Urban survival - Part one

Introduction
There are many guides and books out there about bushcraft and survival in the field, jungle and even arctic. But what is mostly forgotten: Shit happens – everywhere! This guide deals with the „survival“ in every-days-situations. Mostly these are not as life-threatening as an airplane crash in the Arnhemland, but can be annoying enough to be gladly avoided.

Preparations
„Survival is a state of mind“ is an often used phrase by instructors. Although its a wise word, in the first survival is a matter of preparation and planning. The german „survival guru“, globetrotter and human rights activist Ruediger Nehberg (aka „Sir Vival“) once stated in one of his books „Survival begins with choosing the middle position in a public bus, to have as much buffer zone during an accident as possible“. That attitude clearly shows what urban survival is about: Have an open eye on your surroundings, calculate risks and avoid them. No one would cross a highway directly if theres a bridge half-a-mile downstreet, but nevertheless dozens of humans die each day in car accidents due blind street crossings. But this is by far the worst case. In urban environments you have to face rather „simple“ threats like delayed public trains and subways, rain showers half-way to your new-job-appointment, small bicycle accidents or getting lost in a foreign town.
So the first thing you should grow accustom to is: Don't leave home head over heals! Things you should check:

• Check batteries: Is your cell phone / smartphone / PDA loaded?
• Whats the forecast? Will it rain?
• Check if there are there any big events between travelling from „A“ to „B“, a marathon through the city? A demonstration? Veterans day?
• Check your connection! Have you a fall-back transport if your ride fails you?
• Be sure to have your Kit ready

These steps will prevent you from stumbling upon some nasty buggers! Next part, the "Kitguide" comes soon, so stay tuned