The United States of America is clearly the most technologically advanced country in the world. Along with this, many Americans believe that no matter what the scenario - nuclear attack, invasion, severe weather - we would survive because of this.
In other words, because of our gadgets.
However, imagine that you're sitting in front of that holier than thou television set of yours and you suddenly hear a booming explosion. Then, not surprisingly, the TV and lights go out. Then there's another explosion.
What could it be? Well, a million and one things. For starters, though, the two explosions and the fact that the electricity went out with the first of them could signify that two nuclear weapons were set off.
The first was probably set off miles above a target area in the hopes of creating an Electromagnetic pulse (EMP).
EMP refers to the electromagnetic radiation that can be caused from an explosion or a widely fluctuating magnetic field. The possible result when such a thing happens is that electronic systems may couple with these fields, resulting in damaging current and voltage surges. In other words, bye-bye electronics and mechanical means.
Even more interestingly, the possibility actually exists that depending on the power and trajectory of such an attack, devastation could reach the majority of the country. Oh yeah, and that second nuclear bomb? That one probably hit ground. In other words, it was meant to do more than just disarm.
The good thing, at least, is that in the above scenario you were home. What if you weren't? In fact - given that most people live in the suburbs - what if you're at work or driving through a major city when all this happens?
The reality is that it doesn't matter if it's an EMP attack (which probably wouldn't stop your car from moving, but the attack itself would likely create tons of accidents and traffic making automobile travel useless). Instead, it could be severe weather, a lone nuclear attack, a sole invasion... Whatever.
The point is, what if you want to get home from the city and must do so by foot? Well, first you need to be ready for this.
Remember that survival is about preparation.
Stranded in the city
Unfortunately, in this day and age you have to prepare for so many possible problems on the road that it makes it hard to fit everything you'd need. For example, if a nuclear attack hits near you, well, you better get inside of a shelter, take your clothes off and put them in a garbage bag, and wash off with soap. But if severe weather hits, you may not need to do any of that.
So what to bring in that car of yours? That's easy: The stuff that you'll need no matter what the problem.
Supplies you'll likely need on the way back to your suburban home by foot (in other words, keep this stuff in a backpack in the trunk of your car)
1. Bottled water.
2. A small radio with batteries.
3. A flashlight.
4. Something to sleep in (a tent may be hard to bring with you, but at least a small sleeping bag)
5. A change of clothes -- we recommend two pairs of sweat pants, and two hooded sweat-shirts (two sets of each, so they can be worn in "layers" for added warmth), and stocking cap (if it's winter or fall, you'll need to have warm clothes that are sure to protect the extremities).
6. Dry food that doesn't spoil (high calorie energy bars, for example).
7. A cell phone (but that would probably go out on you in case of an EMP attack).
8. A knife.
9. A lighting device of some kind (waterproof lighter).
10. A compass.
11. Nukepills (iodine I-131) and medications you might need.
12. Extra-large heavy duty garbage bags (to be used as rain gear, and even to sleep in if needed).
13. Further, weapons for self-defense, depending on how you feel about that and what's legal in your area. (You can do sufficient damage to allow time to escape with a can of high-potency pepper spray, for example.)
14. Good shoes, such as those used for "cross-training" or "trail-running" (it's very important that your shoes lace-up well, so that they do not come un-tied if you have to make a run for it.).
15. Small backpack. Nothing too big, or someone else might want to take it from you. Also, make sure it's dark in color (so it doesn't attract attention), and water resistant (water-proof is even better).
16. State map. Keep this map in your backpack, stored in a Zip-Lock freezer bag, to protect from moisture.
Also keep a small package of heavy duty napkins in this freezer bag, along with your lighter. Each napkin can be torn into strips and used to start a camp fire. Use the knife you're carrying to carve wood shavings out of trees or branches, to help ignite any wet wood you may be stuck using.
In the end, depending on the problem you're most likely to face (which we believe is being stranded in a large city when you're miles from home), you can decide what you may need / not need in your backpack.
Of course, this will depend on the disaster you're dealing with, the distance you have to go, and the kinds of terrain your journey is likely to take you across.
The Journey Home
If there was no threat of an attack while you walked home, this might not be a problem. However, since an attack during a state of emergency - or at the very least some social unrest among our own people - is likely, it might not be prudent to simply walk down the road with hordes of people and no shelter from those around you.
In other words, barring a weather emergency that warrants staying away from falling branches / trees, it might not be a bad idea to get yourself going home on a highway with woods around you. If you do find yourself in such a situation, consider walking home in the woods.
Whatever is coming might miss you that way.
Further, depending on the distance you're traveling you might need to stay the night. Don't be a hero; realize that with the darkness comes cold. Find shelter even if you do have a tent. Start a fire. Find a cave. Or if you need to, use broken branches as your shelter and leaves / brush to shield you from the elements.
Finally, here's something that may seem to run counterproductive to staying away from the hordes moving to the suburbs. Find yourself a small group of friends. A large group is just too much. Rather, a group of three to four may be best. This way, what you don't know about the area / survival may be known by them. You can work together (one can man the radio, the other the cell phone, the other the compass, etc.).
And if social unrest occurs, criminals will think twice about messing with a group over a single traveler.
No matter how bad it gets, we at SecretsofSurvival.com encourage you to be strong, have courage, and be on the alert. Hopefully, you will never find yourself in such a situation as described here.
Unfortunately, things are looking more and more dangerous out there.
War of the Worlds looks like it could in fact happen at some point in the near future.
However, instead of aliens from another planet attacking us – the attack is going to come from aliens from other nations.
Note from the Editor:
Does it really seem like an accident of fate that the United States of America, the greatest nation on earth, can fall to widespread attacks from other nations, launched from within our own borders by sleeper cells and military operatives who have snuck in and are here illegally?
ABC NEWS: Suicide bombers sent to U.S., Europe
WND: Islamic terrorists caught along Mexican border
WND: Chavez threatens to 'unleash operatives' already in U.S.
CNN: Al Qaeda's No. 2 says end of West imminent
L.A. TIMES: Bush orders contingency plans for nuclear attack on U.S.
WND: America unprepared for 'likely' nuke attack
If you're not a Christian, this may be a frightening time for you. However, please know that everything you're reading about in the news, is happening straight from the pages of the Bible. And it's not too late to be saved from the wrath that God promises to bring on this world for its widespread evil.
Which clearly describes the world we live in today. We are living on a Biblical time-bomb. God could begin his judgment at any time, and catch a foolish, wicked world completely by surprise (which is what the Bible says will happen in the 'last days'). The faithful in Christ, on the other hand, will not be here for the wrath prophesied to occur.
Before sudden destruction hits to begin the period known as the Great Tribulation, the Bible reports that the faithful are out of here.
REFERENCES:
How to Survive an EMP Attack
How to Survive a Dirty Bomb or Nuclear Suitcase Bomb