Urban E&E skills?

[Tyrkon Lawson]

I have read threads on E&E skills needed for things like being retained or kidnapped in another country. All excellent stuff and I am learning a lot reading here.

However, I have a scenario that would be much more common for myself and perhaps for those of us who do not do much traveling out of country. Or so I think. I live in a great neighborhood now but commute to East Los Angeles where I teach. I am not an end of the world, doomsday type so this pertains to things such as a natural disaster (BIG earthquake for us in CA) that would temporarily disrupt services.

So regarding urban E&E here are my concerns...

- Once I make sure my students are safe I will need to get home to my family. Regular travel routes may be damaged, blocked, or over run with looters like we saw in the Rodney King riots.

I have been working on alternate routes to get home, many of which would be used if I couldn't use my vehicle any longer. I have thought about getting one of those fold-able emergency bikes to put in my trunk in the event the roads are unusable.

Another concern would be the criminal element that often love to take advantage of these types of disruptions/disasters. Hopefully, they will be too preoccupied with looting the local business for liqueur and electronics but I want to be able to move through the city as discretely as possible.

So what do you guys see as the best E&E skills to work on and have in place in this type of scenario? Or are the skills pretty much universal?

 

[Wanderlust]

Okay first of this is a great topic and one that should be of everyones concern, much more likely to happen then the zombie invasion, altho a lot of fun to talk about. now I will say that I have no formal E & E training just some reading online and my own thoughts.

If you carry a briefcase to work every day I would change that to a Backpack or at least a messenger styled bag, something that will be easy to carry for long distances and also leave your hands open. Now what I would do is get myself a back pack, not anything that looks anything military, that way you do not get pegged as a military type or somebody who is prepared. You may get jumped for your stuff by those who are not prepared and are freaking out. In a natural disaster there is bound to be a lot of debris around so I would make sure to put things like Sunglasses (eye protections) And good leather gloves (hand protection). I would also put food and water. Now with these you have to be reasonable, I keep a couple of high energy Ciff Bars and a Nalgene with me, but you have to be careful here because these add up in weight and bulk quick. Another good idea is a FAK cause you may get injured in the event. And since you are here I would also suggest a good solid Fixed blade, but not anything too big, also a good quality plier based Multi tool. Another thing I really like to keep with me is an orange AMK heat blanket, good for signaling and shelter if you have to dig in and can't make it home. You get the idea.

Now you are really on the right track of finding alternate routes home, that is key. You also need to make sure you are watching choke points, bridges and things where there are limited ways across. Make sure that you actually drive these routes often so they are fresh when the shtf. I would say do not worry about a fold up bike that fits in the trunk but get a real bike and leave it at the school. Along these lines I would also suggest you get yourself a helmet. There is going to be a lot of obstacles and you may get hit by a car or something else and the protection is always a good idea. Also make sure you think about the fact that you may have to walk/run home, plan for that as well, your routes may be blocked to bad for a bike as well.

As far as the rough part of town bit I would say get a CPL and carry a handgun with extra ammo, if only in your bag until everything goes to shit. It would be very helpful or at least give you a bit more piece of mind while having to travel across hostile territory.

These are the things that I have thought of I may add more later. The main thing that I can recommend is the same thing that I do. I do not have a BOB or get home bag, I only have my EDC back pack. In it I have filled it with all kinds of useful things, but I also leave space for books, my laptop or school/work stuff. That way I only have to carry one bag and its all I need for everything. This way I will actually carry it when I go places cause it doesn't do you any good while your at school and your bag is at home. I also suggest making sure it is smaller and lighter, about the size of a school back pack this way it looks inconspicuous and you can still move fast. I hope this helped and as always YMMV. Sorry for such a long post.

 

[Expatriated]

Good questions and all things that need to be considered BEFORE it happens.

I answer these questions by thinking what I would do in that situation so you're basically getting my opinion on what I would do based on the facts you gave.

