Urban EDC

Thanks for the new forum. New topic - how does Urban edc differ from wilderness EDC?

Oh heck yeah.

Wire stripers are in my urban EDC, even if it just a little Squirt-E. Not in my EDC in the woods. But I also don't EDC stove made from a coffee can when I'm on the black top.

City game is all icky. No bunnies, no deer. Least not in my zip code. Apparently there are some fish in the Potomac and Tidal Basin but I think they have three eyes.

Venison probably tastes better than rat. Or the occasional possum I've seen around here.

Seriously, though, one of the major differences that occurs to me is that looting, violence and other mayhem is not an issue in the wilderness, as it well could be in an urban area.

The only thing scarier than DC in some scenarios would be wilderness full of armed, hungry Grizzlies.

Survival in extreme weather seems the same challenge, though there are certainly more traditional options for shelter in the city. Dry clothes should be easier to find in the city. If city water is shut down or tainted, it's less likely you'll find a clean spring in the city than the wilderness.

All this survival talk is causing me to give thanks every night for electricity, running water, supermarkets and relative peace.

I'd say it's quite different. The odds of foraging in anything short term slim (Although Blast could tell you how to find food - and at least where I am in NYC, there are quite a few squirrels, and if I go 1/2 mile, a lot of rabbits, and fish)

During a LOT of "disasters" in the Urban situation, you're really going to be looking at a "How do I get Home?" scenario, and once there, you're either into a more general situtation, or you're like me, and live in the city.

In a few ways, NYC in a disaster is probably better off than many cities. First, we have a VERY large Police and Fire Department, that can throw manpower at a problem like you could not believe, which leads to MOST problems being short term. Another good thing is that NYC's water supply is gravity fed, so a loss of power does NOT lead to a loss of water, UNLESS you live in a building taller than approximately 5-6 stories (where they have to pump the water up to tanks on the roof)

I worked in downtown Baltimore for 12 years, and got put in some interesting scenarios in that time. I agree that most disasters in an urban setting equate to "How do I get home?" because very few workplaces are well-positioned to be a place of refuge for any length of time.
I have always EDC'd a multitool, small flashlight, and a lighter. Other items have come and gone, but these have always been the core. In the past few years I have increased this to include an EDC backpack that is ostensibly for my laptop and its accessories but also contains:
- radio/flashlight that charges by solar/crank/USB cable
- water and food
- protective gear including dust mask and ear plugs
- Esbit stove and metal cup
- PSK including DR PSP, AMK first aid kit, poncho, Heatsheets blanket, small folding knife, small Leatherman tool, lighter, bandana, etc.
- USB key with encrypted vital docs

Wilderness survival is about surviving until you are found. In an urban setting you are probably never going to be "lost" in that sense, so the goal is safely getting to a place where there is security, shelter, and sustenance; this gear is meant to do that.

All this lives in a smaller bag about the size of a thick hardcover book that will easily pop out of the larger backpack. Ideally this would have been augmented by the larger Get Home Bag in the car trunk, if my car was accessible.

I also had maps for the trek home, if that became necessary. 40 miles would equate to several days even without any major problems, so the plan was to go light and fast.

None of the things that I experienced (Train tunnel fire, 9-11 general freak out, building fires, bomb threats) required walking home, but having some gear and having thought through some possible scenarios always made me feel like I had an edge in dealing with the things that came up.

One of the biggest changes I made from doing Urban/Rural SAR as apposed to Wilderness SAR (Basically Maine SAR vs. Alaska SAR) were electronics/electrically focused.

While I did SAR in New England I always carried a mini phone (one of those cheep $9 phones available at Radio Shack or Wal-Mart) the kind that they promoted to kids. The thing was great it could make phone calls and I had a patching system that I could connect to phone lines to call for help/support or to report locations.

Also during my New England time I carried wire cutters and more equipment to navigate electricity and locks (don't ask about the locks) I even carried the tools necessary to open Elevators and get past security screws. Thank goodness a cop never looked in my bag, everything was carried and used in SAR and Urban survival venue, but lets just say that a thief would have killed for my kit.


