The One Year Urban Survival Plan – Month 5

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The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 5

“Freedom comes from strength and self-reliance.” – Lisa Murkowski

This month, you'll focus more on fire and cooking. You'll create a fire-starting kit for your bug out bag, gather off-grid cooking equipment, practice off-grid cooking methods, learn to build a campfire, and make sure you have the right wardrobe for a long-term crisis.

Table Of Contents


Bug Out Bag

This month, we're going to work on a fire-starting kit. If the power is out for an extended period of time, you'll want to be able to build a fire for warmth or to cook food. If you don't need either of those things, you may still need fire so you can boil water that's been contaminated.

Fire-Starting Kit

Fire Starting Kit

Here's what to get:

  • Durastart cubes – These make it WAY easier to start a fire.
  • Foldable stove – This is for your bug out bag. With it, you'll be able to boil water in your canteen. Or you could cook up some food on a tiny skillet.
  • Fresnel lens – If you have some good tinder, this is an easy way to start a fire on a sunny day.
  • Hatchet – Use this to cut branches and chop up kindling.
  • Lighters – BIC lighters are the best. And if you're putting them in your bug out bag, wrap some gorilla tape around them first. It's very useful.
  • Magnesium fire starter – With this, you don't have to worry about it getting wet or running out of fuel.
  • Matches – It's good to have several fire-starting methods in case one of them doesn't work.
  • Pocket chainsaw – This is a great item for your bug out bag. You can use it to cut down a small tree and cut it up into fire logs.
  • Tinder – Unless it's been raining, you should be able to find some good tinder, but I included these just in case.

If possible, keep most of these things in a bag that is both fireproof and waterproof, like this one.

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FOOD AND WATER

Off-Grid Cooking

If you're living through a long-term gas or power outage, then at some point you're gonna need a way to heat up food without a microwave and a way to cook food without a gas or electric oven.

But first, you need to decide whether you're cooking outdoors or cooking indoors. I recommend choosing at least one way to cook outdoors and one way to cook indoors.

Cooking Outdoors

Grill

If you own a grill, then you're probably already familiar with cooking outdoors. Stock up on plenty of extra charcoal or propane tanks.

Fire Pit

If you don't have a grill, you should build a fire pit. It's not that hard, you just need some bricks, some gravel, and masonry adhesive. Or you could purchase a portable fire pit. This one is designed for cooking. (In the next section, we'll start talking about everything you need to build a fire.)

Camping Stove

If you don't want a fire pit, there are also all sorts of stoves you could get. One popular option is a simple camping stove. If you get one of these, make sure to stock up on plenty of extra gas cylinders.

Solo Stove

Another option is a large Solo Stove. These are great because they don't require any gas—just firewood. Plus, they produce far less smoke than a typical campfire.

Solar Cooker

Yet another great option is a solar cooker. You can't do traditional grilling with a solar cooker, but you can heat up just about anything using nothing but sunlight. For example, you could heat up a pot of soup or stew.

Rocket Stove

If you don't have a lot of money, you could build a rocket stove. It's really easy. All you need are some cinder blocks and a burner grate. Just get a fire going in the bottom and you'll have flames coming up the chimney that will produce enough heat to cook anything.

Cooking Indoors

There are many reasons to cook indoors. Maybe you're worried about the smell of food attracting dangerous people. Or maybe it's been raining all day, or it's the middle of winter and you don't want go outside. Whatever the case, you're going to need some ways to safely cook food indoors. Here are your options.

Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, you're lucky. It's a fairly easy way to cook food indoors while also keeping warm. You just need a few supplies such as fireplace tools, a campfire grill, a grill fork, a camp cooker, and insulated oven mitts. Just make sure the flue is clean and unobstructed.

Here's a guide to fireplace cooking for beginners.

Wood Stove

A wood stove is a great option for the same reason as fireplaces: it also keeps you warm. If you already have a wood stove but never use it, start practicing! It takes skill to use a wood stove properly. Here's how to cook on a wood stove.

