emergency, mobility becomes a significant challenge for urban residents, and it becomes impossible to shelter during an evacuation, leaving you vulnerable to government orders and evacuation camps.
Crime and violence : Urban areas experience an increase in crime during emergencies. Time and time again we see criminals taking advantage of natural disasters to loot, steal and attack innocent people. In such scenarios, it is essential to prepare to ensure personal safety.
Create an urban survival plan
Surviving in an urban environment during a crisis requires careful planning and preparation. Here's how to develop an effective urban survival plan:
Emergency communication
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful emergency plan, especially if you live in a big city and your family is often separated. In the event of a disaster, it's essential to make sure you have the means to stay in touch:
Establish a reliable communications network: Establish a detailed plan for reaching your family members and loved ones in the event of a crisis. Consider other methods of communication, such as amateur radio, in case traditional channels don't work.
Designate an out-of-town contact: Choose an out-of-town contact who can serve as a central point for exchanging information. This person can help relay messages if local communication is disrupted.
Communications Surveillance: The importance of radio surveillance and intelligence gathering in a crisis cannot be overstated!
Evacuation locations
Identifying safe locations for evacuation is a crucial aspect of urban survival. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a big city when things start to go wrong!
Identify safe evacuation points: You need to plan before things go wrong and know where you can go if you need to leave your home quickly. Friends' or relatives' houses outside the city, hotels or emergency shelters are all possible options. If you can afford it, you should also invest in a bug out trailer or bug out property.
Make sure your vehicle is ready to go: You have a bug out bag, your home is disaster prepared, and you've planned for the worst-case scenario, but what about your vehicle? When seconds count, your escape vehicle must be ready to go at a moment's notice.
Essential supplies to stock
To survive urban emergencies, it is essential to stock up on basic necessities. In the event of a disaster, most stores only have a few days' worth of supplies, and if the disaster interrupts deliveries and supply chains, chaos quickly sets in.
Prepare a survival bag for the city: Pack a backpack with essential items including non-perishable food, water, first aid supplies, tools and important documents. Customize it to meet urban survival needs.
Stock up on non-perishable food and water: Build a stockpile of canned goods, dry foods, and bottled water that will sustain you and your family for an extended period of time. Check expiration dates regularly and replace products if necessary.
First aid and medical supplies: Assemble a complete first aid kit with medications, bandages, medical equipment and any necessary prescribed medications. Make sure you are prepared for minor injuries and medical issues.
Self-defense and security concerns
We must not hide our faces: Most major cities are already in disarray, and in the event of a long-term crisis or disaster, they will become hell on earth. In the event of civil unrest, safety should be your top priority.
Personal safety strategies: Become situational aware, which means paying attention to your surroundings and potential threats. Avoid risky areas, especially during times of chaos. Use caution when interacting with strangers and trust your instincts.
Home Safety Measures: Strengthen your home security by installing robust locks, alarms and security systems. Ensure all entry points are secure, including doors and windows. Consider installing motion-activated lights and surveillance cameras.
Reinforce doors and windows: Strengthen entry points by installing sturdy locks, reinforced doors and shatter-resistant window film.
Stay discreet : During civil unrest, it is best to remain discreet. Avoid drawing attention to your residence.
Stay informed : Stay informed about current events by monitoring news sources and social media. I would also look to ham radio and shortwave radio to monitor police, military, and locals who might be speaking out about the situation.
Know your neighbors: Get to know the people in your neighborhood. Building relationships with your neighbors can foster trust and cooperation during difficult times
Community Monitoring Programs and Preparer Groups: Join or create a neighborhood watch program or prepper group to improve safety and communication among residents.
Situation information: In times of crisis, knowledge is power: One of the best ways to protect yourself and your family in a crisis or disaster is to stay aware of what is happening around you. This means knowing where to find real-time, unfiltered information.
