3 More Urban Survival Hacks to Outsmart the Chaos

By Cade Shadowlight

Become a Dystopian: Click here to join the free email list!

Still grinding it out in the urban sprawl? Respect. Cities are pressure cookers — full of traps for the unprepared but ripe with opportunity for those who see through the system’s smoke and mirrors. My last piece dropped three survival hacks for city dwellers (check them out here). Now, here’s three more to keep you sharp, safe, and ready when the world tilts.

4. Stay Alert in Public

The streets aren’t your friend — don’t act like they are. Shadow sight is your first line of defense (article link). Notice everything: sketchy loiterers, nervous types, or anyone eyeballing you too hard. Dodge the city’s “no-go” zones and bad neighborhoods like your life depends on it, because it may. Roll with a crew when shopping or out for fun, and always let someone know your plans — where you’re going, when you’ll be back. Keep your phone charged and park in bright, busy spots. Before stepping out of your car or a building, scan for threats through a window. Don’t zone out on your phone — zombies aren’t the only thing that’ll catch you unawares. Stay alert, always.

5. Own Your Self-Defense

You don’t need a zombie apocalypse to make self-defense a must. It’s your shield against everyday chaos and whatever’s coming next. Sign up for a solid non-lethal self-defense course — there’s even age-appropriate ones for younger children. A good course doesn’t just teach you how to respond to a threat; it’ll teach you on dodging trouble altogether. If you can legally carry a firearm, do it. Get the permits, train hard, practice gun safety like it’s your religion, and know the laws inside out. A gun’s not a toy — it’s a tool for those who respect it. Either way, skill up. The system won’t save you.

6. Keep Your Ride Battle-Ready

Your vehicle’s your lifeline when the city turns into a cage. Keep it in top shape — regular maintenance, quick repairs, and solid tires and brakes. Skimp here, and you’re begging for a breakdown when it counts. It’s not just about saving cash over the long-run (it does); it’s about being ready to bug out fast. Never let your gas tank drop below half. If you can store it safely, have a 5-gallon gas can (rotate it to keep it fresh). No safe storage (never inside your home)? Keep an empty can handy. Stock your ride with an emergency kit: food, water, first aid kit and tourniquet (RM link), flashlight, extra batteries, oil, jumper cables (Amazon link), or a battery starter (Amazon link). Winter hits? Add a warm blanket and gloves. When the grid fails, your ride is your freedom.

Stay awake, stay alive. The city’s a game — play it smarter than they expect.

-------------------------------

Ad: Survivalist Family: Prepared Americans for a Strong America, by Joe Fox (aka Viking Preparedness). Whether you’re prepping for the apocalypse or just want to be ready for the next blackout, this guide has you covered with real, no-BS tips for beginners and intermediates. Joe Fox breaks it down with the kind of know-how that’ll make you feel like a badass—whether you’re 25 or 55. A must-have for anyone serious about thriving, not just surviving. Grab it now! (RM affiliate link)