Chapter 1
When the Cavalry Isn't Coming: Urban Survival for Modern Families
In an increasingly unpredictable world, the difference between becoming a victim and protecting your loved ones often comes down to preparation. James G. Mushen's comprehensive guide to urban preparedness has become a silent bestseller among forward-thinking families and practical preppers alike. Unlike apocalyptic doomsday literature, this pragmatic manual addresses real-world scenarios that urban dwellers face: power outages, water contamination, civil unrest, and natural disasters. The book gained significant attention following Hurricane Sandy when thousands of New Yorkers found themselves without basic services for weeks. Even celebrities like Mark Wahlberg and Ashton Kutcher have publicly advocated for family preparedness using principles outlined in guides like Mushen's. As climate change intensifies natural disasters and infrastructure ages, this once-niche topic has entered mainstream conversation, with the Department of Homeland Security now recommending many of the same practices Mushen pioneered.
Chapter 2
The New Normal: Why Urban Preparedness Matters
The game has changed dramatically for American families. Recent years have witnessed unprecedented challenges: devastating wildfires in California, historic flooding in the Midwest, destructive hurricanes along the coasts, and social unrest in major cities. The stark reality is that government response systems, while well-intentioned, are often overwhelmed during large-scale emergencies. As Mushen bluntly puts it: "The cavalry is not coming. You are on your own."
Most urban dwellers live in a precarious state of dependence. Our cities rely on complex supply chains bringing food, water, and power from hundreds or thousands of miles away. This once-reliable system grows increasingly vulnerable due to rising fuel costs, decaying infrastructure, work stoppages, and the threat of terrorism. Just-in-Time inventory systems mean grocery stores typically stock only 3-4 days of supplies, which vanish immediately during crises.
Hurricane Katrina serves as a sobering case study. When 911 systems failed and power disappeared, civil order collapsed completely. Two groups survived relatively unscathed: those with advance preparations, supplies, and evacuation plans; and those who formed networks of like-minded people working together. The lesson is clear - preparation isn't paranoia; it's practical insurance against increasingly common disruptions.
The urban prepper isn't preparing for the end of the world but rather for temporary breakdowns in the systems we take for granted. This mindset represents a return to the self-reliance that characterized previous generations, who understood that comfort and security require personal responsibility. As Benjamin Franklin wisely noted, "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."
Chapter 3
Survival 101: The Essential 72-Hour Kit
The cornerstone of urban preparedness is the Bug-Out Bag (BOB) - a portable kit containing everything needed to survive for 72 hours when services are unavailable. This isn't just theoretical; during the 1995 Kobe earthquake, many survivors needed nine days of supplies before help arrived.
Your BOB should be lightweight (under 30 pounds), easily accessible, and customized for your family's specific needs. Rather than purchasing a pre-made kit, assemble one tailored to your location, climate, and personal requirements. Include:
1. Water solutions: Since carrying sufficient water is impractical (6 liters per person weighs 13 pounds), include 1-2 liters plus multiple purification methods - filter straws, portable purifiers, and chemical tablets. Coffee filters for pre-straining muddy water are invaluable.
2. Emergency shelter: Lightweight options include Mylar emergency tents (under a pound), trail tents (3 pounds), or versatile tarps with grommets. Location is critical - find or create protection from wind, and remember the "human burrito" principle: use anything available to insulate yourself, with twice as much material underneath as on top.
3. Food and preparation: Focus on calorie-dense, no-preparation foods like energy bars, jerky, trail mix, and tuna packets. Study what ultramarathoners eat - they've perfected portable nutrition. Include caffeine tablets for alertness during nighttime emergencies.
4. Lighting and fire: Pack hands-free headlamps, adjustable flashlights, crank LED lights with charging capabilities, and multiple fire-starting methods (stormproof matches, firesteels, lighters). For warmth without fire, include 18-hour body warmers.
5. Communication tools: A prepaid cell phone, crank/solar NOAA radio with cell charging capability, signal mirror, and survival whistle could save your life when normal communications fail.
6. Personal protection: Consider non-lethal options like pepper spray, personal alarms, and tactical flashlights bright enough to temporarily blind attackers.