If you don't have a wood stove, you could buy one and install it. However, you'll need to check local laws first to make sure it meets fire codes and regulations. And make sure it's installed properly! You don't want smoke, cold air, or carbon monoxide in your home.

Sterno Stove

Sterno Stoves aren't technically stoves. They're little cans filled with a fuel gel made from denatured and jellied alcohol, which burns cleanly without smoke. They're normally used to keep food warm at buffet presentations, but they work great for heating up food, too.

However, they can only get so hot. You can boil water over them, but it will take a while. And I wouldn't use them for anything that needs to be cooked thoroughly, especially meat. But they're great for heating up canned foods or for making MREs or boxed foods, which usually require hot water.

Note that Sterno stoves and Sterno fuel are usually sold separately.

Butane Stove

Butane stoves get a lot hotter than Sterno stoves. You'll have no trouble frying food and boiling water with one of these.

Normally, portable stoves aren't safe to use indoors, but this one is designed for both outdoor and indoor use, as long as the area where you're cooking is well-ventilated. (You don't have to open the windows, but you at least need to open any doors to other rooms.)

The reason this stove is safe to use indoors is because butane is generally a clean-burning fuel that produces very few fumes. Make sure to stock up on plenty of butane canisters.

Just to be on the safe side, you should purchase a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm and keep it wherever you plan on cooking.

Kerosene Stove

Some kerosene stoves are also designed for indoor usage. Many of them, such as this one, are designed to be both a stove and a heater, making them a great thing to have in the winter. Make sure you get plenty of extra kerosene.

And again, I highly recommend getting a battery-powered carbon monoxide alarm.

Alcohol Stove

Alcohol stoves are also safe to use indoors because they burn denatured alcohol, which is relatively safe and produces no fumes. The only problem is, most of them are so small that you can only put one small pot or pan on at a time, so you might want to get several of them. Also be sure to get plenty of denatured alcohol.

Remember: If you plan on cooking anything that requires fuel, be sure to stock up on lots of it. Try to figure out how much fuel you use for each meal so you can calculate how much you would need for three months.

Electric Hotplate

Hotplates are great for heating up small pots and pans for cooking. The main downside is that during a power outage, you'll need another way to charge them up. So unless you have several solar panels or some other way of generating electricity, these probably aren't your best option.

Solar Cooker

Speaking of solar power, you could try using a solar cooker indoors. The only problem is that the glass can filter out some of the ultraviolet light, which means the solar cooker won't get as hot as it would outdoors in direct sunlight.

I suppose you could open the window to allow sunlight to hit it directly, but that would defeat the purpose of cooking indoors (reducing smell, keeping cold air out, etc.) You're welcome to give it a try. It might work well if you're at a lower latitude.

Wonderbag

I love Wonderbags! They can't cook things by themselves, but they're so great at retaining heat that they could save you a lot of fuel. Here's what I mean…

Say you have a recipe that would normally need to be in the slow-cooker all day. Instead, you could put the ingredients in a small Dutch oven, use one of the methods above to bring it to a boil, then place the Dutch oven inside the Wonderbag.

The bag will keep all the heat inside, allowing your recipe to slow cook all day. As you can imagine, these are popular in countries where fuel and electricity is scarce.

Baking Bread

It's difficult to stockpile bread for the long-term. It keeps well in freezers, but during a long power outage, that won't be an option. Your best bet is to stockpile plenty of yeast and learn to bake bread yourself. But how do you bake bread during a power outage?

There are many options including:

As you can see, there are many ways to bake bread during a power outage. But speaking of Dutch ovens…

Dutch Ovens

In a moment, I'm going to list some cooking equipment you should get, but I wanted to give the Dutch oven its own section in order to emphasize how important and useful it is.

A Dutch oven is basically a big pot made of cast iron (they aren't always made of cast iron, but the best ones are). The thick walls and lid create the perfect environment for cooking food, retaining both heat and moisture. They're incredibly durable and will last several decades.

