The One Year Urban Survival Plan – Month 3

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The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 3

“Determination and perseverance move the world; thinking that others will do it for you is a sure way to fail.” – Marva Collins

This month, you'll add some food to your bug out bag. You'll also find out where to buy emergency food, and you'll learn about off-grid communication, navigation, and everyday carry items.

Table Of Contents
  1. BUG OUT BAG
  2. FOOD AND WATER
  3. SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

BUG OUT BAG

This month, we're going to put together 3 days' worth of food. In case you need to bug out on foot, I highly recommend getting some emergency ration bars. These don't taste great, but they're packed with calories and nutrition and will keep you alive.

The rest is up to you, as long as it adds up to over 2000 calories per person per day. And that's the bare minimum. If you end up bugging out on foot, you could easily burn 3000 or 4000 calories a day. I also recommend getting foods that don't need to be cooked. This will save you a lot of time and trouble if you're in a hurry.

You'll also want to get foods that have a high calorie-to-weight ratio. The less weight you have to carry, the better. Since these sorts of foods will be low in fiber, I would bring some fiber tablets so you don't have to spend an hour trying to go #2 every day. And if you take any supplements or prescription drugs, you should also have a pill case you can put in your bug out bag.

Bug Out Bag Foods Checklist

The following list of food for your bug out bag is just a suggestion. It adds up to about 2400 calories per day.

FOOD AND WATER

Where to Buy Food

Warehouse Store Isle

At some point while reading this guide, many of you have probably wondered, “How much is all this going to cost?” I know how you feel. Stockpiling enough supplies to last 3 months is very expensive. That's why you need to find the best deals you can.

If you haven't already, you should join a bulk discount store like Costco or Sam's Club. These stores have all sorts of survival food and emergency supplies for much cheaper than you'll find in the grocery store or even Walmart.

You could also search discount stores like Aldi, Save-A-Lot, or Dollar General, but that will be more time-consuming as oftentimes they have very bad deals mixed in with the good deals, so you'll want to bring a calculator.

Your local grocery store could occasionally have some great deals, so be sure to watch for any sales or coupons you can use. I personally shop at Publix, and every now and then, they have “Buy One Get One” deals. Whenever they have that deal for a food I regularly eat, I stock up like crazy.

I don't usually recommend shopping online or visiting sites like Amazon.com. Oftentimes, the “great deals” you see on there aren't as great as they make them out to be. Plus, the cost of shipping is included in the prices, even if it says “free shipping.”

Still, every now and then I find a great deal on Amazon, and I do that by visiting PreppingDeals.net. They scan Amazon daily and let you know whenever there's a good deal on food or other emergency supplies (I have no affiliation with them).

Another option is to do a search for “wholesale food” and see what you find. I've seen some great deals on sites like AllBulkFoods.com. Just be sure to compare it to the price on Amazon.com or Walmart.com to make sure you're actually getting a better deal.

If you want to can or dehydrate fresh food yourself, consider checking out your local Farmer's Market, but wait until the end of the day. Oftentimes, vendors will discount whatever foods they have left.

More Info On Shopping for Emergency Food:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 3

  • Look for good deals on food you need to get.
  • Consider joining a warehouse club like Costco or Sam's Club.
  • Store at least 2 days of water.
  • Try some new off-grid recipes.
  • Choose one recipe and get enough ingredients to make it 8 times.
  • Stockpile 8 days worth of breakfasts.
  • Stockpile 8 days worth of lunches.

SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Communication

Nowadays, we take the ability to instantly communicate over long distances for granted. Imagine living over a century ago. If a loved one went off to war, or a child moved to the big city, or a friend made a long journey in bad weather, you couldn't immediately get a message letting you know they got there safely. You'd have to wait days or weeks for a letter.

One of the most frightening things about a major disaster is the inability to get in touch with friends and family. If the cell towers are jammed and the Internet is down, you have no way of knowing whether they're okay, and you have no way of making plans to meet somewhere. It makes you feel helpless.

Fortunately, there are plenty of gadgets that allow you to communicate over long distances, even if there's no cell service or Internet access. However, some of these devices are very expensive, and some of them have a steep learning curve. Still, it may be worth the effort.