7. Special considerations: For children, include comfort items, identification tools (photo luggage tags, safety tattoo IDs), and small toys. For infants, pack diapers, formula (even for breastfed babies, as stress can reduce milk production), and baby carriers. For seniors and those with medical needs, include extra medications, medical information sheets, and backup power for essential devices.
The most important aspect of your BOB isn't the gear but your familiarity with it. Practice using your equipment regularly, and review your kit seasonally to replace clothing and rotate perishable supplies.
Chapter 4
Water: The Urban Survival Priority
When disaster strikes, water quickly becomes the most precious commodity. During power outages or contamination events, immediately shut off your home's main water valve to prevent contaminated water from entering your system. Teach all family members how to do this.
Your home contains hidden water reserves you can access in emergencies:
• Water heaters hold 30-50 gallons of clean, drinkable water
• Pipes contain several gallons (access by opening highest faucet then lowest)
• Ice makers, toilet tanks (not bowls), and canned beverages provide additional sources
For longer emergencies, store 2 gallons per person per day, with FEMA suggesting a 14-day minimum supply (though 30-45 days is better). Use redundant storage methods: bottled water in cases, gallon jugs (rotate yearly), 5-gallon containers, and 55-gallon emergency barrels. To protect against losing your entire supply, store water in multiple locations.
Water purification becomes essential when supplies are contaminated. Understand the difference between biologically contaminated water (containing microorganisms) and toxic water (containing chemicals). Boiling, filtering, or chemical treatment can kill microorganisms but won't remove chemical toxins.
Mechanical filters physically strain out contaminants based on their micron rating:
• For protozoa like Giardia (5+ microns): 1.0-4.0 micron filter
• For bacteria like E. coli (0.2-0.5 microns): 0.2-1.0 micron microfilter
• For viruses like Hepatitis A (0.004 microns): water purifier rated to 0.004 microns
The key difference between filters and purifiers is that filters remove protozoa and bacteria, while purifiers also eliminate viruses through disinfectants, electrostatic charge, or ultra-filtration. When selecting a portable system, remember that manufacturer ratings are often optimistic - expect about half the stated capacity before needing replacement cartridges.
For chemical treatment, options include chlorine dioxide tablets, household bleach (8 drops per gallon), and iodine (not recommended for pregnant women or those with thyroid conditions). None of these alone completely eliminates Cryptosporidium, so combining methods provides the best protection.
Chapter 5
Food Security: Beyond Panic Buying
When crises hit, grocery store shelves empty within hours. Building a food reserve isn't about hoarding but creating a buffer against supply chain disruptions. The fundamental principle is simple: "Store what you use, use what you store."
Start by tracking your grocery purchases for at least 30 days to understand family preferences and consumption patterns. Begin purchasing extra items weekly, writing dates prominently, and rotating stock to always use the oldest items first. Build gradually from a two-week to a four-week supply, considering that during crises you may share with neighbors.
When disasters strike, certain items disappear first: canned meats and fish (protein sources), canned vegetables (nutrients when fresh produce is unavailable), milk (condensed or powdered), pasta, rice, beans, salt, olive oil, coffee, and medications. Your stockpile should prioritize these essentials.
For those with space constraints, focus on calorie-dense, nutritionally complete foods with long shelf lives. Dehydrated foods offer excellent value - they cost 1/4 to 1/2 the price of freeze-dried options, take up less space, and contrary to some marketing claims, are generally twice as nutritious because much nutrition is locked in food's water content.
Remember that food storage conditions dramatically affect shelf life. Ideal storage is between 40-60F in dark, dry conditions. Every 18F increase in temperature cuts shelf life in half. Using oxygen absorbers and proper containers like #10 cans or Mylar bags with food-grade buckets can extend storage life significantly for bulk items like grains, beans, and rice.
For those seeking efficiency, LDS (Mormon) Canneries offer unbeatable prices on long-term storage supplies. These non-profit facilities welcome non-Mormons and will sell 25-pound bags of dehydrated foods at cost along with canning equipment and instruction.
