SURVIVALIST #27: Urban Survival Gear

Urban survival gear integrates with the “Micro Home Movement” nicely due to limited space and simplicity of living. With a few selected tools and out of the “box” thinking, a Micro-homesteader or a survivalist will achieve big results. If in the urban interface and an emergency arises to shelter/protect in place, evacuate or a combination of both, here are the must have to get from point A to point Beyond!

Shoot
The list of urban survival gear begins with personal defense for close proximity to ranged weapons. The prepared choice is a handgun at all times. The hotly debated topic of “type of gun” and caliber will continue to rage on for years but the agreement is all the same; carry. The Second Amendment of the US Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms and none more important than in the urban interface.

For individuals that prefer a less lethal methodology:

1. Taser- Colonel Joe Chevalier, Director of Public Safety Morehouse School of Medicine recommends the Civilian C2 taser that delivers 50,000 volts in a compact and concealable design.
   
2. Pocket Shot- The pocket shot can be used to carry items, drink water from or shoot steel BBs at speeds up to 350 feet per second!
   

*These items are limited in range and continuous fire mode.

Move
The key to moving about freely is to have transportation that will not get congested with other forms of transportation. In the urban interface versatility and speed in movement is critical due to a limited time frame to get from point A to point B. Choose a mountain bike with inner tubes. The mountain bike is very durable, will disperse carried weight, may have a tool kit underneath the seat and the parts are salvageable.

• The inner tube can be used as a tourniquet, an arm sling, or improvised water bladder.
• Burning the tires will produce heavy soot and will be hard to extinguish.
• The cables can be used for cordage.

Communicate
A lone survivor scenario in the urban interface is an illusion. The amount of obstacles in a catastrophic event will overwhelm all resources. Build a network of like-minded individuals beforehand or immediately at point of impact. Network communication promotes real time information sharing, provide security and unite goal specific people. Not all forms of communication will be dismantled.

• A Burner phone is disposable and maintains a low signature for people wanting to be discreet. Carry a portable charging unit.
• Pen, paper and duct tape is the traditional methodology of communication in all emergency scenarios.
• Chalk-the spy methodology of identifying “dead drop,” direction of travel, or encoding simple messages.
• High decibel whistle-call for help, provide location, and primitive communication methodology e.g. 1 blast – look here. 2 blasts – Go. 3 blasts – Stop! 4 blasts – HELP!

*If intent on being a lone survivor- move with a purpose to a safety zone. Use stealth and speed to avoid all obstacles. Gather resources on the move. Leave no signature - No fires, limited to no light output, gather and consume food cold, all electronic devices disabled.

The metal work trinity in the urban interface is the multipurpose tool, Sillcock key, and knife.

• The multipurpose tool’s number one used item is the plier used to grip items, pry, tear away or prod.
• The 4 way Sillcock key is used to gain access to water from a low to high rise building, shopping malls, gas stations, and truck stops. Do not assume that the water from the building will always be drinkable if structural damage has occurred or is in disrepair.
• The knife remains the versatile queen of the battlefield with the ability to create or destroy. Use the blade as intended and not as a means to pry, or use the tip of the blade to turn screws.

For individuals that love wearable gadgets, search for smaller multi-tools like the Griffin Pocket Tool that is unique in design, size and weight. It can be worn as a necklace, placed on a key ring, or worn in the hair.

Personal Protective Equipment-PPE
Respiratory protection is essential! Smoke, debris, and horrid odors will serve as detractors.
• A Shemagh – super versatile gear: filters large particulate dust, sun protection, an arm sling, warming or cooling cloth, bandaging, or signaling to name a few immediate uses.

• Carry a NIOSH approved N95 mask to filter out 95% of airborne particles.

First aid kit
• Triangular bandage and safety pins
• Bandages 4x4
• 5x9 trauma pad
• 4” or 6” cling
• Hemostatic agent – Quik Clot®
• Over the Counter pain management: Tylenol and Ibuprofen
• Tweezers
• Trauma shears
• Assorted bandages
• Hydrocortisone cream – OTC
• Triple antibiotic ointment – OTC
• Diphenhydramine-OTC
• Anti-emetic-OTC
• Anti-diarrhea-OTC
• First aid tape
• Personal medication/s
*Captain Young Malcom, Journeyman Paramedic advises to carry at least a three day supply of medications.

Light
• A tactical flashlight with an impact bezel. To reduce the throw of light, hold at waist level and point the cone of light at the ground. This method will reduce the throw of the light by one mile.

• A Headlamp to free the hands. Inexpensive 150 lumens LED can be purchased at Wal-Mart for under $15 by Ozark Trail.

• LED glow sticks – comes with a whistle, different light modes and long burn times.

A crisis is a time when the resources available are not enough for all consumers. During times of crisis, poorly informed people will gravitate towards inappropriate items. Keep food and water at the top of the list and constantly look for opportunities to procure. Gain an edge by keeping a 3000 calorie food package and 1-2 liters of water on hand.

Original article by Met Clark, published in Survivalist Magazine

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