The world is a dangerous place. We assume that we’re safe on a day to day basis, going from home to work and other places around the city in which we live, without really thinking anything of it. However, as crime and violence continue to rise, our safety is becoming less assured all the time.
What if something happens to the systems that protect us, which we take for granted? Do you have what it takes to survive in an urban setting when chaos takes over? Here are a few gadgets that can help you.
- Butane Torch. In the wilderness, you can start a fire by gathering wood and dried leaves and lighting them with a cigarette lighter. What you find for kindling in the city might not be as responsive. Therefore, your fire starter should be something a bit stronger. A butane torch that burns at 2,500 degrees can start one in seconds, even in wet or cold weather, to get you warm fast, give you a place to cook food, and more. It will also last a long time, helping you light fires for weeks or even months on a single tank.
- Water Key. One of the things you need during a disaster is safe, clean water. You could boil it once you’ve started your fire, but there’s an easier way, if you’re prepared. A water key allows you to access spigots and other faucets whose handles have been removed. There are different types of keys for different faucets, but if you buy a four-way key, you should be able to turn on any of them within seconds and get the water you need.
- Ham Radio. Now that we have the Internet, cell phones, and more, the art of ham radio has largely fallen by the wayside. If the grid goes down and communications systems stop working, though, this will be one of the only reliable ways to get in touch with people long distance, find other survivors, and coordinate a plan.
- Multi-tool. So much more than an ordinary pocket knife, these are useful for a host of different things. A good multi-tool has a blade, a pair of pliers, a screwdriver, a can opener, scissors, and much more. You never know what kind of situation you may run into, but a multi-tool allows you to be prepared for anything.
- Tactical Flashlight. Keeping a flashlight and batteries in your emergency kit will do you for a simple power outage, but if your survival depends upon moving around at night or otherwise seeing things in the dark, you’ll want a military grade tactical flashlight. They’re strong and durable, but light enough to carry around easily. They’re waterproof, the battery lasts a long time, and, most importantly, they provide you with enough light to see your way clearly in the dark.
- Pepper Spray.We could talk all day about which firearms are best for what situations, how best to use them, etc., but that’s an article for another time.In lieu of a gun, mace or pepper spray can be used in a pinch, with very little instruction, to incapacitate an enemy at close range and get away. Even with a gun, pepper spray is still handy to have as backup.
You never know when disaster might strike, so it’s important to be prepared. It’s better to have these urban survival gadgets on hand and never need them than to find yourself without them in a time of crisis. Do your research, stock up, and make sure that when you need to survive in urban chaos, you’re not caught unawares.