When I moved to Alaska I put all the electrical equipment aside, there were no phone polls to climb and tap into to call for support. There were no elevators (at the time I lived there) that I would need to access or get out of. So I dumped the4 3 pounds of gear. But promptly added things that I knew I would need.

Now my Urban Survival kit includes even a mini laptop. Where I would never bring that into the wilderness.

I usually carry less in urban environment because for me I`m normally not that far from my vehicle which has the rest of my gear in it. My commute consists of urban and wilderness so I have enough gear to walk home, or live in the woods, or live in the city... I would say the #1 thing on my list are communications that work in BOTH places, and water.

Actually, I think there'd be a much better chance of acquiring food and potable water in urban setting. Even if municipal water is no good, bottled water is going to be common enough at least for a short period, but probably long enough to do a bug out. I work in downtown Denver and live 35 miles away. I also take the train because driving in is just not an option. I can't keep a bicycle at work, so that means if the bubble goes up I have to walk out. I cannot keep a decent bug out pack with me, so security becomes an issue, as does comfortable ambulation. I have some decent routes to take, but it's all afoot unless I manage to get a ride. In any case, I would first be looking for a means of defending myself, then a way to comfortably carry whatever gear/supplies I can scrounge up that I would need. I don't need a compass or a map. I will need a flashlight. I can start out with a backpack with a couple quarts of water and at least two days worth of food, or a lot more if I smash the vending machines on my way out the door. I always have my edc with me, which includes multi tool, 2 LED pocket lights, lighter, laser pointer, and money.

After that it is pretty much the clothes on my back, and the rest I will probably find/acquire along the way. If I had to shelter in place, I have no doubt I could get by here for at least a week, more likely two.

One focus for Urban Everyday Carry is provided by the word "carry." Different urban environments and occupations may limit what you can comfortably, legally, and practically carry as you go about your normal daily business.

For example, fairly often and on a moments notice, I have to go into secure buildings, through metal detectors and pocket-emptying. Security folks do not like seeing large metal tools, blades of any kind, fireams, fire-staring gear, stuff that looks like drugs, etcetera. If these were part of my EDC I would be frequesntly losing them to the authorities and having other unwelcome challenges.

I also live in California where there are lots of restrictions on things like blades and firearms.

My "solution" has been to keep a BOB backpack in my vehicle close by and to carry a TSA-approved type set of gear.

Years ago I worked for a small PC shop and we did printer work too and I ended up with all the printer jobs. I went onsite to a couple places and was surprised at the lack of consistancy in tools. One place was in a prison for the library computer and after emptying my pockets was told I couldn't bring that in so as I reached for my pocket knife to take it back to the van the guard said no, the cell phone can't go in, the knife can.
Another time the guards were not wanting me to take in my leatherman and I asked them if they were going to provide tools then and a lady guard came over to see what was going on and was like "ohh thats a leatherman, it can go"

A big twist on urban survival would be if something happened in a city that you were visiting on business.

The mini-bar would go fast.

I still remember as a kid (to give you an idea of the era - US Air was Allegheny Airlines. Dad got called in to work oh the HVAC system at LGA airport one Saturday, and decided to take me as a helper - both of us got changed into our work clothes, and off we went. The guards were like "we can't let you/your truck in" Dad had a real simple answer to that "Fine" - took out his clipboard with the work/job sheet on it, and wrote "Denied entry to Job site by (name of guard here) at (time)" and handed it to the guard and said "Please sign here" - Guard decided to call management, and they were like "YES, he is allowed in, just needs escort" - we were allowed in

He had a very simple rule - I go where I need to go with my tools - you don't want me/my tools there, no problem. I'll leave, and note that you denied me entry, so that when the customer calls and says "You didn't fix XXX" Dad's boss could say "We showed up, were denied entry by so and so - oh, and here is your bill for our time"

I take the same attitude - if you have asked ME to show up, I'm bringing what I need to do the job, and my EDC. YOU can modify YOUR rules to fit ME - my rules are "I carry my EDC". Now, if I'm the one who is requesting entry (Movie theatre, an airplane flight, etc), I'll fit your rules, if I don't like them, I can leave. It's a 2 way street

Thats basically how I got to be. In the same office building I pulled out my leatherman to cut open the box with the new part and some lady was like "thats a knife!". I calmly said somehting to the effect of "yes, how else would I open the box with the part in it".