Ways to Communicate During a Disaster

High Frequency Radio Amateur Transceiver Closeup

Below, I'll list the various methods for communicating during a crisis. However, I'm not going to go into detail on how each one works. This would take an incredibly long time, especially when it comes to Ham radios. Whatever method you choose, it's up to you to find a good book or course that teaches you how to use it.

Weather Radio

Technically, this isn't about communicating, but about gathering information. If the cell towers and Internet are down for a long time and you don't know why, you can tune into local radio stations or emergency frequencies and find out what's going on.

Nowadays, most weather radios come with built-in flashlights, solar panels, and hand cranks so you don't have to worry about the batteries dying. This Rayonic weather radio is a good example, and it will even alert you if severe weather is on the way or if some other emergency is occurring.

Texting

If you try to make a call with your cell phone but it won't connect, you should check and see if a text will go through. Oftentimes, texts will still work even if the cell towers are jammed because a text is very little data. It might not work, but it's worth a try.

Landline Phone

If you have a traditional landline phone, it may still work during a power outage, as long as it's not a cordless phone or a phone that needs to be plugged into an electrical outlet. But if you have an old-school phone that draws power from the phone line itself, then it should work.

However, it needs to be a phone that plugs into the telephone jack. There are many cable companies that sell “landline phones” that work through cable (this is called VoiP), but you want a phone that works through the copper wires used in traditional phone lines.

Although fewer and fewer people use old-fashioned landline phones, there are still a few companies out there that offer it. You'll have to check to see if landline phones are available in your area, and make sure they use the telephone jack and not the cable outlet.

GoTenna

A GoTenna allows people to create their own mesh network through which they can send texts and GPS locations. It's a device that pairs with your smartphone via Bluetooth and uses an app that lets it communicate with other GoTennas in range.

The main downside is the range. It's only effective within a few miles. However, if several people in your town have GoTennas, and none of them are more than a few miles away from someone else with a GoTenna, then it's a reliable way to communicate with anyone in the network.

The app is very easy to use, and each GoTenna is around $100.

Two-Way Radio

Two-way radios (commonly known as “walkie talkies”) are very popular for medium range communication, but the range depends a lot on the surrounding terrain. If there are a lot of trees, buildings, or hills around, they won't reach very far—maybe a few hundred yards.

Even if you're in a wide-open area with few obstructions, a good two-way radio might reach 1-2 miles at best. Oftentimes, manufacturers will say their two-way radio is “long distance” and that it can reach several miles, but don't believe them.

It might be possible for a powerful two-way radio in ideal conditions (such as on a mountain top or open water on a clear day) to reach 20 or 30 miles, but most of us won't be in ideal conditions during a disaster.

Two-way radios are good for keeping in touch with people in the same neighborhood (as long as you're outside and the neighborhood isn't too big). They're also good to have when bugging out.

For example, if someone gets separated while hiking through the woods, a two-way radio could help you find them (as long as they aren't too far away). Same goes if you're in a caravan on the highway. If you're following someone and lose them, a two-way radio could help you stay in touch and find each other. But again, you'll need to do it before you end up too far apart.

Also, remember that anyone within range could listen in on your conversation, so be sure not to share any sensitive information.

The good thing about two-way radios is they don't cost much, and they're also very easy to use. Whether they'd be useful to you depends on your situation.

CB Radios

If you end up in a caravan on the highway, a CB radio is way better than a two-way radio. Just ask any truck driver. They've been talking to each other through CB radios for decades.

While CB radios still aren't powerful enough to communicate with people in other towns or cities, they still reach farther than two-way radios, sometimes up to five miles if you have a good antenna, making them a better option for most people.

One downside is that they're more expensive. While you can get a decent pair of two-way radios for less than $50, a single CB radio will cost closer to $100 by the time you purchase the transceiver and the antenna. Still, it's worth the cost if your nearest contact is a few miles away.

Learning to use a CB radio is easy. You just flip to one of the 40 available channels. However, as with two-way radios, keep in mind that anyone can listen in on your conversation, so don't say anything stupid like, “I'm stuck at home alone.” Doing that will make you prey for burglars.

