While many people living in urban or suburban areas give little thought to preparing for emergency survival, disaster preparedness can save lives. Natural disasters, infrastructure disruptions or other crises can lead to short or long term emergencies for which few people are prepared. During these times, survival may depend on having urban survival supplies that will last from a few days to several months.
Shelter
A shelter provides warmth and protection from the elements. Those at home or able to get home will have shelter as long as their home remains intact. Improvising a shelter may be necessary, however, if the home becomes unsafe or individuals need to leave the area for any reason. At minimum, keep a tarp and space blanket or sleeping bag on hand. Be sure to include matches or a lighter to start a fire for heat, cooking and light.
Water
Each person needs a gallon of water every day for both drinking and sanitation. Store water in clean containers made from food grade plastic. Most people will only be able to store enough clean water to last from a few days to two weeks, depending on family size and storage capacity. Keep a supply of water purification filters or tablets to use when collecting water from natural sources such as streams or lakes. Consider acquiring a container suitable for collecting rainwater.
Food
Consider keeping enough food in storage to last from one month to a year. Choose food that requires no refrigeration and has a relatively long shelf life such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Consider peanut butter, dry cereal, nuts, crackers, dried fruit, beans and powdered milk. Freeze dried foods are convenient and have a very long shelf life. Keep survival seeds on hand to grow and store fresh food. Survival seeds are non-hybrid seeds that have not been genetically modified, allowing gardeners to harvest and plant seeds from each generation of plants grown.
Light and Communication Supplies
Keep a few sources of light on hand, including battery or crank operated flashlights, candles and oil lamps. Be sure to have a supply of batteries. Consider a hand crank radio that includes a flashlight, emergency beacon and cell phone charger. Two-way radios can help multiple members of a family stay in touch. An emergency whistle is a necessity.
First Aid
Become trained in basic first aid. Assemble a first aid kit that includes basic supplies such as alcohol pads, adhesive bandages, sterile gauze and medical tape. Portable first aid kits designed to meet a variety of needs are available for purchase.
Sanitation
Keep a supply of paper towels, toilet paper, garbage bags and personal hygiene products. If water supplies fail, garbage bags can line a toilet for easy waste disposal. Alternatively, consider a portable toilet with chemical treatments.
Defense
Many precautions people already take will help keep a home secure during an emergency. Keep shrubs trimmed. Install solid doors with deadbolt locks. Ensure that windows have adequate locks. Keep rope ladders in upper levels for safe escape if needed. Guns may be useful both for defense and for hunting. Be sure to keep a supply of ammunition and gun cleaning tools.
Portable Survival Kits
Assemble survival kits for the office and car. Portable kits focus on short term survival during evacuation, so most contain a supply of necessities to last three days. These kits should contain water, food, shelter or warmth, and first aid. Include a flashlight, battery or crank operated radio, folding knife, whistle and compass. Cash and identification should also be a part of any portable survival kit.