The dangers and opportunities are different.

Darkness, for example. My impression is that in a wilderness under the sky, it's rarely really dark. In any big building during a power cut it can be pitch black. It's more important to have a torch in an urban environment. This especially applies if you travel by underground train, use lifts or elevators etc.

You need tools for working with metal and plastic rather than wood and soil. A multi-tool which has a variety of screwdrivers is more useful in a city than in a forest.

There are more people around. That is a mixed blessing. There may be looters but there may also be emergency services. There's a high chance that someone will help you, if you need it. There are a lot of resources (eg canned food), but also a lot of people after them, which could be a problem. The organisation of these people becomes a big issue - eg the shear numbers can impede travel.

Shelter is probably easy to find. You are much less likely to need to make a fire. Where I live, everything burnable is owned by someone.

People become accustomed to things like piped water and grid electricity, and can be ill-equipped to cope when they fail.

I was walking home after dark from work a few years ago when a blackout hit.

Couldn't see my hand in front of my face. Creepy, to say the least.

Fortunately, I could feel the Petzl Zipka in my purse.

That Petzl paid for itself ten times over on the rest of the walk home.

Which brings to mind my newest greatest gear purchase: Doug's tiny e-GEAR PICO light. I have one on my key lanyard for walking my dog and another on my car key ring. It's just an inch and a quarter long and virtually weightless.

http://www.essentialgear.com/store/p/117-eGear-PICO-LED-Zipper-Lite.html

Everyone should have a flashlight with them, every second of the day. One day it will be priceless.

Back to the original question in this thread, except for the human predators, I'd much rather be sheltering-in in the city than scrambling for shelter in the wilderness.

That said, if we ever have an extended power outage during the air conditioning months, I'm evacuating to the mountains to go camping.

I'm not the expert by any stretch but thought it would be interesting to play out the thread premise by comparing top 3 wilderness survival kit versus top 3 city kit.

I'm going to assume that in the city scenario I'm stranded across town at night in a massive power outage, and need to walk home. In the wilderness scenario, I'm lost in the woods. Reflective of the difference in priorities, here's the top 3 things I could/should reasonably have in my purse or backpack:


purse: flashlight, cash, pepper spray.

backpack: water, firestarter (matches-lighter), "space" blanket (I actually always have in my pack an Adventure Medical Heatsheets Emergency Bivvy)


I'm going to regard house keys as a given, like shoes.

I suppose you could buy a bottle of vodka and gate crash one of the candlelit parties that will most likely have started up in the local neighbourhood during the power blackout then crash on their sofa. Then phone for a taxi the next morning or ask the householder to drive you home.

I have a puppy at home who needs me.

And terrible memories of vodka in college. It was years before orange juice was appealing again.

;-)

RE Supplies in the city post blackout

One major problem turns out to be - electronic cash registers. I know that when I was walking home post the 2003 blackout, I got over the Queensboro (aka 59th St) bridge (Feeling Groovy...), and I stopped for some water from my pack. People were asking me where I got my water - it seems all the local stores were either 1)Out or 2)couldn't make a sale because of the register - and the folks at the stores didn't have the authority to make a "open drawer" sale

Luckly a block or 2 further along, someone had an open hose bib - folks were drinking from their hands etc - I just refilled my bottle

The worst I ever had it was when I had to work on the RC crane controls in the Fast Flux Test Facility at Hanford. Not only did I have to suit up in Level A haz mat, but security and Rad Health guys had to inspect, scan and pass each of my tools (we also had to do this at the tank farms where the rad waste was stored in UG tanks with manifolds with telemetry we maintained). FFTF was the worst assignment, because when you go into the hot room and they close the big vault door behind you, you realize that if something goes wrong, they're probably not going to be able to do anything to help you. If the sodium leaks and ignites while you're in there, well, it ain't gonna be pretty. Standing on greased crane skids 30 feet off the ground in a big rubber suit working as fast as humanly possible, I filled my boots with sweat (well I think it was sweat anyways). You don't dawdle around in there. I got in a discussion a few times with the security about taking a big knife in there to cut the plenum insulation with if need be. It contains switching equipment that has to be protected from contaimination, and if I have to trim insulation that is 6 inches thick, I don't want a friggin' carpet knife.