Another good thing about CB radios is that most places don't require you to have a license to use it, unlike the next one on the list…

Ham Radio

Ham radios are very popular in the prepper community because of their long range and versatility. On a good day, you can talk to people on the other side of the world.

Local weather has a much smaller effect on Ham radios, which makes them more convenient than two-way radios and CB radios. However, solar activity can increase atmospheric noise, which can affect a Ham radio's range and signal clarity. In fact, many Ham radio operators plan their activities around these conditions. Still, it's not such a big problem that Ham radios aren't worth getting.

As with two-way radios and CB radios, Ham radios do much better in wide open areas as opposed to areas with lots of hills, trees, and buildings. If you're trying to reach someone far away while living in a location like that, you'll want to get a powerful antenna.

Despite their incredible range, Ham radios are still relatively affordable. Some of them don't cost any more than the average CB radio. But remember, you get what you pay for. If you plan on communicating with people thousands of miles away, you'll want to get a high-quality Ham radio, and those can cost up to and over $1000.

The main downside to Ham radios is how complex they are. There are books and websites that teach you how to use them, but I recommending taking a class in person or online. It's much better if you can ask an expert questions rather than searching for answers on Google. There's also a large community of ham radio operators online who will be happy to answer your questions.

In most parts of the world, you'll need to get a license before using a Ham radio. In the United States, the FCC requires you to take an exam before getting your license. This is because Ham radio frequencies can interfere with emergency services or with military, aviation, and commercial communications. So if you don't know what you're doing, you could cause some serious problems.

As with two-way radios and CB radios, it's possible for people to eavesdrop on Ham radio communications. If you want a private connection, you'll need to consider the next option…

Satellite Phone

If you have the money, a satellite phone might be your best option. Unlike mobile phones, which rely on cell towers, satellite phones communicate directly with satellites in space. That means they will work almost anywhere, as long as they have a clear line of sight to the sky (obstructions like buildings and mountains can block the signal).

The range of a satellite phone is global. As long as the satellites are still functioning, you can talk to people on the other side of the planet. The only things that could get in the way are geomagnetic storms, coronal mass ejections, or meteor showers, but it' is uncommon's rare for these to interfere with satellites, and the interruption would be temporary.

However, satellites are still vulnerable to cyberattacks and anti-satellite weaponry, so if you're concerned about World War III, you might want to choose another method of communication.

Unfortunately, satellite phones are very expensive. A single satellite phone can cost from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. Also, you have to purchase a phone plan, which is usually over $100 a month. And even then, you only get a couple hours of talk time per month and maybe a couple hundred text messages.

Satellite phones are fairly easy to use and don't require any special training. While they're bulkier than regular smartphones, they're still portable, and they're usually very durable. However, they use more power than regular phones, so you'll want to bring extra batteries if you're on foot.

And unfortunately, bad weather can interfere with the signal. Satellite phones work best when they're outside on a clear day, so they aren't ideal in an urban setting with lots of trees and tall buildings.

Technically, it's possible to eavesdrop on a satellite phone, but it's far less likely. If you're concerned about this, you can talk to your satellite phone provider and see if they offer any encryption services.

Off-Grid Communication Tips

Man Talking on Satellite Phone

Talk to Your Friends and Family

Before you purchase any communication equipment, you should talk to your friends and family about your concerns. Ask them how they would like to communicate after a disaster that takes out the Internet and cell towers. Remember, having one of the devices listed above won't do you much good if no one else has one.

Develop a Communication Plan

Once you have one or more family members on board, establish some clear communication protocols. Here are some things to do when developing a communication plan:

  • Decide who should be contacted first.
  • Decide what frequencies you will use.
  • Agree on a backup if the primary communication method fails.
  • Schedule regular check-ins during a crisis.
  • Establish signals that can convey certain messages quickly.
  • Come up with ways to share sensitive information (such as location) using coded language in case someone is listening in.
  • Decide what you will do if someone doesn't check in and can't be reached.

Practice Regularly

Practice using your communication devices on a regular basis to make sure everyone is comfortable and proficient with them.

