If You Don’t Know These Top 5 Tips for Urban Survival Prepping…
…Then You’re Not Ready for the Next Crisis (Plus a Bonus Secret You Can’t Miss!)
In an increasingly unpredictable world, urban survival prepping has become essential for ensuring safety and resilience during emergencies. Whether it’s a natural disaster, power outage, or any unforeseen crisis, being prepared can make all the difference. And let’s be honest, with all the talk about AI and robotics, it’s probably a good idea to be ready for the “Robot Apocalypse.” Sure, we might be a few years away from our vacuum cleaners staging a coup, but wouldn’t it be nice to know you’ve got enough canned beans to ride out their rebellion?
Cynicism aside, the importance of urban survival prepping cannot be overstated. From food and water storage to self-defense and communication plans, these preparations can help you navigate through tough times with confidence. In this guide, we’ll cover the top 5 urban survival prepping tips, along with a bonus tip that’s particularly impactful yet often overlooked. So gear up and get ready — because whether it’s a zombie outbreak, an alien invasion, or your toaster becoming self-aware, you’ll be prepared to face any challenge that comes your way.
Tip #1. Food and Water Storage
Ensuring you have enough food and water is critical in any survival situation. Stockpile non-perishable foods like canned goods, rice, pasta, and freeze-dried meals. For water, store at least one gallon per person per day for a minimum of three days. Consider investing in a water purification system or tablets.
Actionable Steps:
1. Inventory Your Pantry: List all non-perishable items you currently have. Identify gaps and prioritize filling them.
2. Buy in Bulk: Purchase bulk quantities of staples like rice, beans, and pasta. Look for sales and bulk discounts.
3. Water Storage: Buy large water containers or use food-grade plastic barrels. Fill and store them in a cool, dark place.
4. Water Purification: Purchase a reliable water purification system, such as a LifeStraw or water purification tablets, and learn how to use it.
5. Rotate Supplies: Regularly check expiration dates and rotate stock to ensure your food and water supplies remain fresh.
Disclaimer:
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Recommended Products for this tip:
- Food: Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals, Augason Farms Emergency Food Storage
- Water: WaterBOB Emergency Drinking Water Storage, LifeStraw Personal Water Filter
Books on the Topic of Food Survival:
- “The Prepper’s Water Survival Guide” by Daisy Luther
- “Prepper’s Long-Term Survival Guide” by Jim Cobb
- “The Lost Superfoods”
Tip #2. Emergency Kit
An emergency kit should contain all the essentials you might need during a crisis, such as a flashlight, batteries, first-aid supplies, multi-tool, cash, important documents, and personal hygiene products. Make sure your kit is easily accessible and portable.
Actionable Steps:
1. List Essentials: Create a list of essential items, including first-aid supplies, flashlight, batteries, multi-tool, cash, and important documents.
2. Assemble Your Kit: Gather all items and place them in a durable, waterproof backpack. Make sure it’s easily accessible.
3. Personalize: Customize your kit with any personal items you may need, such as medications, glasses, or special equipment.
4. Regular Updates: Check your kit every six months to replace expired items and update personal needs.
5. Practice Drills: Conduct regular family drills to ensure everyone knows how to quickly access and use the emergency kit.
Recommended Products for this tip:
- Kit: Ready America Deluxe Emergency Kit, Swiss Safe 2-in-1 First Aid Kit
- Tools: Leatherman Wave Multitool, Streamlight ProTac HL Flashlight
Books on the Topic of Emergency Kits:
- “Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag” by Creek Stewart
- “SAS Survival Handbook” by John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman
Tip #3. Self-Defense Training and Tools
Knowing how to protect yourself is essential. Take self-defense classes to learn basic combat skills. Additionally, equip yourself with non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray, tasers, or personal alarms.
Actionable Steps:
1. Enroll in a Class: Sign up for self-defense classes at a local gym or martial arts studio to learn basic techniques.
2. Practice Regularly: Make self-defense practice a regular part of your routine to build confidence and muscle memory.
3. Choose Tools: Select non-lethal self-defense tools, such as pepper spray or a stun gun, and carry them with you.
4. Learn the Law: Understand the legal implications of using self-defense tools in your area.
5. Situational Awareness: Develop habits of situational awareness to recognize and avoid potential threats.
Recommended Products for this tip:
- Self Defense Training: Online self-defense courses from Gracie University
- Tools: Sabre Red Pepper Spray, Vipertek VTS-989 Stun Gun
Books on the Topic of Self Defense:
- “The Gift of Fear” by Gavin de Becker
- “Survive the Unthinkable” by Tim Larkin
Tip #4. Communication Plan
Establish a communication plan to stay in touch with family and friends during emergencies. This includes having a list of emergency contacts, deciding on meeting points, and having backup communication devices like two-way radios.
Actionable Steps:
1. Create a Contact List: Compile a list of emergency contacts, including family, friends, and local emergency services.
2. Designate Meeting Points: Identify and share multiple meeting points in and out of your city.
3. Invest in Radios: Purchase two-way radios and ensure all family members know how to use them.
4. Backup Power: Buy a solar charger or portable power bank to keep communication devices charged.
5. Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with your family to ensure everyone knows the plan and is comfortable with it.
Recommended Products for this tip:
- Communication Devices: Midland GXT1000VP4 Two-Way Radios, Baofeng UV-5R Dual Band Two-Way Radio
Books on the Topic of Communication in Emergencies:
- “The Disaster Preparedness Handbook” by Arthur T. Bradley
- “When All Hell Breaks Loose” by Cody Lundin
Tip #5. Health and Sanitation Supplies
Maintain a supply of health and sanitation items to prevent illness and maintain hygiene during emergencies. This includes medications, first-aid supplies, disinfectants, and personal hygiene products.
