Ragnar's Urban Survival: A Hard-Times Guide to Staying Alive in the City

by Ragnar Benson

The tap's run dry, the supermarkets have been ransacked, the power is off and the low rumble of tanks can be heard in the distance. The unprepared who refused to believe that such a thing could happen here will live as wretched refugees-if they live at all. But for the prepared-for the city survivors-life will go on. America's leading survival author debunks the myth that the only way to survive is to stock a retreat in the mountains. He tells urban dwellers how to find water; trap and butcher game; preserve food; position a retreat for maximum safety; avoid troops; and barter with other survivors. You'll learn which weapons are absolute necessities and which aren't worth having, and confront the all-important topic of survival nursing care. Ragnar gives you the solid information you will need to make it if the worst-case scenario becomes a reality.

Genres: Survival, Reference, Nonfiction, Urban

200 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Dwain · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are the type who think the emergency preparedness crowd is a bunch of weirdos then don't bother with this book. Many who see the wisdom of emergency preparedness will still think Ragnar Benson is a little extreme. I thought it was fascinating. Some of his descriptions can get a little dry, but overall some good advice. The main principle he advocates is the rule of threes. The rule is: anything you need to survive, you should plan for three separate ways of obtaining that commodity. For example, food: food storage, gardening, and raising livestock (rabbits or pigeons in the city) would be three possible methods. This sounds like common sense to me, if you have the energy and finances to do it all!

[drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good overview of survival in the worst case scenario. as always, some of the suggestions assume a large amount of cash laying about to spend on survival gear. however, the author does a good job of talking through the cost/benefit of many different solutions to the basic problems of self-sufficient survival. the book definitely represents one of the best in the survivalism genre.

[Demian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rabbits for protein, underground veggies are easier to hide.

[Steven H · Rating 5 out of 5]

SURVIVAL WHEN YOU CAN'T/WON'T MAKE IT TO A "SURVIVAL RETREAT"

Ragnar Benson is one of the most famous Survivalist authors (e.g., 'The Survival Retreat: A Total Plan For Retreat Defense,' 'Survival Poaching,' 'David's Tool Kit: A Citizen's Guide to Taking Out Big Brother's Heavy Weapons,' etc.).

He notes in the Preface to this 2000 book, "I am frequently asked if city survival is similar to survival in the country or wilderness... The short answer is that city survival is very much like rural survival, only different... One thing that will be dramatically different for people used to city life is the extent to which survivors MUST band together for mutual protection and specialization... In this volume I will share what I've learned about surviving in the city---that is my commitment to readers."

He observes, "Urban conflict is notorious for the vast, virtually disproportionate amount of munitions it chews up... city survivors should only get involved if their most immediate area is compromised." (Pg. 23)

He argues, "only food, water, shelter, and self-defense are definitely on the list of must-haves needed to survive... My advice is to never, never rely on people who don't give a d___---such as government officials---for something really important." (Pg. 36)

He makes the practical (albeit disgusting) suggestion that "To city survivors, rats are an absolute bonanza. It is impossible to deplete or hinder a large, active colony even by taking as many as three or four 1-pound critters per week." (Pg. 81)

Like all of Benson's books, this one is lively, practical, and engagingly-written.