You could find yourself in an urban survival situation when you least expect it.

With all that is happening in the world today, things are really changing, and you have no idea what you could be up against in the near future, or if you are traveling in a foreign country that is not as friendly. Urban survival means that you may have to move out of the city as fast as possible from any crisis or danger. You may have to spend a lot of time away from any kind of civilization if you do truly value your life. If you hope to survive, you need to have certain items to make your chance for urban survival a complete success for you, and your family if they are with you. To increase your chances of survival, I will share some special agent tactics that you may find very useful for urban survival.

Preparation Is Key

As an agent, I had to always be ready to deploy at any time and had what we called a “bug out” bag ready with all my gear in it. The items I had may be different for what you need, but the idea is still the same. Carrying your survival kit or a bag which contains all your gear at all times is highly advisable. Your bug out bag won’t be of much help to you if it is stashed away in your car or somewhere where it isn’t easily accessible. Even if it was accessible, what benefit would it have for you in that short span of time in the city because it’s mainly designed for the wilderness? Get a bag that has all your gear that you’ll need for basic needs such as sunglasses, a water bottle, a mask that protects you from dust, earplugs, and even a bandana if possible.

Here I’ve put together a list of other items I recommend you have which are also recommended by the Red Cross. Keep these supplies in an easy-to-carry bag that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

At a minimum, you should have:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multi-purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit:

• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, etc.)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two-way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener

Additional Supplies

• Whistle (you might need this to call for help)
• N95 or surgical masks (to keep you from breathing in contaminants)
• Matches (and a fire starter)
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra clothing, hat, and sturdy shoes
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach
• Entertainment items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Vital Survival Tips

• If the shit hits the fan, your first priority is to get to a safe place first and immediately set out a plan that will help you get away from the chaos that’s taking place. The map I told you to put into your kit will be very helpful at this point because if the roads are blocked, you might have to walk or go off-road. You need to have an idea where you are going.
• There are some situations where it is still safe enough to stay at home, make sure you assess the situation and determine which is best for your particular problem before making any plans to move out.
• Store food at a convenient place in case you think a crisis may happen sometime in future. Ensure the food is non-perishable or at least preservable. Make sure you have enough to last you for several months or years, if possible (at least a couple weeks.)
• You should also have a safe, clean and potable source of water. Store as much as you can and get filters in case you have to drink water in the wild.
• You should have a safe place where you can retreat if there’s a problem staying at your own home. Plot out some spots you think will be safe. Be prepared to head there if you need to. Know some alternate routes.
• Carry your weapons so that you can protect yourself if faced with immediate danger. If you don’t have any weapons, now is a good time to get some. Yes, I said some. I recommend a handgun and a rifle. Maybe even a shotgun for close up battles. Always have several knives and maybe an ax for wood and such. Also, I recommend a couple of non-conventional weapons like a bow and arrow or crossbow and a slingshot.
• Hunt for rabbits or even deer if you’re living in the rural areas, so you’re not dependent on your survival food stock. Save your stock as a last resort. You might keep some fishing rods too.
• If you are able to, start your own garden at your temporary residence. This will make you self-sufficient in the long run.
• Take your GPS or phone with you at all times, if possible.
• Last, but not least, know how to fight. Have some hand to hand combat skills in case and be physically fit to survive.
• Pack a good survival book.

Closing Thoughts

The key to urban survival is to be prepared for any emergency. Of course, it would be too much to ask for you to be ready 100 percent of the time. That would be next to impossible. But bear in mind that it is your training and knowledge that will keep you and your family safe in any emergency. Knowing the dangers that await you during a disaster is half the battle.

Click Here For More Survival Training By Derek Smith!