Chapter 6
When Systems Fail: Sanitation and Power
When basic services fail, disease quickly follows without proper waste management. During power outages, toilets become unusable, creating cruise ship-like conditions where waste backs up and creates overwhelming odors. The three critical rules for emergency sanitation:
1. Bury waste at least 100 feet from water sources
2. Keep pests out of sewage and garbage
3. Practice rigorous hand hygiene when handling anything dirty
For toilet alternatives, clean your toilet bowl with bleach solution, then line the dry bowl with plastic bags. After each use, sprinkle waste with bleach solution or cover with sawdust, dirt, or other absorbents. When full, tie tightly and bury at least 18 inches deep. For longer emergencies, convert a 5-gallon bucket with a toilet seat attachment.
Power outages require immediate action: check circuit breakers, call the utility company if the neighborhood is affected, and keep refrigerator doors closed (food above 40F must be discarded after two hours). Unplug major appliances to prevent power surges when electricity returns, and check on elderly neighbors or those using medical equipment.
For extended outages, generators provide crucial backup. Consider these factors when selecting one:
• Fuel type: Gasoline generators are common but present storage challenges as gasoline is extremely flammable. Diesel and propane are safer alternatives with longer storage life.
• Size: Small portable units (under 3500W) power essentials; medium wheeled units (5000-15000W) run most appliances; large permanent installations (10000W+) can power entire homes.
• Safety: Never operate generators indoors, never refuel hot engines, and never connect directly to your home's electrical system without proper installation and grid disconnection.
Alternative heating options include wood or coal burning stoves (hardwoods burn slowly; softwoods make good kindling), kerosene heaters (use only clear 1-K Kerosene), and propane heaters (must include low oxygen sensors). All require proper ventilation and carbon monoxide detectors.
For cooking, consider portable options like Sterno (convenient but expensive), cooking gel (environmentally clean, smokeless), propane/butane camp stoves (choose based on temperature needs), and in extreme cold, multi-fuel stoves that can use gasoline or kerosene (never use indoors).
Chapter 7
Home Security: Protecting What Matters
Civil unrest during disasters creates unique threats requiring home fortification and personal protection strategies. Recent events in cities worldwide demonstrate how quickly social order can deteriorate when systems fail.
Begin by thinking like a thief to identify your property's weakest points:
1. Exterior security: Install fences and gates as psychological barriers, post security signs, use motion-activated lights and barking dog alarms, and landscape defensively with thorny plants beneath windows.
2. Entry points: Standard deadbolts can be easily defeated with "bump keys" available online. Invest in newer bump-proof and pick-resistant models for all entry doors.
3. Interior protection: Create safe rooms with reinforced doors and communication equipment. Use proper window coverings and establish family emergency protocols.
Personal protection begins with awareness of your surroundings. Whatever protection choices you make, proper training is essential. Self-defense laws vary dramatically between states - what seems reasonable may not be legal in your jurisdiction.
Non-lethal protection options include:
• Tasers: Fire darts up to 15 feet, delivering 50,000 volts to override the central nervous system
• Stun guns: Require direct contact for 3-5 seconds, causing disorientation and loss of balance
• Pepper spray: An inflammatory agent that forces eyes shut and restricts breathing
• Telescopic batons: Extendable steel weapons effective in trained hands
• High-powered flashlights: 900-2,200 lumen models can temporarily blind attackers
For those considering firearms, remember the cardinal rule: never point a gun at someone unless you're completely willing to shoot. Without proper training and experience, firearms can create more danger than protection.
Chapter 8
Evacuation: When Staying Put Isn't an Option
The decision to evacuate or shelter in place depends on the specific threat. Hurricanes and wildfires generally warrant evacuation, while tornadoes may require sheltering in a basement. Key considerations include:
1. Assessing the specific threat
2. Evaluating your home's defenses
3. Having a specific destination
4. Identifying viable routes
5. Understanding refugee status risks
6. Recognizing potential chokepoints like bridges
When evacuation becomes necessary, remember that the first items to disappear from stores are: generators, food, water, fuel, batteries, ice, camping supplies, baby items, and common sense. Your preparation gives you a critical advantage.