Interesting thought RE Light during urban scenarios

I've always carried a few cylume type sticks - and recently got a Glotoob. I almost did away with my cylume sticks - then I said "nope". Iremember the blackout - I was in the subway at the time - Times Square Station in fact. (just luck - I was in a train). At that time, the station was under construction, and there were large sections with NO emergency power

Now, I had a flashlight to get out, and I helped folks by lighting their way out - but I di one other thing (and was thanked by many people) - I took out a bunch of light sticks, lit them, and just LEFT them - Other folks could SEE - Amazing what a few light sticks can do - and you can leave them behind, which I'm NOT going to do with a glo-toob

+100 karma points to you. This is a great idea. Thinking about it, I have dozens of little trade show flashlights. If I know I'm heading into a situation that could end up with lots of people in the dark I'll thow a handful into my manbag. They don't weigh anything but would be priceless in such a situation.

Hmmm, thinking more maybe you subway riders could work a deal with Doug to have ETS sell packs of cheap, logo flashlights y'all can buy and pass out the next time this happens.

-Blast

If I`m not walking to far or in a car kit... I always have at least two lights. 1 for distance that may last 1 or 2 hours, and one that is for spread/close-up work that lasts 24hr+. Can hand one off to someone else to do something while you are doing something, and if one busts you have the other.

I'm realizing some level of sun protection would be a good idea too ... something I'm currently missing. The building I'm in just had to evacuate due to a fire alarm and standing around out in the sun certainly would've been more comfortable with a hat.

It's the type of thing that I'd think would be much more important had there been some sort of real emergency where I'd have to hoof it for a ways.

On the up side, I was glad my water bottle was a bit over half full when the alarm went off.

My urban EDC is intended to deal with thirst, escape, rescue, communications, first aid. It is not intended to provide shelter, warmth or (much) food.

My wilderness EDC is intended to provide warmth, shelter, water and food as well as signaling and lighting.

What is the smallest tool a person could EDC that would open a fire hydrant?

-Blast, who understands in some situations having everyone open hydrants would be a VERY bad idea.

Slip joint plyers. Or go to e-bay and get a HYD. wrench, Or try this.
http://www.jmefireequipment.com/item/109112/5-Hole-Hydrant-Wrench.aspx

That would be a perfect necklace piece for Blast!

2 oz or so of C-4 agent should do the trick, but then you should already know that Blast!

Alternatively, about 6 wraps of det cord at the base ought to open it right up. The problem in both cases will be getting it closed again.

Urban EDC.

To me, this is your basic kit list:

Money.
Mobile phone.
Water.
Snack food.
Torch.
Head torch.
Non-locking knife.
Multi-tool.
20' 550 cord.
Waterproof.
Lighter.
Small compass.
Carrier bag.
Garbage bag.
Day sack or haversack.

Now to explain:

Money. Always carry some cash. If you can still use your credit/debit card's then great. If not, a £100/$100 will go a very long way if spent carefully.

Mobile phone. Every day use + emergencys. Get one with a radio built in. Always as good idea if thing go pear shaped.

Water. A couple of half litre bottles. Dehydration is always an issue. It's amazing how much you sweat moving around people.

Snack food. If you can buy a hot meal then great. If not have enough calories on hand to stave off that low blood sugar feeling.

Torch. Hand sized L.E.D. City's have all sorts of dark and unfriendly corners. You may have to compromise between power and run time.

Head torch. Always a good idea. I've lost count of the number of times that I needed a torch and both hands!

Non-locking knife. Tends to upset those of a nervious disposition some what less than a locking/fixed blade. Even presuming that carrying the latter is legal for you.

Multi-tool. Your choice. One thing I will say: The Victorinox multi-tools are a lot better for urban use than Leatherman, Gerber et al. Tougher, better tools.

20' 550 cord. Don't have to explain that one do I?

Waterproof. Getting cold and wet is for idiot's. It does not need to be state of the art. Basic, packable will do.

Lighter. Ditto.

Small compass. It's very easy to get turned around in a city. Most city A to Z maps are orientated north up. Being able to sort out which way your facing is always a good start.