The best thing about cooking with Dutch ovens is how versatile they are. You can use them for baking, boiling, frying, stewing, and slow cooking, which means you can use them to cook practically anything. To see what I mean, here's a free PDF with over 500 Dutch oven recipes.

There are several accessories you'll need to get as well including a lid lifter, a lid trivet, a stand or tripod, and parchment liners. If you decide to get a Dutch oven, be sure to go with Lodge, which is widely regarded as the best manufacturer of Dutch ovens.

Cooking Equipment

Whether you're cooking indoors or outdoors, there's some equipment you should consider getting. You don't necessarily have to get all of these. It just depends on which cooking methods you plan on using.

Caring for Cast Iron

Before you get a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, it's important that you understand how to care for cast iron. You can't just wash it with soap and water like you would with other cookware. Cast iron requires a bit of special attention, but with the right care, it can last for generations.

The key to maintaining cast iron is proper seasoning. Seasoning involves coating the surface with a thin layer of oil and heating it until the oil forms a protective, non-stick layer. To do this, rub the entire surface with vegetable oil, then bake it upside down in the oven at 375°F to 450°F for about an hour.

When it comes to cleaning cast iron, avoid using soap or scrubbing pads as these can strip away the seasoning. Instead, use warm water and a sponge to clean it. For tough, stuck-on food, sprinkle some coarse salt into the skillet first or use a chainmail scrubber.

After cleaning, dry the cast iron immediately to prevent rust, and give it a quick rub with a light layer of oil before putting it away. Doing this will keep your cast iron in excellent condition for years to come.

More Info On Off-Grid Cooking:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 5

  • Decide how you're going to cook outdoors during a power outage.
  • Decide how you're going to cook indoors during a power outage.
  • Get the tools and equipment you need for each method.
  • Practice cooking indoors and/or outdoors.
  • Learn how to properly care for cast iron.
  • 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.

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SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Fire

Campfire and Friends

Learning to build a fire is an essential survival skill. You can use a good fire to stay warm, cook food, boil water, provide light, dry your clothes, keep animals away, and much more.

If you want, you can learn to start a fire from scratch with methods such as the bow drill method or the fire plow method. Just remember that these methods are difficult and take a lot of practice. That's why your first priority should be stocking up on fire-starting supplies.

Fire-Starting Supplies

Get at least two of the fire-starting tools below in case one of them fails.

  • BIC lighters – The most reliable of all lighter brands. They're cheap and easy to use.
  • Ferro rod – A durable tool that produces hot sparks when scraped with a striker or knife. Works in all types of weather.
  • Fire piston – This device that ignites tinder by rapidly compressing air to raise its temperature. It's reusable doesn't require any fuel.
  • Fresnel lens – A thin lens that can concentrate sunlight into a focal point to ignite tinder. Very effective on sunny days.
  • Magnesium fire starter – Has block of magnesium for shaving into tinder and a ferro rod for sparking the tinder.
  • Matches – Good old fashioned matches will work, but be sure to keep them dry. Otherwise, you could get some waterproof matches.
  • Zippo lighter – These are refillable and known for their reliability and a wind-resistant flame. You'll have to stock up on Zippo lighter fluid as well.

There are also some other things you can get to make it easier to start a fire, such as:

But you don't have to purchase tinder and kindling. Instead, gather plenty of it right now and keep it in a container so it will stay dry. Then you'll have it when you need it.

Building a Fire

There are several types of campfires, but first we'll cover some basic principles that apply no matter what type of fire you build.

  • Choose the Right Location – Pick a spot that is sheltered from the wind but also ventilated enough for the smoke to blow away. Make sure there are no overhanging branches, dry grass, or other flammable materials nearby.
  • Prepare the Site – Create a perimeter around the fire that is clear of any flammable materials (about 5 feet on each site). If possible, use rocks to create a ring around the fire.
  • Gather Materials – Collect tinder (small twigs, dry leaves, etc.), gather kindling (small sticks), and find fuel wood (thick pieces of wood) that will burn for a long time.
  • Construct the Fire – Arrange the materials from smallest to largest, with tinder on the bottom. We'll talk about the various structures in a minute.
  • Light the Fire – Light the tinder and be sure the flame spreads to the kindling and then to the larger wood. Adjust the amount of wood as needed.

