Aside from food and water, you'll need these 10 prepping items in your survival stockpile when SHTF. These items will be useful in many scenarios, including fires, gas leaks, or sewage and chemical spills.
Bicycle
An off-road bicycle is a reliable means of transportation during a survival scenario. While it does rely on your stamina, a bicycle can easily get you through blocked passages.
Bolt cutters
When faced with a chained or locked door or gate, a high-quality bolt cutter can help you get in or out during emergencies. Use bolt cutters responsibly. Just because SHTF doesn't mean you can use it to snoop around or loot.
Buy bolt cutters with long handles and jaws that open wide so you can cut bolts or chains easily. Don't waste money on a cheap set that might fail you when you need it most.
Breathing protection equipment
If you live in the city, there's a greater chance that you'll be exposed to hazardous atmospheric conditions. For example, fires and major damage to structures may release particulate matter into the air.
The size of these particles is directly linked to their potential for causing various health problems. Small particles less than 10 micrometers in diameter are the most dangerous since they can get deep into your lungs or even into your bloodstream.
Research suggests that particle pollution exposure is associated with the following problems:
- Aggravated asthma
- Decreased lung function
- Increased respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing, difficulty breathing, or irritation of the airways)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nonfatal heart attacks
- Premature death in individuals with heart or lung disease
Individuals with heart or lung disease, children, and the elderly are the most likely to be affected by exposure to particle pollution.
To minimize the dangers of exposure to particulate matter, purchase a box of N95 disposable dust masks. Alternatively, you can get a close-fitting synthetic mask that requires replaceable cartridges.
If you also want to protect your eyes, you'll need a gas mask. A proper-fitting gas mask with appropriate filters will protect you from various airborne hazards.
Crowbar
A two-handed crowbar will give you a greater mechanical advantage when prying open containers, doors, or other closed and fastened lids. You'll need a crowbar to unlock latches or to enter and escape locked buildings.
Alternatively, you can use crowbars to hold doors shut. Crowbars can also be used for breaking glass, demolishing or extricating things, and shifting very heavy objects. A steel crowbar can also double as a discreet and makeshift melee weapon.
Emergency radio
Even if a disaster doesn't destroy the cell network, the loss of power and total overload from panicking people trying to communicate with their loved ones can make your connection drop or vanish. As long as the authorities are still broadcasting, you can use a hand-cranked emergency radio (with emergency band alarms and tuning) to monitor the situation in your city.
Fire extinguisher
Every commercial and residential establishment needs to have fire extinguishers in clearly marked and accessible areas.
Fire is a major threat no matter where you live, so having a fire extinguisher at the ready is essential. If you live in a tall building, a good fire extinguisher might save your life when disaster strikes.
Heavy-duty gloves
Use heavy-duty gloves during and after an emergency to protect your hands from hazards like broken glass, debris, or jagged wire. Your options include heavy-duty leather work gloves or heavy fabric white logger-style work gloves.
Heavy-duty gloves will protect you from minor injuries. Even a tiny scratch can get infected and endanger your life.
Plastic sheeting
Urban preppers should also stock a large roll of heavy mil plastic sheeting. This versatile material can be used to address different problems, such as:
- Creating an airlock for quarantine purposes during an outbreak of disease.
- Keeping radioactive fallout transmission to a minimum during a nuclear incident.
- Holding different kinds of fluids, such as for rain catchment or waste control.
Plastic sheeting is cheap and widely available. Stock up on this item before SHTF. (Related: Improvising while prepping: Everyday items that can double duty in an emergency.)
Tac-Wedge
When SHTF, desperate people will do anything to get their hands on your supplies. Use PRO1TEK's Tac-Wedge to secure your home.
The Tac-Wedge is a unique doorstop that's designed to hinge itself open when inserted under a door or into the crack of an open door. The doorstop will keep itself in place while holding the door open or closed.
The Tac-Wedge has a saw-toothed blade that bites into the door while hardened steel spikes bite into smooth surfaces like tile or concrete. The doorstop is difficult to remove once you put it in place.
Weapons
You'll need a weapon to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your property when SHTF in the city. Use a long-range weapon like a handgun or a non-lethal option like pepper spray to minimize contact with an attacker. Alternatively, you can use close-combat weapons like knives or clubs.
When choosing a weapon, familiarize yourself with your city’s laws and those concerning firearms. Once you decide on a weapon, learn how to use it safely and effectively.
Urban preppers may face unique scenarios when SHTF. Prepare for these challenges by making sure you have special tools that can help you survive in the concrete jungle.
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