Carrier bag. Sit on it, turn it in to a waterproof hat. Carry your shopping in it.

Garbage bag. Ditto.

Day sack. Need some thing to carry things in.

Other thing's you might find useful are:

Electricians tape.
Duct tape.
Cable ties.
Note pad.
Couple of pens/marker pens.
Spare batteries.

Dress to survive, not to arrive. At least on your outer layers. Presume that you are going to miss the last bus or train home. Which means a night sitting on your bag, in the rain. Huddled under the garbage bag.

Hydrants probably can't be opened with a slip joint, and det cord won't do it - the valve is oh, 4-6 ft under the ground, and it's NOT easy to turn.

I have a heavy duty hydrant wrench in my truck - the problem is that NYC is started using tamper proof hydrant valves. From what I understand they use some sort of magnetic wrench

I really would not want to deal with the pressure on a hydrant unless absolutely necessary and, as has been stated, shutting it off again is going to be a real pain without the proper spanner.

Instead, what about carrying one of those hex key-type tools that opens a security hose bib. You know, the kind that omits the round handle, but instead has a square fitting inside the fixture that requires a key to open. I suppose you could pick up one at a plumbing supply store. In the city where I work, there are one of those security hose bibs about every 100 feet. They are not obvious, but are there if you are looking for them.

Craig.

Actually, I think a charge placed at/around the base like that would probably pop the hydrant body upward, stippping out the valve and creating a gyser. I don't think the cast iron pipe will take the stress and as the body goes ballistic, the guts get ripped out along with it.

Just cutting the body up higher with the det cord wouldn't likely open the valve, unless the blast pulled on the stem hard enough to strip the valve out as with a base blast.

Blast would probably know better what kinda charge it would take.

Well, the flange bolts at the bottom of the hydrant are designed to easily break away if the hydrant is hit hard, like with a car, a snowplow, or a forklift carrying a pallet of Valvetta cheese...

-Blast, who will say no more.

The stem has a shear coupling right at/slightly below ground level, and the body itself has a shear flange, as Blast said...

They are designed to break away when hit with a car, and be easy to put back together

Cellar, I think you're referencing a 4-way Silcock Key or Wrench, which are available from various hardware suppliers on the internet. Kudos to Ironraven for first introducing the idea to the EDC Forums. I'm now thinking of investing in a couple of those small hydrant wrenches mentioned above.

Coincidentally, a friend I hiked with last weekend recommended this book below. An absolutely gripping read, no matter how much you think you know about what happened that day.

High heels piling up in the corners of stairwells as people evacuated. Several men desperately trying to get out of an elevator stuck between floors by clawing through drywall -- none of them had a knife. Others in stuck elevators turning on laptops for light. Survivors desperate for water to quench thirst and reduce smoke inhalation during evacuation. Peoples' physical fitness and split-second decisions having enormous consequences for themselves and others. Stay or go? Up or down? Go back for the purse/briefcase? Mass lack of situational awareness due to lack of communication.

Highly relevant to this entire section of the forum.

"102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers"

http://www.amazon.com/102-Minutes-Untold...5220&sr=1-1

Amazon.com Review
In 102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers, New York Times writers Jim Dwyer and Kevin Flynn vividly recreate the 102-minute span between the moment Flight 11 hit the first Twin Tower on the morning of September 11, 2001, and the moment the second tower collapsed, all from the perspective of those inside the buildings--the 12,000 who escaped, and the 2,749 who did not. It's becoming easier, years later, to forget the profound, visceral responses the Trade Center attacks evoked in the days and weeks following September 11. Using hundreds of interviews, countless transcripts of radio and phone communications, and exhaustive research, Dwyer and Flynn bring that flood of responses back--from heartbreak to bewilderment to fury. The randomness of death and survival is heartbreaking. One man, in the second tower, survived because he bolted from his desk the moment he heard the first plane hit; another, who stayed at his desk on the 97th floor, called his wife in his final moments to tell her to cancel a surprise trip he had planned. In many cases, the deaths of those who survived the initial attacks but were killed by the collapse of the towers were tragically avoidable. Building code exemptions, communication breakdowns between firefighters and police, and policies put in place by building management to keep everyone inside the towers in emergencies led, the authors argue, to the deaths of hundreds who might otherwise have survived. September 11 is by now both familiar and nearly mythological. Dwyer and Flynn's accomplishment is recounting that day's events in a style that is stirring, thorough, and refreshingly understated.

