You never know when you might need to escape the city, whether it’s an evacuation or something more dire. It’s important to be prepared for these situations, especially if you live in a major metropolis like New York City or Chicago.
While there are many ways to prepare for urban survival—including stockpiling food and supplies, I’m going to focus on hacks that will make your life easier when things go south (or back) up north.
You should always have at least one contingency plan for emergencies, but I recommend having multiple options in case something unexpected happens: one plan A and another plan B just in case!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| The top 10 urban survival hacks to know |
| Strategies for surviving in the city |
| Essential gear to have on hand for urban survival |
| How to create a 72-hour urban survival kit |
| Tips for staying safe and prepared in an emergency |
| Further resources for learning about survival hacks and urban preparedness |
| FAQs about urban survival and emergency preparedness |
Urban Survival Hacks
The first step in becoming an urban survival expert is to learn how to sharpen your knives. This can be done with a sharpening stone, but if you have access to water and soap, it’s much easier to simply use that.
Next, you’ll want to learn about making fires and purifying water. If there are no trees around or if they’re too wet, use your knife as a scraper and scrape some tinder together into a pile with the tip of your blade don’t forget that this also works on dry leaves!
Once you’ve got enough tinder and kindling together, strike two sticks together above them so they catch fire. Be careful not to ignite yourself while doing this!
Another important skill all modern-day survivalists should know is edible plants: there are many different kinds out there so make sure you research which ones are safe before eating them!
It’s also important for us urbanites not just because we want food but because many of these plants contain essential nutrients such as calcium or iron which our bodies need for healthy development over time.
When it comes to urban survival, knowing what to do in an emergency situation is critical. Make sure you have the ultimate guide to emergency preparedness with our urban survival checklist to ensure you’re ready for anything.
Emergency Response
Once you’ve gotten home, it’s important to know what your city’s emergency response plan is. If there are natural disasters or other emergencies that occur in your area, it can be helpful to know where the nearest fire hydrant and gas valves are located.
You should also know how to turn off the gas, water, electricity and phone lines so that they cannot be accessed by others during an emergency.
In addition to knowing these things yourself, it is also important that you teach your family members how to respond in case of an emergency so they can protect themselves as well as others living with them
Top Emergency Response Tools and Services
| Tool/Service | Description |
|---|---|
| RapidSOS Haven | A mobile safety app that provides advanced emergency response features, including real-time location sharing, and connects you directly with 911 and first responders. |
| Life360 | A family safety app that allows you to track the location of family members in real-time, includes emergency features and can notify designated emergency contacts in case of crisis. |
| First Aid Kit | A collection of essential medical supplies and equipment for immediate, critical response to injuries or physical trauma. |
| NOAA Weather Radio | A radio designed to receive National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather alerts, providing up-to-date information on weather events, potential hazards, and severe weather warnings. |
| Emergency Hand-Crank Radio | A portable radio that can be charged up via a hand crank, providing long-lasting power to stay connected in emergency situations. |
| Emergency Preparedness Plan | A comprehensive plan for natural disasters, man-made disasters, or other emergency situations that includes steps to take leading up to, during and after an emergency event. |
In this table, I’ve listed some of the top tools and services that can come in handy in an emergency or crisis. The table title highlights these useful tools as they relate to emergency response, which can be an important consideration in preparing for emergencies and making sure you have the resources needed to stay safe.
Make Friends with the Homeless
If you are in a city and you see a homeless person, talk to them. They may not be interested, and that’s okay. Just keep talking until they start talking back. After that, ask what their name is and then introduce yourself by saying “I’m [your name].”
You can also offer to buy them food or give them money if they need it, but only if they seem open to receiving help from someone who just approached them on the street!
People who are homeless have been through something traumatic it could have been losing their job or house in an economic downturn or living through war or natural disaster.
They’re probably very happy just being alive at this point so don’t worry about making things awkward for either of y’all by trying too hard with the conversation; just try not to make eye contact when approaching someone with these intentions so as not scare them away!
Having the right gear can make all the difference when it comes to urban survival. Whether you’re building a bug-out bag or just need the essentials, our list of top 10 urban survival gear items is a great place to start.
Store a Drainage Grate Opener
You can store valuables in a drainage grate. A drainage grate is the cover over a storm sewer or a manhole, which is basically just the big hole that lets water pass through from the street.
If you’re like me and want to be prepared for anything, then it’s important to know how to open up this type of grating so you can hide valuables down there.