Maintain Your Equipment

Check your devices on a regular basis to be sure they're still working. Replace batteries, update software, check antennas, etc. Also be sure to keep everything clean, dry, and easily accessible, and keep it off when you're not using it to conserve battery life.

Learn to Boost Signals

There are several ways to boost signals for radios, such as putting antennas higher or using reflective surfaces to direct signals.

Familiarize Yourself with Local Resources

Learn the frequencies used by local emergency services, ham radio operators, community safety groups, etc. Keep a written record of important frequencies, channels, and codes.

More Info on Communication:

Navigation

Remember when people drove places without using apps? They just got the address, looked at a map, and found a way there. During a major crisis, the people who remember how to do this will have a major advantage.

Navigation Tools

In order to find your way around town during a crisis, or whether you're traveling to a distant location after a disaster, there are a few navigation tools to consider getting.

Maps – Get a detailed local map and keep it in your vehicle. Also consider contour maps that show elevation and terrain features in case you go off road. You should also have a map of your state and any states you have to go through to reach your bug out location.

Note: Be sure the maps are laminated or that you have waterproof sleeves or cases for them.

  • Compass – Get a reliable, orienteering compass. This will be essential if GPS is unavailable.
  • Digital Maps – You can get handheld GPS units that have pre-loaded maps and work without cellular signals.
  • Navigation Apps – There are apps that allow you to download detailed maps to your phone. Just make sure you have a way to charge your phone.
  • Binoculars – Useful for scouting terrain and navigating from a distance by identifying landmarks.
  • Altimeter – These are often found in watches, and they're useful for gauging altitude, which helps when using topographic maps.
  • Notepad and Pencil – For recording directions, landmarks, and making personal maps or notes.
  • Signaling Devices – If you're in the wilderness, mirrors or flares can signal your location to rescuers or group members.
  • Wayfinding Markers – Items like flagging tape or chalk to mark paths or indicate directions when traveling through unfamiliar terrain. These can allow friends and family to follow you or allow you to find your way back.
  • Weather Radio – As I mentioned above, a weather radio is a good thing to have in case you're on foot. By tuning into local radio stations, you can get info about safe routes, areas to avoid, the status of public transport services, etc.

Using a Map and Compass

Using Map and Compass

Using a map and compass is fairly simple, but you still need to practice it a few times to make sure you know what you're doing. Here's how to find your way using an orienteering compass:

  1. Orient the Map – Lay the map on a flat surface. Rotate the map so that the north on the map is aligned with magnetic north on your compass.
  2. Find Your Location and Destination – Mark your current location on the map, then mark your destination.
  3. Place the Compass on the Map – Align the edge of the compass with your current location and destination so that the direction of travel arrow on your compass points toward your destination.
  4. Set the Bearing – While keeping the baseplate steady, rotate the compass bezel until the lines inside the compass housing (orienting lines) are parallel with the north-south lines on the map. Make sure the orienting arrow points to north on the map (not to be confused with the direction of travel arrow).
  5. Find the Bearing – Look at the index line (usually a marked line at the front of the compass housing) to read the bearing (in degrees) from the compass bezel. This is the angle between north and the direction to your destination. For example, if your destination is directly East, your bearing would be 90 degrees.
  6. Follow the Bearing – Hold the compass in front of you with the baseplate horizontal. Make sure the direction of travel arrow points straight ahead. Turn yourself until the magnetic needle aligns with the orienting arrow inside the compass. Make sure the needle points toward the “N” (north) mark on the bezel. The direction of travel arrow now points in the direction you need to walk to reach your destination.
  7. Adjust as Needed – As you travel, check your bearing frequently, especially when the terrain changes or after covering some distance.

Here's a video showing how it's done.

Finding North and South

If you're lost without a compass and don't know which way is North, there are a few methods you can use to find out:

Shadow Stick Method

  1. On a sunny day, push then end of a stick into the ground.
  2. Mark the tip of the stick's shadow with a rock. This is the west marker.
  3. Wait at least 15 minutes and mark the new position of the shadow tip with another rock. This is the east marker.
  4. Draw a straight line between the two markers. This line runs east-west.
  5. The side opposite from the sun is North.

Note: Reverse it in the Southern hemisphere. The first mark is the east marker, and the second mark is the west marker, and North is the side closer to the sun.

