January 19th, 2025

5minute read

In todays article, Kit Perez looks at prepping in an urban area.

As weve seen time and again, disasters can happen in big cities and other urban areas.

But what if you cant get out?

A group of wilderness firefighters in full protective gear battles a massive wildfire approaching the edge of a densely populated urban area. Thick smoke rises into the sky, partially obscuring the outline of the city skyline in the background. Firefighters wield hoses and tools to control the advancing flames, while others monitor the fire’s spread in the dry, brush-filled landscape. This image highlights the vulnerability of urban areas to natural disasters like wildfires and underscores the importance of emergency preparedness and situational awareness. The scene is a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather events, particularly in areas where rural landscapes meet urban environments. The firefighters’ efforts represent a crucial line of defense for the community, infrastructure, and utilities threatened by the fire.

In a disaster situation, you might be trapped in an urban area and in danger. Image:Shutterstock/Gorb-Andrii

What if the city is all you have?

There are a number of situations that city folk could find themselves in that require preparation and survival skills.

And emergencies are not always natural in origin.

A congested city street filled with vehicles, ranging from sedans to delivery trucks, creates a chaotic scene beneath a backdrop of tall buildings. The sidewalks are crowded with people, some hurrying while others appear to be waiting, emphasizing the high population density. The urban environment is vibrant but also demonstrates how quickly resources like fuel, food, and water could become scarce in a crisis. The image highlights the critical need for emergency preparedness, alternative transportation options, and sustainable living strategies in such a crowded setting. It serves as a visual reminder of the potential challenges of navigating an urban landscape during disasters.

If this is your potential survival arena, you need different skills than rural folks.

Rioting, looting and mob mentality can create an environment just as deadly as any natural disaster.

Whats more, that throw in of problem cannot be fixed with your freeze-dried food and stored water.

It stands to reason then that the most important tool for survival is a means of self-defense.

A large crowd of people gathered on an interstate bridge in New Orleans following Hurricane Katrina, their faces marked by frustration and desperation. Some individuals hold signs or gesture emphatically, while others sit or stand in clusters, shielding themselves from the sun. The scene reflects the scarcity of essential resources such as food and water in the aftermath of the hurricane, with no visible aid in sight. The damaged urban landscape in the background underscores the breakdown of infrastructure, including access to utilities and municipal water. This image captures the critical need for disaster preparedness, emergency response, and community support in urban areas affected by extreme weather events.

In the days after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans residents used Interstate bridges to escape flood waters. How many do you think brought enough food or water? Image: Jocelyn Augustino/FEMA

Owning and being highly proficient with a firearm is a top consideration.

Without it, you cannot as effectively defend yourself or your family.

Its not enough to have a firearm; you’re gonna wanna train with it extensively.

A devastated suburban neighborhood with homes severely damaged by a recent hurricane, showcasing collapsed roofs, shattered windows, and scattered debris across lawns and streets. Fallen trees and broken power lines further illustrate the extent of destruction, leaving the area without electricity or other utilities. The image conveys the vulnerability of suburban areas to extreme weather events and emphasizes the importance of emergency preparedness, such as having an evacuation plan, emergency kits, and backup power options. This scene highlights the impact of hurricanes on infrastructure, community resilience, and the need for disaster response efforts to provide clean water, shelter, and sanitation to affected families.

This could be the type of situation you need to survive.

Theres no such thing as overtraining, and the time to be doing it is now.

Whether youre starting from ground zero or a solid level of proficiency, you need more practice.

In most cases, your plan may simply be to avoid the threat completely.

A large group of people walking through a crowded urban street, carrying backpacks, bags, and personal belongings as they attempt to leave the city on foot. The scene is filled with tension, with individuals navigating past stalled vehicles and closed shops under the shadow of tall buildings. The image highlights the challenges of evacuation in densely populated areas, where mass transportation and resources like fuel and food may be unavailable. This moment underscores the importance of having an emergency plan, situational awareness, and preparedness strategies, including bug-out bags and alternative routes, for navigating chaotic urban environments during disasters.

Blending in is one of the best survival skills you can have.

Being the gray man is a topic all its own, and it doesnt mean youre sneaking around.

When youre being inconspicuous, youre quite visible just going about your business but nothing about you is memorable.

If asked later, youre the person no one can really pick out again.

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Pay attention to what is considered normal in your neighborhood or area and work within that framework.

Consequently, the bug out bag is often referred to as a 72-hour kit.

Other names for the bug out bag include go bag or GOOD bag (Get Out Of Dodge).

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Another kind of bag that is similar is the get home bag.

Read Scott Conditts article onget home bags.

Dont wait until there is an emergency to think about your BOB.

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Disasters typically strike without a lot of warning.

Pre-assembled bug out bags are an option, but they are also generic that frequently need modification.

However, they are an option when your time is limited.

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The city is a whole different environment.

Train to what youre actually going to encounter; in fact, train for non-combat scenarios too.

Learn those skills and keep training with your firearm.

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