The best tool for opening these types of grates is called a drain key or “drainage key.” To use one correctly, hold it in one hand and turn counterclockwise with your other hand until you hear/feel/see something click into place (you’ll need some strength).
Once this happens, pull out your key and try pulling on whatever was stuck in there: it should come right out!
If you don’t have any keys available but still want access to your hiding spot in an emergency situation say if someone catches sight of all those gold coins on top then improvise by using any small object that has sharp corners instead (or even just rubbing sandpaper against its edge).
Top Drainage Grate Openers for Easy Storage
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| Leatherman Signal | A multi-tool that includes pliers, a saw, a can opener, and a bottle opener, as well as a carabiner and a whistle for added functionality. |
| Gerber Center-Drive Plus | This tool includes a durable multi-tool with pliers, blades, and screwdrivers, along with a sheath that can easily attach to a belt or backpack. |
| SOG PowerAssist | A streamlined multi-tool with pliers, wire cutters, a saw, and a variety of other useful tools, that also includes a sheath for easy storage. |
| Victorinox Swiss Army Pocket Knife | A classic pocket knife with a variety of blades and tools, including a corkscrew and bottle opener, that can fit easily into a pocket or backpack. |
| Maglite LED Mini Flashlight | A small but powerful flashlight that can be used to illuminate dark areas such as storm drains, and is durable and easy to stow in an emergency kit. |
| Gorilla Tape | A heavy-duty tape that can be used to cover and seal drainage grates, providing a temporary solution in cases where a grate opener is not available. |
In this table, I’ve listed some of the top drainage grate openers and related tools for easy storage. The table title highlights the focus on storing these tools, which is an important consideration for urban survival and emergency preparedness.
Hinge Pin Lock
A hinge pin lock is another way of securing your door that involves a piece of wood or metal that you can use as a prop for your door.
This will keep it closed and prevent intruders from coming in through the bottom or top, depending on where you put the prop.
If you’re worried about someone breaking into your house, then this is an item which may be worth having around to give yourself an extra layer of security.
To put one up, all you need to do is find a piece of wood that fits nicely under the hinge side of your door, then place it there and make sure it fits snugly into place without causing any damage to either component. Then just secure everything using nails or screws!
In an emergency situation, every second counts. Make sure you’re prepared with our guide on creating a 72-hour urban survival kit to give you peace of mind and the tools you need to survive.
Build Yourself a Bolt Hole
Bolt holes are a place you can retreat to in the event of an emergency. They’re somewhere that’s secure and has enough supplies to last at least three days.
If you have the space, one option is to build a bolt hole inside your home. If not, consider building one in the yard behind or underneath, but never under any trees or branches as this could cause damage if heavy rain falls during a storm (and there will be storms!).
You’ll also need some sort of cover for it so that no one sees it from above ground level – ideally something like brambles or long grass which would cover most of the entrance.
A bolt hole should contain:
- Food and water for each member of your family (up to 2 weeks’ worth)
- Blankets or sleeping bags for each member of your family (one per person)
Top Tools and Materials for Building a Bolt Hole
| Product | Features |
|---|---|
| DeWalt Cordless Drill | A powerful and versatile drill with long battery life, helpful for creating holes for screws and securing bolts in various materials. |
| Stanley 20-Piece Screwdriver Set | A comprehensive screwdriver set with a range of sizes and shapes, allowing you to create and assemble various types of structures. |
| Kreg Jig K4 Pocket Hole System | A tool that allows you to create pocket-holes in wood materials with ease, helpful for secure and sturdy woodworking. |
| Milwaukee Sawzall Reciprocating Saw | A versatile saw capable of cutting through various materials such as wood, metal, or plastic, and helpful for creating openings in walls, floors, or ceilings in your bolt hole. |
| Dremel 4000 Rotary Tool | A handy and easy-to-use tool that can be used for carving, engraving, cutting, sanding and other related tasks, making it ideal for creating detailed parts and finishes. |
| 2×4 Wood Lumber | A durable and versatile building material, ideal for constructing walls, ceilings, shelving and other fixtures in your bolt hole. |
| Concrete Blocks | A sturdy material for building walls, foundations, and other structural elements in your bolt hole. It is also fire-resistant and provides excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing. |
In this table, I’ve listed some of the top tools and materials needed for building a bolt hole, which is an essential aspect of urban survival preparedness. The table title highlights the focus on building a bolt hole from scratch, which can provide a secure and sustainable shelter in the event of an emergency or natural disaster.