Types of Fires

There are several types of fires you can build, and each one has its pros and cons. I recommend choosing at least two and practicing building them on a regular basis.

Teepee Fire

Teepee Fire

This is the most common and intuitive way to build a fire.

  1. Put the tinder at the bottom, then construct a teepee around it with the kindling, but don't make the kindling so dense that it stifles air flow.
  2. Once it's stable, add larger sticks and small logs in the same shape. Again, make sure there's plenty of space for air circulation.
  3. Light the tinder on several sides. The flame should light the kindling and larger pieces of wood.

While this type of fire can quickly create a tall flame that's great for boiling water or cooking a single meal, it tends to burn wood faster, and it's more susceptible to the wind.

For more detailed instructions, here's how to build a teepee fire.

Log Cabin Fire

Log Cabin Fire
Image via Primitive Living

This fire is more stable than the teepee fire and a little easier to build, and it's more wind resistant.

  1. Start by laying two large sticks parallel, about 1-2 feet apart.
  2. Lay down two more large sticks on top of those but perpendicular, like building a cabin.
  3. Continue building until you have 3-4 layers of large sticks.
  4. Place plenty of tinder and kindling inside the cabin, then finish by adding a few more large sticks across the top.

This type of fire is stable, burns a long time, and doesn't need constant tending, which makes it ideal for cooking food.

For more detailed instructions, here's how to build a log cabin fire.

Top-Down Fire

Top Down Fire
Image via Jimmy Meatwhistle

Also known as an upside-down fire, this one may seem counterintuitive, but it works well.

  1. Start by placing the largest logs side by side at the bottom. They should be close enough to hold smaller logs but still have room for air flow.
  2. On top of these, build more layers of logs, but choose smaller size logs with each layer. Make sure each layer is perpendicular to the one below it.
  3. Finally, put your smallest kindling and tinder on top.

This type of fire requires very little maintenance, produces less smoke, and provides more consistent heat over time. It's also great in the winter when the ground is covered with snow because the base keeps tinder and kindling off the ground.

For more detailed instructions, here's how to build a top-down fire.

Star Fire

Star Campfire
Image via Bob Hansler

The star fire has that name because it literally looks like a star.

  1. Start by placing a small pile of tinder on the ground, and lay kindling on top of it
  2. Place your fuel logs around it in star pattern with the ends meeting in the center over the tinder and kindling.
  3. As the logs burn, you'll gradually push them toward the center to keep the fire going.

This type of fire is great if you don't have a lot of firewood because you can easily control how much is burnt. It also provides steady heat without a large flame, making it good for cooking.

For more detailed instructions, here's how to build the star fire.

Self-Feeding Fire

Building a Self-Feeding Fire

This is an interesting one.

  1. Place two short and thick logs on the ground parallel to each other and a few feet apart.
  2. Arrange four long logs above these base logs with two on each side so that they incline towards each other and meet in the center, forming a V-shape.
  3. Line the V-shape with round fire logs and start your fire in the center.
  4. As the fire burns and the logs turn to ash, more logs will roll down to the center, and those will start burning.

When done properly, this fire will easily burn all night, so it's great if you're sleeping but need to keep warm until morning.

For more detailed instructions, here's how to build a self-feeding fire.

Dakota Fire Hole

Dakota Fire Pit With Flame

This one is really good if it's windy or if you don't have a lot of wood.

  1. Dig a hole in the ground that's about a foot wide and a foot deep.
  2. Next to it, dig a smaller, narrower tunnel that connects to the bottom of the first hole—this tunnel provides air flow.
  3. Start your fire in the larger hole with tinder and kindling, then gradually add larger pieces of wood.

This design allows air to come in through the tunnel and feed the flames from below. It's ideal if you want to minimize the smoke or light from your fire and keep a low profile.