There are two(2) types of Hydrants DRY (with the valve under ground level, sometimes several feet) and WET ( where the water is at surface level) WET hydrants are used where it don't freeze. DRY hydrants are used in colder locations where it freezes. A DRY Hydrant will have the opening valve stem on the top of the hyd.
WET hyd. will have a valve at each location along the side of the hyd. And plumbers plyers will open both types if the Hyd. have been maintained.(I speak from 30+ years in the fire service.)

Actually, if you look at the casualty figures - the life and death decisions of "get my bag or not" where really ONLY in the south Tower ( the second hit) - The "Interesting" part was - if you were below the point of impact, for all intents, you lived (except for folks who stayed, and a few people who could NOT be evacuated - wheelchairs and the like - plus rescue people). If you were ABOVE the point of impact - you died (I think there were what, 4 people who made it out via the damaged stairwell?)

It comes down to - the evacuation WORKED - the lessons of 1993 WERE learned

Like just about any person who lived in NYC that day, I knew someone who didn't make it out - and someone who did. The guy who made it our worked in the North tower - 82th floor I think - basically the jet came in through his office window. The good news was he was on the 4x? floor, at a cafeteria getting a cup of coffee. As he says "my coffee habit saved my life"

I can remember a few things about that day
1)The BLUE sky
2)The phone call from a person in my company who called to complain the the NY AP newswire feed was down, and we should fix our bleeping software, didn't I know there was breaking news. I had to inform the young lady that the AP offices were IN the WTC. She went from screaming to a quiet "oh..."
3)Seeing some video tapes that were never aired - that I hope never to see again
4)Getting home that night, and my wife asking me "what's that smell" (we live about 12 air miles from Ground Zero) and having to explain

My intent in recommending the book is that people in 2009 have much to learn from the individual evacuation experiences of those who were in the towers in '93 and/or '01. At the least, the book is a very good reminder of the evacuees' challenges -- not least of all the lack of information they had to work with.

The authors vividly portray the atmosphere in the stairwells, the relative calm that seemed to pervade (mostly), the double-file shoulder-to-shoulder cadence giving way to single-file when someone needed to pass up or down. How arduous it was for the healthiest and daunting for those with asthma, fallen arches or injuries sustained in the attacks. Some of the evacuees were elderly.

At the lower floors the stairwells backed up and people had to be patient which apparently most were, despite the chaos of incessant sirens and the terrible noises from the crumbling towers, etc.

Improvising pry bars and using chairs to transport those who weren't ambulatory.

The '93 evacuation certainly benefited the '01 evacuees, such as in the steps that were taken in the interim so that the stairwells would not be dark. Some individual companies got preparedness religion after '93. Some alumns of the '93 evac drew upon that experience to get out ASAP. But others remembered the '93 evac as so tedious and terrifying (darkness and smoke) they stayed in their offices -- too late in the case of the South Tower. And communications were still a major problem in '01.

I also found very interesting the authors discussion of strategies behind stairwell placement, vestibules, the 1968 revisions to the NYC fire code, whether certain government entities should have to comply with fire codes (the Port Authority which built and operated the Twin Towers was exempt from fire code compliance), dominant high-rise fire-fighting protocols.

Some cities (Los Angeles) are more amenable to rooftop rescues than others (New York).

People who work or live in high rises probably should know more about their construction and compliance with fire codes than they do. They might want to know if the roof doors are normally locked. They should have awareness that busting a window to get fresh air will draw the fire toward them.

It's a good read.

Two things I would add to your list are a good map of the city and a phone book.

The phone book is only for your car or desk. I'm not recommending people carry the whole phone book. But the phone book contains a huge wealth of information, including maps, locations and phone numbers of government buildings, hospitals and nearly every shop. Okay, thats pretty obvious, but if you don't know it and you can't get to google on your Blackberry or Iphone, where are you going to find it?