Window Security
Did you know that a simple gum wrapper can keep your windows from locking and prevent burglars from breaking your glass to get in?
A few other ways to open a window without breaking it:
- Use a credit card to wedge the window open. If you don’t have one handy, use tape or paper instead!
Surviving in the city can be challenging, especially when faced with dangerous situations. Learn how to keep yourself safe with our guide to urban survival scenarios, including tips on how to handle everything from natural disasters to civil unrest.
Credit Card Lock Pick Set
A credit card lock pick set is a credit card and some wire cutters. First you’ll need to take your credit card and fold it until it becomes a straight line, then you will take your wire cutters and cut the top half of the card off that way you have two pieces of plastic left.
Now take the metal part of your keychain (the bit with all of your keys on) and use that as leverage while trying to pick open the lock using one piece at first, then two pieces once inside so that they make an L shape when inserted into the hole.
You may need some practice before getting this right but once mastered it will work amazingly well!
Acquire Canned Food Now
When you’re on the go, canned food is the way to go. Canned food can be stored for a long time and is light and easy to carry around.
Canned foods are also often cheaper than fresh foods, but some prefer canned over fresh because of their quality.
The fact that they’re already cooked means you don’t have to worry about cooking them yourself and getting sick or having your food stolen by animals (if you use animal traps). Canned foods are also usually healthier than fresh ones, which may be important if you have limited access to clean drinking water.
Canned goods can be used in many recipes from soups and stews to desserts and will help keep your stomach full when calories might otherwise run low.
There aren’t many other items that offer such convenience when it comes to urban survival situations!
Whether you’re new to the city or just looking to brush up on your skills, our ultimate guide to surviving in the city has everything you need to know. From finding shelter to navigating public transportation, we’ve got you covered.
Learn How to Sharpen your Knives Properly
The ability to sharpen a knife is vital in an urban survival situation. It may seem like a simple task, but knowing how can make a huge difference when you’re looking for food or defending your life.
Before we get started, it’s important to remember that there are many different ways to sharpen a knife and everyone has their own preferences.
The way I teach my students is called the sharpening stone method because it involves using two different types of stones: an oil stone and a diamond stone.
The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure that any corrosion on the blade has been removed. If there’s rust or grime on the metal, use coarse sandpaper until all traces are gone before moving onto the next step (unless this damages your knife).
Once this is done, move onto using your sharpening steel in order to straighten out any nicks or chips along its edges; this will help ensure that they don’t become more pronounced when you start grinding them down with other tools later on!
Now hold up your blade against these points so they line up perfectly even though they may not seem as if they’re going into each other just yet; once everything looks good enough then proceed onward towards actually grinding away at those pesky imperfections!
Conclusion
We hope you have learned some of these urban survival hacks and tricks to help keep yourself safe.
If you are looking for more information about urban living or other topics, check out our blog for more content like this.
Further Reading
If you want to learn more about survival hacks and emergency preparation, check out these helpful resources:
21 Urban Survival Hacks That Will Save Your Ass: This article offers additional tips and tricks for urban survival, including advice on self-defense, food storage, and more.
Survival Hacks: This website is full of survival hacks and tips for a range of situations, including wilderness survival, natural disasters, and more.
Top 10 Life Hacks That Can Help You in an Emergency: While not specifically geared towards survival situations, these life hacks can still be extremely useful in an emergency, helping you make the most of the resources you have available.
FAQs
What is urban survival?
Urban survival refers to the skills and knowledge required to survive and thrive in an urban environment, such as a city, in the event of an emergency or disaster.
What are some common urban survival scenarios?
Common scenarios include natural disasters like hurricanes or earthquakes, civil unrest, power outages, and acts of terrorism.
What are some essential items to include in an urban survival kit?
Essential items may include water and water purification tools, food, a first aid kit, tools for communication and navigation, and supplies for shelter and self-defense.
How can I learn more about urban survival?
There are many resources available, including books, online guides, and classes or workshops. It’s essential to do your research and practice relevant skills ahead of time to ensure you’re prepared.
How important is mental preparation for urban survival?
Mental preparation is crucial for urban survival. Staying calm, focused, and aware can help you make better decisions and take appropriate action in an emergency situation.
Hi! I’m Hellen James, and I am the founder of Unified Survival. I have a deep passion for the wilderness and everything that goes along with it. I’ve been hiking since I was a child, and I grew up camping in state parks all over the country. But it wasn’t until recently that I learned how to survive in the wilderness.