Vehicle evacuation may not always be possible if roads are jammed or impassable. Alternative transportation options include bicycles, which offer numerous advantages: avoiding traffic congestion, freedom from fuel dependency, off-road capability, sidewalk access, and quiet operation. Options range from folding bikes to cargo tricycles that can transport up to 200 pounds.
For pets, preparation is crucial. Microchipping provides permanent identification, while digital ID tags with QR codes allow smartphone scanning to access emergency contacts. Prepare a 72-hour pet BOB with food, medications, water, first aid supplies, ID tags, leashes, travel crates, vaccination records, and comfort items. Crate training before emergencies ensures your pet has a safe space during evacuation.
Chapter 9
Special Considerations: Seniors and Children
Seniors and those with disabilities face unique challenges during emergencies that require careful advance planning. Create a self-help team of at least three trusted individuals in each location where you spend significant time, including home, work, or regular social activities. Share detailed information with team members, including spare keys, emergency kit locations, evacuation routes, and medical requirements. Establish regular check-in protocols and backup communication methods.
Customize emergency kits with essential medical equipment like spare glasses, hearing aid batteries, mobility device parts, and backup power sources for medical devices. Maintain a month's supply of medications in waterproof containers, rotating stock regularly to prevent expiration. Create comprehensive medical information sheets listing all prescriptions, dosages, allergies, medical conditions, and contact information for doctors, specialists, and pharmacies. Include copies of medical insurance cards and power of attorney documents.
Register with local emergency management offices, fire departments, and utility company special needs programs to ensure priority assistance during disasters. Conduct periodic reviews with your support team to ensure they understand how to operate specialized medical equipment and transfer techniques if needed. Create detailed evacuation plans that account for mobility limitations and medical requirements.
For those with specific conditions, prepare multiple laminated instruction cards explaining your needs to rescue personnel. Examples include: "I am deaf - please write things down or use gestures," "I have diabetes and need regular meals," "I use a wheelchair - here's how to operate it," or "I have autism and may become overwhelmed - please speak calmly and clearly." Keep these cards in multiple locations and languages if appropriate.
Children require specialized preparation focusing on both practical needs and emotional support. Their Bug Out Bags should include child-sized LED flashlights with extra batteries, emergency whistles on breakaway lanyards, multiple forms of identification (photo luggage tags, safety tattoo IDs, ID bracelets), and weather-appropriate clothing and protection. Include comfort items like favorite stuffed animals, small games, books, or tablets with offline activities to reduce anxiety during stressful situations.
For infants, pack sufficient supplies for at least 72 hours: diapers, wipes, rash cream, multiple changes of clothing, and appropriate weather protection. Include ready-to-feed formula even for breastfed babies as backup, plus sterile water, bottles, and cleaning supplies. Pack age-appropriate food, including familiar snacks and comfort foods. Infant first aid supplies should include pediatric medications, small bandages, nasal aspirator, and infant fever reducers. Consider including a baby carrier or sling for hands-free transport during evacuation.
Chapter 10
Natural Disaster Readiness: Before, During, and After
Each disaster type requires specific preparation strategies:
Floods: Install backflow valves to prevent sewage backup, anchor fuel tanks to prevent contamination, raise electrical components above flood level, and use flood-resistant building materials. During floods, move to higher ground without waiting for instructions, and never walk or drive through moving water.
Wildfires: Create defensible space by removing combustible materials within a 30-foot radius of your home. Replace wood shake roofs with fire-resistant materials like slate, terra cotta, or metal. During fires, wear protective clothing, close all vents and windows, and evacuate immediately if advised.
Earthquakes: Secure your home by fastening shelves to walls, placing heavy objects on lower shelves, and anchoring water heaters and appliances. Install flexible connections on gas and water lines to prevent breaks during shaking. During an earthquake, drop, cover, and hold on under sturdy furniture until shaking stops.
High Winds: Protect windows with permanent storm shutters or pre-cut plywood covers. Reinforce garage doors, brace gable end roof framing, and secure roofing materials properly. Remove trees planted closer to structures than their mature height.