Fore more detailed instructions, here's how to make a Dakota fire hole.

Fire Maintenance and Safety

To maintain your fire, remember to:

  • Gradually add more kindling and fuel as the fire burns to maintain a steady flame.
  • Carefully rearrange the logs to improve air circulation if the fire starts to die down.

When dealing with fire, you need to be safe and responsible. To prevent hurting yourself or starting a larger fire, follow these guidelines:

  • Never leave a fire unattended.
  • Keep water, sand, or a fire extinguisher nearby so you can put out the fire if it gets out of control.

When you're ready to put out the fire, do the following:

  1. Put it out with water.
  2. Stir the ashes and check for any remaining heat or embers.
  3. Repeat the first two steps if necessary.
  4. Make sure the fire is completely out before leaving.

Cooking Over a Fire

Earlier we talked about the types of cooking equipment. Whatever you decide to use, you'll have to practice using it. Try to cook a meal over a campfire once a week to say proficient. Here are some guidelines:

  • Prepare the Area – As mentioned above, be sure to clear the area around your campfire of any flammable materials. Make sure you have a stable surface to set up your cooking gear.
  • Use the Right Wood – Hard woods like oak, hickory, or maple burn hotter and longer than softwoods, making them ideal for cooking. Avoid resinous woods like pine as they produce a lot of smoke and can add a bad flavor to your food.
  • Let It Burn Down – For most cooking, you want coals, not flames. Let your fire to burn down to glowing embers, which provide consistent heat.
  • Regulate The Heat – Manage the heat by spreading the coals for lower temperatures or piling them up for more intense heat. You can also move your cooking grate closer or farther from the embers as needed.
  • Keep The Food Moving – To avoid burning your food, keep it moving by stirring or flipping it regularly. This is especially important for foods cooked on grates.
  • Use a Drip Pan – When cooking fatty foods, use a drip pan underneath to catch grease and prevent flare-ups.

More Info on Fire and Off-Grid Cooking:

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Clothing

Clothes and Shoes

Most survival guides don't say much about clothing. They'll suggest winter clothes for the winter, but that's about it. In this section, I'm going to go through each type of clothing and share suggestions on what to get. But first, here are a couple of things to do:

1. Stop Throwing Clothes Away – Even if it doesn't fit anymore, there's a chance that in the future you could modify it to make it wearable, you could use it for something else (T-shirts, for example, have many uses), or you could barter it for something else.

2. From Now On, Only Buy Durable Clothes – During a long-term crisis such as an economic depression, new clothing might be hard to find or too expensive. That doesn't mean you have to buy high-end clothing either (most of that is overpriced). Just buy well-known brands and avoid cheap brands like the ones at Walmart.

Lower Body

Boots and Shoes

Good boots or shoes are crucial if you spend a lot of time walking or working outdoors. It's not just about preventing your feet from hurting—you also want to take care of your knees. Here are some ideal characteristics:

  • Proper fit.
  • Waterproof.
  • Plenty of cushioning for the foot.
  • Thick enough material to prevent injuries.
  • Durable construction so you don't have to buy a new pair next year.
  • A metal toe cap for boots, which is especially important in construction or clean-up after a disaster.
  • Well-insulated for winter (or just wear two pairs of socks in the winter).

Socks

This one is easy. Get merino wool socks. Most socks are made from cotton, nylon, or polyester, but merino wool is way better in a variety of survival scenarios because it keeps your feet warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot.

And unlike cotton, which can stay wet and cause blisters, merino wool pulls moisture away from your skin, keeping your feet dry. Plus, it doesn’t start to smell bad quickly, which is great when you can’t wash clothes very often.

Pants and Shorts

In general, denim is the most durable fabric, and it has a timeless look (unless they're denim shorts; please don't wear those). However, if you're working outdoors and walking long distances, it's good to have cargo pants or shorts, which usually have more pockets. What type of cargo pants you get depends on when you want to wear them.