Watch Method

  1. If you have an analog watch, point the hour hand toward the sun.
  2. The direction right between the hour hand and the 12 o'clock mark is the north-south line.

Find the North Star

Note: This only works in the Northern hemisphere.

  1. Locate the Big Dipper constellation, then find the two stars forming the end of the dipper part.
  2. Draw an imaginary line through these stars. This line points to Polaris, the North Star.
  3. If you walk in the direction of the North Star, you should be walking North.

Find the Southern Cross

Note: This only works in the Southern hemisphere.

  1. Locate the Southern Cross constellation.
  2. Imagine a line connecting the two stars at the “head” and “foot” of the cross.
  3. Extend that line another four lengths from the foot of the cross to find the south celestial pole.
  4. Look straight down from there to the horizon. That is South.

There are other methods, but just knowing these should be enough to ensure you can always find North.

Urban Navigation Tips

  • Familiarize Yourself with the Area – Study maps of your city and neighborhood before a disaster strikes. Learn the main routes and back roads.
  • Plan Multiple Routes – Always have multiple escape routes planned from your home, workplace, or anywhere else you go on a regular basis. Mark them on your map.
  • Avoid Choke Points – Get your paper map and circle potential choke points. These are places like bridges, subways, busy intersections and other places that could become too congested to get through during a crisis.
  • Use Landmarks – Identify landmarks like parks, hills, rivers, tall buildings, major intersections, or anything else that can help you orient yourself.
  • Consider Non-Traditional Paths – In a dense urban environment, sometimes cutting through buildings like malls, large stores, or parking garages can be faster and safer than the streets.
  • Practice Night Navigation – If you only explore your town during the day, you may be surprised how different it looks at night. Sometimes it can be disorienting, so get used to how it looks at nighttime as well.

Everyday Carry (EDC)

If you're going to be walking around your city and practicing navigation techniques, you should bring an everyday carry kit with you. Everyday carry—also known as EDC—makes up all the items you carry with you on a regular basis. The idea is to make sure you're prepared for unexpected situations.

While your bug out bag has everything you’d need for an emergency, it’s not practical to carry it everywhere. The idea of EDC is to carry a few useful items with you all the time—things that fit in your pockets or can be clipped to your belt. And if that isn’t an option, you could at least keep your EDC items in a small bag in your vehicle or at work.

So what goes in an everyday carry kit? It really depends on the person, but here are my suggestions. Remember, you don't have to include all of these. Think about what scenarios are most likely, then choose your EDC items accordingly.

Everyday Carry Kit

  • Bandana – These have all sorts of uses.
  • Cash – Carry cash in case electronic payments aren't an option.
  • Charger – Carry a portable charger to make sure your phone doesn't die.
  • Fire Starter – A simple BIC lighter will do.
  • First Aid Items – Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any necessary personal medications.
  • Flashlight – A bright, compact flashlight can be invaluable during power outages.
  • Multitool – Has useful tools such as screwdrivers, pliers, and scissors.
  • Nutrition Bars – In case you need some quick energy.
  • Paracord – You never know when you might need some cordage.
  • Pen and Notepad – For taking notes, leaving messages, or even self-defense.
  • Pepper Spray – A non-lethal way to defend yourself.
  • Pocket Knife – Useful for cutting things, opening packages, or even self-defense.
  • Solar Charger and/or Power Bank – Another way to keep your phone or flashlight charged.

There are plenty of other items you could include, but these are the most important. As the Boy Scouts say, “Always be prepared.”

More Info on Navigation and EDC:

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 3

  • Research off-grid communication tools.
  • Talk to your friends and family about how you'll communicate in a disaster.
  • Choose your preferred communication tool and learn to use it.
  • Consider a backup method of communication.
  • Develop a communication plan with your friends and family.
  • Get a map and compass and learn to use them.
  • Gather any other navigation tools you may need.
  • Learn to find North and South using natural methods.
  • Familiarize yourself with your town and its roads.
  • Plan multiple routes out of town, and mark them on your map.
  • Put together an everyday carry kit. Keep it with you.
  • Set aside $40 cash.

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