Actionable Steps:
1. Stock Medical Supplies: Gather a comprehensive first-aid kit, including bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and prescription medications.
2. Sanitation Products: Purchase items like hand sanitizers, disinfecting wipes, and portable toilets.
3. Personal Hygiene: Stock up on hygiene products such as soap, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products.
4. Learn Basic First Aid: Take a first-aid and CPR course to be prepared for medical emergencies.
5. Regular Checks: Periodically review and replenish your supplies, ensuring none are expired or depleted.
Recommended Products for this tip:
- Supplies: Purell Advanced Hand Sanitizer, Johnson & Johnson All-Purpose Portable Compact Fist Aid Kit
- Disinfectants: Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Disinfectant Spray
Books on the Topic of Health and Medicinal Supplies:
- “The Ultimate Survival Medicine Guide” by Amy Alton
- “Dare to Prepare” by Holly Drennan Deyo
Bonus Tip #6: Community Building
Building strong relationships with your neighbors can provide mutual support during crises. Community networks can share resources, skills, and information, enhancing everyone’s ability to cope with emergencies.
Community Building: Strengthening Bonds for Collective Resilience
In times of crisis, our neighbors can become our greatest allies. Building strong community bonds not only fosters a sense of belonging but also creates a network of support that can be invaluable during emergencies. Getting to know your neighbors on a personal level fosters trust and solidarity, laying the foundation for collaborative efforts in times of need. Something as simple as a friendly wave or a casual conversation over the fence can spark connections that may prove crucial in the future. In a disaster scenario, having a tight-knit community can mean the difference between chaos and cohesion, with neighbors pooling resources, sharing skills, and offering emotional support to one another.
One practical aspect of community building is the sharing of resources. This can extend beyond just lending a cup of sugar; neighbors can share spare keys, access to backup power sources, or even coordinate the aiming directions of their security cameras to maximize coverage of the neighborhood. By leveraging each other’s strengths and resources, neighbors can enhance the security and resilience of the entire community. For example, a neighborhood watch program can be established where residents take turns monitoring security cameras or patrolling the area, effectively deterring crime and ensuring everyone’s safety.
But community building goes beyond casual pleasantries — it’s about actively engaging with your neighbors to share these resources, knowledge, and support. Consider establishing a neighborhood network where residents can exchange contact information, share skills, and coordinate emergency plans. By sharing spare keys you can aid each other with house access during evacuations. By coordinating security camera aiming directions to cover a wider area, you can help ensure that when disaster strikes you are collectively better alerted. By pooling resources and expertise you can significantly enhance collective security and preparedness.
Networking together also allows neighbors to coordinate emergency response efforts more effectively. In the event of a crisis, such as a natural disaster or a widespread power outage, having established communication channels and a plan of action can streamline response efforts and ensure that everyone’s needs are addressed promptly. Whether it’s organizing distribution of supplies, conducting welfare checks on vulnerable neighbors, or coordinating evacuation routes, a united community is better equipped to handle the challenges that arise during emergencies. Ultimately, investing time and effort into building strong relationships with neighbors can pay dividends in times of crisis, fostering a sense of resilience and solidarity that strengthens the entire community.
Imagine a scenario where a power outage plunges your neighborhood into darkness. With a well-established community network in place, neighbors can quickly check in on each other, share essential supplies like flashlights and batteries, and even coordinate makeshift charging stations powered by generators or solar panels. By working together and looking out for one another, your neighborhood becomes more than just a collection of houses. Instead it becomes a stronghold of resilience and mutual support in the face of adversity.
Actionable Steps:
1. Meet The Neighbors: Introduce yourself to neighbors and discuss emergency preparedness. Learn about their concerns on this topic. Especially reach to the elderly, infirm, or handicapped neighbors who may have special needs in a crisis.
2. Form a Group: Create a neighborhood group focused on mutual aid and safety.
3. Share Resources: Develop a system to share resources and skills within the community.
4. Plan Together: Organize community meetings to discuss emergency plans and resources.
5. Stay Connected: Use apps like Nextdoor to stay informed and connected with your neighborhood. Check out your Local Buy Nothing Group on Facebook. Groups like this help you and your neighbors share resources and get rid of things you don’t need that someone else may find useful. Sharing things like this can help build that sense of community in your area and help you make a good impression on the neighborhood.
Recommended Products for this tip:
- Tools: Nextdoor App for neighborhood networking, local community center workshops, Buy Nothing Local Facebook Groups.
Books on the Topic of Survival as a Community:
- “The Art of Neighboring” by Jay Pathak and Dave Runyon
In conclusion, it’s essential to remember that preparing for emergencies isn’t a sign of paranoia or excessive worry — it’s an act of responsibility and care for yourself and your loved ones. In a world where uncertainty seems to be the only constant, taking proactive steps to ensure your family’s safety and well-being is not only commendable but necessary. So, don’t let societal norms or the fear of judgment deter you from stocking up on supplies, honing your survival skills, or forming community networks. Embrace the peace of mind that comes with preparedness, knowing that you’ve done everything in your power to protect your family in the face of adversity. After all, it’s better to be over-prepared for the “Robot Apocalypse” than to find yourself wishing you had taken action sooner. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and may your prepping journey be filled with resilience and peace.