A map is essential anywhere. Some cities are notoriously difficult to navigate with out one even in normal times. A map will help you find alternative routes and locate information you get from the news. Also, if you carry it regularly, annotate it with any information you find useful or interesting. I draw some maps into my notebook which has the advantage of fixing the information in my mind, but a cut and folded gas station map, a page from an atlas, or an internet map or two could all fit the bill depending on the area.

Yes. Agree. Clear plastic bag to keep it in as well. CPB's make a fairly effective map case.

Here's a site that shows how I like to fold my maps. Fold Maps Its the second picture, figure B-2. It makes them less conspicuous when you're a tourist, and its much easier to manage in a vehicle. You can paste a couple together to make a map book for a larger area.

Thank you. That is exactly what I was looking for. A quick forum search did the rest. I think this is a pivotal item in the urban bug out kit or in situations where you can't carry enough water. I wish someone made one out of strong, light-weight material rather than the cast stuff that seems to be everywhere

This is a great thread, urban EDC is so much different that wilderness EDC and I've seen some great ideas here. Lets keep it going.

Craig.

My normal urban EDC is limited to 2 flashlights,a few spare batteries, 2 cellphones on different networks, money, contact details, travel pass,leatherman tool, and a lighter.

I dont EDC water or food or many spare batteries under normal conditions, but certainly would in adverse weather or if industrial disputes or other problems warrented so doing.

I walk several miles a day normally and therefore allways wear suitable shoes and clothing.

At work I keep food and water for at least a week, and also spare clothing, shoes, batteries, flashlights, glowsticks, radio,blanket, hard hat, respirator, leather gloves, safety glasses,geiger counter,and overalls.

My work requires that I keep a good selection of hand tools, some of which would be useful in any emergency.

I also keep a supply of very cheap home made disposable battery lights, not a substitute for the directional beam of a flashlight but useful to light a room or stairway, and cheap enough to give away.

I'm curious, do you carry 2 cell phones for a specific reason or just to be prepared?

If it's to be better prepared, I'd also be curious as the rationale behind that decision.

Thanks.

I forget everything that was in my EDC when living and working in NYC. Now that I remain mostly in the burbs, I rely of my car kit and fewer things in my pockets.

However, I worked five miles away from my office and always considered that it might not be an option to return home. So, I was very loaded with gear in my EDC. I kept multiple firestarters, paracord, a sewing kit, tiny fishing kit, scapel blades, emergency poncho, garbage bag, escape mask, multitool, small first aid kit and a few other items. That EDC was designed to give me tools to allow me to get or adapt other things to keep me going. The fishing kit was overkill, but so what.

Don,

Which escape mask did/do you have?

The 80 gallon ones (I think they are 80? seems) can fit a person in them, nifty for shelters, personal coverage, and more.

I can't answer for his rationale, but when I carried phones on two networks it was because I carried one that belonged to me, and one that belonged to my employer. It was just coincidence that they were served by different carriers (and different mobile technologies). There were several occasions, however, when having both meant getting signal where having only one would have left me out of touch.

I have carried two cellphones from two difrent providers that I paid for on my own. Meaning I was paying a LOT. I kept two for several reasons.

First: when one didn't work the other almost always had a signal
Second: one was my GPS phone, and the second I could talk on using my head set.
Thrirdly: for a while my cellphones were the victums of some very unfortunate accidents! so haveing a spare saved my but several times.

Eric

I consider that having cellphones on different networks is prudent in case of failure or congestion of the network.
After the terrorist attacks on the London underground, one cellphone network was unavailable, but the other worked fine.

In an urban area, the cellphone masts are closely spaced, and reliant on the utility power to the building on which they are mounted.
Localised blackouts can result in lack of a signal, a phone on a diferent net work may use a mast on a different building that still has power.

It also protects against loss, theft or breakage of one phone.
I have two cellphones of my own, and a company one. I would not normally use the company phone for my own calls, but would in an emergency.

One network at present is giving no coverage at my home address, presumably due the great power failure at present.
Its been off for a couple of days now.

I've probably mentioned this before, but my urban EDC changes nearly hourly.

Not at work: wallet, cell, flashlight and knife (usually). About 50% of the time my LM Micra. My wallet has a pen and a spare $20 in it.