In the summertime, wear pants made from ripstop fabric. It's lightweight and durable, and it doesn't tear easily. In the wintertime, wear pants made from canvas. It's thicker and more robust, and also doesn't tear easily. If you want pants you can wear year-round, get a polyester-cotton blend. It's breathable, durable, and it retains warmth.

There are other types of pants you can consider such as storm pants, bush pants, and snow pants. What they're made for is in the name. Storm pants are waterproof, bush pants are difficult to tear, and snow pants keep your legs warm and dry.

Whether you get any of these depends on where you live. If you live in a rainy or swampy area, get some storm pants. If you expect to travel through thick woods and thickets, get some bush pants. If you live far north, get some snow pants. It's up to you.

Underwear

I grew up in the desert, but when I was 18, I moved to the Midwest, and I wasn't prepared for the cold winters. I wore a thick coat when I went outside, but I was still freezing.

Then one day, someone mentioned thermal underwear, and I said, “What is that?” They looked at me like I must be from Mars. Later that day, I purchased a pair of thermal underwear, and I was shocked at how much warmer I felt when I went outside.

If you live up North, you probably already have thermal underwear. But if you live in the South and haven't had to endure a long power outage in the wintertime, do yourself a favor and get some thermal underwear.

Other than that, I don't have much advice. Just wear whatever is comfortable. For women, that could mean wearing a sports bra instead of a regular bra under your shirt.

Upper Body

Shirts

In general, you should be wary of cotton shirts. Cotton is the most popular fabric because it's comfortable and breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cooler in hot weather. However, if you're sweating a lot, cotton can become saturated quickly, and it dries very slowly.

Also, if cotton gets wet in cold weather, it can be deadly. It won't insulate you at all and will only make you freeze faster. You're better off wearing wool in the wintertime. As for the summertime, you might be better off wearing shirts made from synthetic, moisture-wicking fabrics (like the performance shirts often worn by athletes).

Cotton is also cheap. This is part of the reason it's popular, but it doesn't last long. If it gets snagged on a nail or something sharp, it can tear easily. Merino wool is a much better option. If that's too pricey, get some shirts made of synthetic fiber or polyester-wool blend.

I also recommend getting shirts with at least one pocket. In any disaster or crisis, it's great to have plenty of pockets where you can easily access important tools like a lighter, a whistle, a mini flashlight, etc.

Gloves

These aren't just for keeping your hands warm in the winter. You want to have heavy-duty gloves when you're outside and doing things like gardening, construction, clearing debris, and so forth. I recommend getting three different pairs of gloves:

Hats and Other Head Protections

Hats can protect you from the cold and shade you from the sun. A wool stocking hat is great in the winter, and a wide-brimmed hat is best in the summer. If you don't have either of those, at least wear a baseball cap.

A bandana is another option for protecting yourself from the sun. You can wrap it around your neck or tie it around your faces, protecting your nose, cheeks, and ears.

An even better option is a shemagh. It's a large Middle Eastern scarf, typically made of cotton. Shemaghs are designed to protect you from the sun, sand, and wind.

If you're more concerned about the cold, a neck gaiter is a better option. These are designed to keep your neck and face warm in the winter.

Coats and Jackets

If you live in a place that gets particularly cold in the winter, make sure you have some good quality coats and/or jackets.

In wet conditions, wool is the best type of coat or jacket because it will retain warmth even if it's wet. In dry conditions, Down is probably better because it's great at retaining heat and also doesn't weigh much.

More on Clothing:

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 5

  • Gather two or more fire-starting tools.
  • Gather tinder and kindling so you'll have it when you need it.
  • Choose two or more types of fires and practice building them.
  • Study and memorize fire maintenance tips and safety guidelines.
  • Practice cooking over a fire on a weekly basis.
  • Stop throwing away clothes and start buying more durable clothes.
  • Take stock of your wardrobe and gather any survival clothing you still need.
  • Be sure you have adequate clothing for both summer and winter.
  • Set aside $40 cash.

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