Tornadoes: Seek immediate shelter in basements or interior rooms on the lowest level away from windows. In high-rises, find small interior rooms on the lowest possible floor. After tornadoes, watch for exposed nails, broken glass, and downed power lines during cleanup.
Hurricanes: Install permanent storm shutters, add roof straps, trim trees for wind resistance, and consider building a safe room. Evacuate if directed by authorities or if you live in vulnerable structures or locations. After hurricanes, return home only when officials declare it safe.
Pandemic: Store a four-week supply of food, water, and medications. Practice good hygiene by avoiding close contact with sick people, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and maintaining healthy habits.
Chapter 11
The Mindset That Makes the Difference
Throughout Mushen's guide, one theme emerges consistently: preparedness is primarily about mindset rather than gear. The most important survival tool is the ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances, make decisive actions based on available information, and maintain calm during chaos. This mental preparedness becomes especially crucial in urban environments where situations can change rapidly and resources may be limited.
Three types of people emerge during disasters: those who panic, those who freeze, and those who focus. The panic group often makes dangerous decisions, like running into hazardous situations or abandoning critical supplies. Those who freeze become paralyzed by fear, unable to take any action at all. The latter group - those who have mentally prepared and practiced their responses - consistently fare best. They protect not only themselves but often help others through crises, demonstrating clear thinking and methodical action even under extreme pressure.
Real-world examples illustrate this principle clearly. During Hurricane Katrina, individuals who had mentally rehearsed evacuation plans and maintained situational awareness were able to leave before conditions deteriorated completely. In contrast, those who delayed decision-making often found themselves trapped without resources. Similarly, during the 2003 Northeast blackout, prepared individuals who remained calm helped organize their apartment buildings and neighborhoods, creating impromptu community support systems.
The prepared urban dweller isn't an isolated survivalist but rather a resilient community member with skills and resources to weather temporary disruptions. This involves developing a network of like-minded individuals, understanding local emergency response systems, and maintaining awareness of community resources. By taking reasonable precautions and developing practical skills - from basic first aid to emergency communication protocols - you transform from potential victim to capable protector of your family and community.
Mental preparation includes regular scenario planning, staying informed about potential threats, and maintaining a positive but realistic outlook. This means acknowledging potential risks without becoming overwhelmed by them, and developing specific action plans for likely scenarios in your area, whether natural disasters, infrastructure failures, or civil unrest.
As Mushen concludes, "The cavalry is not coming. You are on your own." This isn't a statement of doom but rather a call to reclaim the self-reliance that built America - the understanding that our safety ultimately rests in our own hands. It's about recognizing that in the critical first hours or days of an emergency, individual and community resilience matters most. By embracing this responsibility, we build not just more secure families but stronger communities ready to face whatever challenges the future holds, creating networks of prepared individuals who can support each other during crises.
Chapter 12
When the Unthinkable Happens: Terrorism and Man-Made Disasters
While natural disasters follow predictable patterns, terrorism and technological failures create unique challenges requiring specialized preparation. Mushen's guide provides practical approaches to these scenarios without fearmongering.
For biological threats like the 2001 anthrax attacks, preparation includes HEPA air filtration, current immunizations, and understanding disease transmission. During an event, monitor official news sources, practice good hygiene, and if exposed, remove contaminated clothing and seek medical assistance.
Chemical attacks require quick identification of affected areas and immediate evacuation upwind. If trapped indoors, shelter-in-place by sealing rooms with duct tape and plastic sheeting while listening to emergency broadcasts. Decontamination must occur within minutes of exposure.
Nuclear threats, while less likely, require understanding three key factors for radiation safety: distance, shielding, and time. Identify potential fallout shelters - basements, windowless center areas of buildings, subways, or tunnels. During an event, take cover below ground if possible and stay there until instructed otherwise.
Home fires, though common, kill over 2,500 people annually. Create and practice a fire escape plan twice yearly, ensuring windows aren't stuck and security bars can be properly opened. When a smoke alarm sounds, escape immediately by crawling low under smoke and checking doors for heat before opening.
For all emergency scenarios, the principle remains the same: preparation creates options when others have none. By understanding these threats and taking reasonable precautions, urban families can navigate even the most challenging circumstances with confidence and capability.