At work, I really don't have much outside my white coat (in a hospital). I mean, my wallet and shorts are in my locker, so I suppose they're in the building. I have a penlight. sometimes a couple bucks for the snack machine or cafeteria. But then, if I'm at work, I expect to be stuck there for a while - and there's supplies enough to take care of patients. I could probably sneak away some leftovers from the little old ladies that wouldn't finish their trays, or an Ensure, or something. If I'm not at work, I'm expecting to be called in.

either way, my hospital is only about 5 miles from my house, across a bridge. If that bridge goes down, it's probably 10+ miles around the water. Or I suppose I could borrow my friends rowboat for the 1/2 mile undertaking. And my car is pretty well stocked.

OK, here's a mini-review. Following Big Al's advice, I bought several of the 5 hole pentagon hydrant wrenches he hot-linked. They are the bomb! A flat, (painted?) iron wrench, about 14.25in. long, weighing ~2 lb.s. Tried it on a local hydrant for fit only and it fit all the wrench points. One end is a fire hose coupling wrench and smll hammer head. That end also forms a grip or handle. I imagine that you might have to hammer it a little to get a balky valve open, but it appears up to the task. With this and a 4-way silcock wrench, I believe that you can keep yourself supplied with water in any urban or suburban bug-out. Its too heavy for EDC, but in a car/office/home kit, its a valueable addition. It even might have some self-defense potential. All in all, methinks its about to become a new standard tool in urban kit.

This thread is rather timely for me, since we have just had on of the worst* power failures ever in England.
This did not directly affect me, since firstly the power was only off short term where I live, and secondly I generate my own power from wind and solar.

Tens of thousands lacked power for many days.

I visited friends in the affected area and took them supplies, as they were very poorly prepared.

My observations were
1)FOOD One large supermarket remained open by generator power, many small shops opened during daylight only.
Fast food shops mostly shut, but a few stayed open and were extremely busy.
Perishables in short supply due to lack of refrigeration, plenty of non-perishables, certainly no general food shortage or anyone going hungry, even the ill prepared.
Beer and soft drinks readily available though not cold.
Most pubs shut, but some open.

2) WATER, public water supply working fine, as normal. Only those in tall buildings lacked water due to local electric pumps.

3) FUEL, no retail petrol or diesel in the affected area as filling stations lacked power to pump fuel. Supplies short immediatly outside affected area due to increased demand. 10/15 miles away supplies normal.
Bulk supplies by road tanker readily available.
LPG cylinders unavailable, these not much used in the UK so stocks probably limited anyway.
Kerosene and disposable lpg bottles unavailable.

4) COMMUNICATIONS local radio station of air, national broadcasts unaffected.
TV broadcasts as normal, but no cable TV.
No broadband internet in most areas, though dial up worked.
Direct dial landline telephones worked fine (though few people believed this since they had only cordless phones that require power)
Cellphone reception very poor, no power to masts.
Satelite phones of course worked fine.

5) LAW AND ORDER anecdotal evidence suggests an increase in thefts, despite substantial extra police patrols. AFAIK no serious disorder resulted.

After the first day, batteries, flashlights, generators, extension cords, candles, kersosene, lanterns and the like were almost unavailable, most other goods readily available.

The supplies I took to friends consisted entirely of flashlights, batteries, lanterns, and glowsticks.
Whilst this was a potentialy serious incident, I feel that some people overreacted to local shortages of perishable foodstuffs and batteries.
All these items being in plentifull supply in areas nearer central London, which was only a 30 minute train ride away.

* how serious a power cut is open to debate, but I believe that this was one of the worst in England.
We have had longer cuts, but these have affected only small numbers in isolated rural areas.
WE have also had a power cut affecting many millions of people, but it was only for about an hour.

Valuable data. Thanks.

differences: cash, keys, data ( bus schedule) comm - radio/ cell phone
Street maps ( very hard to find if the net is down).

> People become accustomed to things like piped water

If your water mains are broken, you'll have no water in the house. The toilets will no longer flush. This is a problem in an urban environment where it's all concrete and asphalt.

Without knowing the details, you are taking a chance of getting assaulted.

Jeanette Isabelle