The 10 C’s for Urban Survival: Communication

For when the SHTF.

Thriving in the dynamic urban landscape requires a blend of traditional survival wisdom and contemporary readiness. Understanding the crucial elements of survival is vital. These principles act as guiding lights, ensuring resilience and adaptability in challenging circumstances. To know which pieces of equipment to take with you in any survival situation, most experts will recommend the 5 C’s of Survival:  cutting, combustion, cover, containers, and cordage. Which we will cover below.

Added to that we’ve merged the fundamental tenets of both urban and wilderness survival, so city dwellers can arm themselves with a versatile toolkit to confidently navigate various scenarios. Let's explore the amalgamation of not just the 5 C’s but expanded it to the 10 C's of survival, customized for urban environments.

Like anything in real life, you’ll of course need to add on, amend, or completely have to redo the items in your SHTF bag. Also, you’ll probably need multiple grab bags depending on your situation and where those bags are stashed. Like most articles on survival these “How To’s” are for one person. If you have the responsibility of not just yourself, you’re gonna need more stuff. 

This article however brief is not for camping so you’re not going to see stuff thrown in for a prolonged stay. It’s grab, go, move, rest, move.

1. Combustion
2. Cutting tools
3. Cover
4. Container
5. Cordage
6. Communication
7. Composure
8. Concealment
9. Commodity
10. Currency

6. Communication: Hello? Is anyone out there?

In urban environments, and services are still up, your mobile device is your lifeline, and effective communication is crucial for safety during a crisis. Equipping yourself with a reliable means of staying connected with loved ones and emergency services is paramount.

When services are still up you’ll need to stay connected with social media and the web to be aware of the ensuing crisis. Whatever noise you’ll likely come across from the multitude of users streaming every aspect of the crisis is information you can use. Ensure your smartphone is fully charged and carry a backup power source like a portable charger or solar-powered battery pack. You probably want to stick that device in a weatherproof hard case.

Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and communication channels, including text messaging, social media platforms, and community apps.

But that’s all well and good when downed cell towers and power outages aren’t an issue. When those go down it will render traditional communication devices useless. To effectively and to continue to receive and send information alternative communication systems are vital for staying informed and connected. 

There are two main types of communication devices that you’ll need to keep in mind.

• One-way communication allows you to receive important information and updates from local authorities. You will be unable to communicate back, though.
• Two-way communication is for both sending and receiving information. This will allow you to talk with friends, family, and other community members. You can share information and ask for help. 

If you want to continue to communicate, here are the devices you’ll need to look at.

• Walkie-Talkies: These are the base-level communication tool. Readily available, relatively cheap, compact, and easy to use, walkie-talkies provide two-way communication. The drawback here is they are limited range. Quality walkie-talkies are rechargeable and offer about 10km of range and some feature a secure mode. They can be quickly recharged with a solar power bank. The issue is that Environmental factors can pose challenges to walkie-talkie communication, especially in rugged terrains or adverse weather conditions. Dense forests, mountains, or buildings can obstruct signals and reduce range. In such scenarios, utilizing repeaters or relay stations can help overcome these obstacles by extending the coverage area. Additionally, using higher-powered walkie-talkies or employing signal amplifiers can enhance signal penetration through obstacles. Understanding the impact of environmental obstacles and deploying appropriate solutions will ensure reliable communication even in challenging situations.

• CB Radio: Citizens band (CB) radios have been in use since the 1940s and offer greater range than walkie-talkies, making them useful for close-range communication. While less popular with the general public, they provide more privacy but may struggle to reach out for help. CB radios require a power source, with solar generators being recommended. Despite their popularity among truckers and RV enthusiasts, not everyone may be listening on CB radios. However, they are valuable tools for emergency communication, especially when cell towers and landlines are down during natural disasters. They offer reliability in adverse conditions compared to shortwave radios affected by atmospheric conditions. CB radios also serve as a means to keep track of family members, particularly when living far apart. They provide updates on safety and potential emergencies during trips, serving as cost-effective alternatives to cell phones. When looking for durable communication devices usable in various terrains and seasons, CB radios are unmatched. They facilitate communication in adverse weather or rough terrain, aiding in emergencies like rescuing stranded individuals. Moreover, CB radios feature channels for connecting with others on the road, allowing assistance in situations like getting stuck in the snow. Handheld CB radios, often bundled with two-way radios for home and car use, are increasingly popular due to their wide applicability beyond truck drivers. They enable communication in outdoor activities or off-road driving without relying on cell reception, provided the channel is clear of interference.

• HAM Radio: Amateur (HAM) radios stand out for their exceptional range, surpassing that of CB radios and walkie-talkies, thereby enabling communication over vast distances. This extended reach makes them invaluable tools for reaching out to individuals far beyond the limitations of other communication devices. However, accessing this capability requires obtaining a license, a process that entails learning the nuances of radio operation. Additionally, HAM radios necessitate alternative power sources like solar energy to ensure continuous functionality, adding to their versatility and reliability, especially in off-grid scenarios. Despite their long history, spanning more than a century, ham radios continue to hold relevance in today's digital age. While smartphones and laptops dominate modern communication, ham radios serve as resilient alternatives, particularly in emergencies such as wildfires and pandemics. Their enduring appeal is evidenced by the growing community of licensed operators, with California alone, boasting nearly 100,000 enthusiasts, colloquially referred to as “hams". In regions prone to disasters like Palm Springs, the significance of ham radio is particularly pronounced. Here, individuals recognize the pivotal role of amateur radio in facilitating communication and enhancing emergency preparedness. Embracing a variety of radio equipment, from handheld devices to larger "base station" radios reminiscent of vintage electronics, ham radio operators form a resilient network capable of sustaining communication even in the face of adversity.

• Solar/Hand-Crank Radio: In today's technology-driven era, the hand-crank emergency radio emerges as a vital yet often underestimated tool. Its popularity is steadily increasing as it provides reliable communication during crises. Endorsed by emergency authorities, these radios are crucial components of emergency preparedness kits. Solar and hand crank radios offer essential access to vital news and updates, harnessing either the power of the sun or good ol’ fashion elbow grease for operation. Eliminating the need for an external power source, Their built-in hand crank allows users to power the device without the need to plug into the power grid, thus ensuring access to emergency broadcasts, weather updates, and critical news. Compact and lightweight, they offer versatility and portability, featuring AM/FM radio, NOAA weather alerts, and device-charging capabilities. They cater to outdoor enthusiasts, travelers, and disaster-prone areas. By eliminating the need for batteries or external sources, they play a vital role in community preparedness during power outages, severe weather, or natural disasters. As global uncertainties persist, the demand for hand-crank emergency radios continues to rise, offering reliability, sustainability, and portability for those preparing for the unexpected. When looking for a Solar/Hand-crank radio always prioritize weather alert radios for instant alerts during severe weather and civil emergencies. Some are even multi-purpose in function, they include features like a flashlight, a USB port for device charging, and an AM/FM radio for entertainment and alerts. Durable, compact, lightweight, and reliable, they are essential tools for emergency preparedness.