The 10 C’s for Urban Survival: Combustion
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.
- Combustion
- Cutting tools
- Cover
- Container
- Cordage
- Communication
- Composure
- Concealment
- Commodity
- Currency
1. Combustion: Fire is so hypnotic
Fire-making stands as an indispensable skill, serving as a linchpin for survival in diverse environments and scenarios. Its multifaceted utility transcends mere warmth and culinary applications, encompassing a spectrum of essential functions crucial for enduring the challenges of the wilderness. From purifying water sources to signaling for rescue and repelling potential threats, the versatility of fire is unrivaled.
In the hierarchy of survival essentials, fire occupies a foundational position alongside shelter, water, and sustenance. Thus, it becomes imperative to equip oneself with tools adept at initiating and sustaining flames, particularly in adverse conditions. While the marketplace offers a plethora of options, ranging from traditional matches to advanced ignition devices, the humble BIC lighter and conventional matches emerge as pragmatic choices for their simplicity, reliability, and widespread availability, even in urban settings.
For individuals seeking to fortify their fire-starting capabilities, exploring alternatives such as windproof lighters or weatherproof matches presents an opportunity to enhance preparedness and resilience. However, in scenarios where conventional ignition sources are unavailable or inclement weather poses a challenge, a high-quality ferrocerium rod emerges as an indispensable backup tool. Durable and versatile, the ferro-rod facilitates the ignition of tinder piles composed of various materials, including wood, grass, or kindling, thereby facilitating the establishment of a much-needed blaze.
In the selection of suitable tinder material, considerations extend beyond mere combustibility to encompass weather resistance and sustainability. Cotton balls impregnated with petroleum jelly, commonly known as Vaseline, exemplify an enduring solution, capable of sustaining combustion even in adverse weather conditions. Adequate preparation necessitates the procurement of ample tinder material, ensuring readiness to confront unforeseen challenges and contingencies. Through foresight and resourcefulness, individuals can bolster their ability to overcome adversity and thrive in any wilderness setting.
