Tips for Urban Survival
Hey there, TD fam! Did you know that survival skills aren't just for the wilderness – they're handy for navigating the urban jungle too? Whether you're a seasoned pro, LEO, a soldier, or just a regular civvie, having the right tactical training to know how to handle unexpected situations in the city can be a lifesaver, so we've gathered some of our best urban survival tips to help. It's never an exhaustive list, but these tips should guide you to be better prepared with your tactical survival skills and help give you a starting point on what to do when S.H.T.F if you're trapped in a town or city in emergencies.
Below, we do our best to include relevant tips for urban scenarios that you often don't see mentioned in general or wilderness survival articles.
The Urban Survival Playbook
When it comes to urban survival, it's all about being prepared for anything. From power outages to civil unrest, having a game plan with your tactical training can mean the difference between riding out the storm and being caught off guard. Keep reading to learn our top tips for navigating these urban scenarios.
- Live Close To Where You Work
Let's start with the basics: where you call home. When disaster strikes, whether you're hunkering down or hitting the road, being close to work can be a game-changer. Whether you’re going to rent or own, try finding a place within walking distance or just a quick drive away. Public transport might not be reliable in a pinch, so having a short commute could save your butt.
- Plan The Bug Out Routes
Next up, it's time to talk escape routes. No matter where you are in the city, knowing the best ways out is one of the most important tactical survival skills. Main roads can become packed and jammed to a near standstill during emergencies with everyone trying to evacuate at the same time, so it pays to have two or three alternative routes up your sleeve. Practice those routes until they're second nature – you'll thank yourself later! Take a different one each time until you feel confident in knowing where each one is and can choose and find them easily in case of emergency.
- Stock Up and Be Ready
Now, let's talk supplies. When chaos hits, the last thing you want is to be caught unprepared. Waiting until the last moment to ensure you have basic survival supplies, food and water will only leave you with little to nothing to get. Begin carefully choosing what to pack in a bug-out bag and what supplies you'll need in case you have to bug in or survive an extended power blackout.
To prepare for a shelter in place, start stocking up on essentials like rice, peanut butter, canned goods, beef jerky, salted meats, flavorings, powdered milk, sports drinks, fillers, snacks, multivitamins, and water – you'll thank yourself later. To prepare for an evacuation situation, you’ll want a lot of the same things, but don't forget about hygiene items (toilet paper, trash bags, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste), tactical apparel, survival tools, a tarp or tent, bleach, water purifying tabs, a face mask, lighters and matches, first aid supplies, and self-defense gear. It's better to be over-prepared than under-equipped.
- Avoiding Conflict in Urban Chaos
In the city or large town, tensions can run high when disaster strikes. Large amounts of people tend to panic, and panic can lead to confusion. But getting into fights only depletes your resources and puts you at risk. Focus on protecting yourself and your supplies without getting drawn into unnecessary conflicts. Remember, your safety is priority number one.
- Bonus Tips: Making the Most of Urban Resources
Cities are full of hidden treasures – you just have to know where to look. Abandoned buildings, stores, and even vending machines can be goldmines during a crisis. Use abandoned railways or train tracks for bugging out, as they are usually less crowded. If you’re bugging in, keep all windows and doors locked at all times. Don’t flash walkie-talkies, guns, or supplies – someone is going to want them. And don't forget about water sources like lakes and rivers – just make sure to filter it first.
Your Urban Survival Toolkit
Whether you're bugging in or bugging out, these tactical training tips will help you stay one step ahead in the urban jungle. And if you are genuinely concerned about urban survival where you live in the city, consider moving and living in a secluded or rural area. It's your best bet in avoiding the unique and dangerous situations that can happen in a locked-down city. Just remember: being prepared can significantly reduce losses that accompany disasters.
Don’t forget to check out our other blog posts for more tactical training tips. Our outdoor survival tips post is super helpful for outdoor enthusiasts, and our post “Basic Survival Shelter Guide and Priorities” is a more general survival post full of awesome tips. Stay safe, stay Tactical!