Different survival situations require different preps and emergency plans. If you're living in the city and you're planning to bug out, your response may vary depending on your location, your skills and tools, and your main plan of action.
Think carefully before you bug out when SHTF in your city. Unlike the countryside, there are a limited number of areas to hide out in when in an urban setting.
Before SHTF, follow these tips so you can survive as you bug-out of your city. (h/t to BackdoorSurvival.com)
Backup power
You'll need your phone and other devices to find your way around the city or contact loved ones after SHTF. Make sure you have a power bank so you can charge your devices while on the move.
Access to certain areas and modes of travel
When bugging out from the city, you should know how to access certain areas to ensure your safety while traveling amid the chaos. Find hidden paths in your neighborhood and learn how to use tools to get access to locked areas.
Avoid traveling in large groups because people might panic and you could get trapped underground if you use the subway.
Use the tools below wisely to avoid getting mistaken for someone who means to cause trouble. You'll need these tools to escape locked rooms or barricaded areas when evacuating.
- Bolt cutters
- Fireman’s keys, which you'll need to send an elevator cab to the lowest floor of a building
- Lock picks
- Prybar
Escape and evasion
After a disaster, you may have to deal with people who mean to do you harm or steal your gear. (Related: Urban prepping: 10 Ways to prep in the city.)
When bugging out in the city, you need to know how to blend in and how to reach your bug-out location while avoiding crowds.
Finding fuel for your vehicle
When bugging in or bugging out, you need to have fuel for your back up power source or your escape vehicle.
Make sure your car always has a full tank, or at least half a tank of gas before you head home. This way, you can quickly bug out on your escape vehicle once you decide to evacuate.
Prepare at least five jerry cans of fuel. Each jerry can will store 20 liters or about five gallons of fuel. If you're bugging in, stock up on propane for heating and cooking purposes.
Avoid conflict and know when to ask for help
The best way to survive when SHTF is to avoid conflict. Keep your head down and learn how to protect yourself using a self-defense weapon.
If you're able and willing to help, lend a hand to those who need it.
Before disaster strikes, know if you can count on your neighbors in your time of need. Do they prep? If you think you can trust them, make arrangements to help each other as you all bug out.
As an urban prepper, you should be ready to bug in or bug out when SHTF. If you're undecided, consider bugging in if you think it's safer to stay at home and work with your neighbors to weather whatever disaster that's heading your way.
On the other hand, it might be better to bug out if your home has been compromised or if you feel you'll be safer in your bug-out location away from the chaos.
Before SHTF, finalize your emergency plan and pack your bug-out bag so you can leave at the first sign of trouble in your neighborhood.
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