I would try to identify several routes from where you will be to where you want to go. By foot, bike and by car. Ideally, 3 routes for each mode of transportation, color-coded by mode and then labeled 1, 2, 3 within color. Basically, dummy-proofing your options when the stress is high and you start to wonder which route was which or you start to doubt your initial decisions. If you have a mutual support team or even a partner, quick communication clearly relays your plan. Example: Blue Route 2 says clearly where you are heading. I would have several options as to where the routes lead. Don't just set your only goal as going west--what if West is the worst part of the problems? Leave your options open.

However, depending on how bad it is and how long you anticipate before order is restored, you may be better off identifying safe sites along your routes where you can hunker down and wait the the turmoil out with adequate supplies. This may be friends apartments, abandoned buildings, a hidden culvert, whatever.

Frankly, I don't think capture is a high probability in this situation. You're looking at robbery and assault as your main threats. So, you're concern is the second E, not the first.

Following the other thread, I would attempt to get out of the perimeter. In this situation, it means leaving the danger area before all control is lost and the bad element completely takes over. This requires you making the correct decision and FAST, with foresight. In other words, don't wait to see if things get better. The best way to escape is to not be there in the first place when just leaving the area turns into "escaping" the area.

Since you have time to plan this, you have the luxury of acquiring the right tools for this. You need to be self-sufficient out of a backpack for 3 days. Not to mention, in an urban environment, you will be able to scrounge TON of useful stuff. Practice identifying that stuff now. Additionally, if it's a friend or someone along the route that has a place, you can stash some stuff there. Bring some food and water but know how to get more. Tools to hurt other people and tools to patch you up if they've hurt you. Tools to get more things (entry tools, cash, etc). Clothing that will allow you to run. This means proper shoes. Comms may or may not be working but they are so valuable you have to have them in case they come back up. Cellphone with extra battery. A film canister full of quarters for the ever-dwindling number of pay phones. A calling card number. Adequate lighting, maps, ammo, space blanket, and a lot of other small things.

There's a million more things you could include in your plan. The point being to have a plan and give yourselves many options.

I wrote all this from the standpoint of a natural disaster or localized riots, not zombies, the UN taking over the entire country or any of that stuff so keep that in mind. I'm assuming this will be a fairly contained area that will last a few days to a week before eventually the National Guard or Police re-establish order.

I'm sure others have much more and there's things I'm thinking of but I'm getting tired of typing

 

[Mannlicher]

this subject has been the theme of books, movies and of course, internet forums, for years.

No matter where I go, I have in my 4Runner, a bit of kit that has all the stuff I think I would need to get home, regardless of the situation. Common sense, and an understanding of your skills and limitation, will help make up such a kit.

 

[smflorkey]

Okay first of this is a great topic and one that should be of everyone's concern, much more likely to happen than the zombie invasion...

Agreed! I'll be following this thread as another southern Californian. My home is in a relatively quake-stable zone, but stuff happens.

If you carry a briefcase to work every day I would change that to a Backpack or at least a messenger styled bag, something that will be easy to carry for long distances and also leave your hands open. Now what I would do is get myself a back pack, not anything that looks anything military, that way you do not get pegged as a military type or somebody who is prepared.

Yes. Backpacks are common at schools so it will fit right in.

Another good idea is a FAK 'cause you may get injured...

Or you may be able to help others on the way. We're talking about a short-term disaster here not the end of the world so we don't have to ration first aid supplies.

And since you are here I would also suggest a good solid Fixed blade

Well, that is a good idea in a sane part of the country, but the OP is in Los Angeles, California, a very hoplophobic part of the country. As I understand it, concealed carry of a fixed blade is illegal in this state.

As far as the rough part of town bit I would say get a CPL and carry a handgun with extra ammo...

See above. CCW permits are almost impossible to obtain in LA county. I'm told it helps if you're a movie star or a politician. :thumbdn:

I do not have a BOB or get home bag, I only have my EDC back pack. In it I have filled it with all kinds of useful things, but I also leave space for books, my laptop or school/work stuff. That way I only have to carry one bag and its all I need for everything. This way I will actually carry it when I go places...

Good point! I still think I'll have more stuff in the trunk of my car, but I'll focus more on an EDC backpack with my short term emergency supplies on the bottom and my lunch on the top. :thumbup:

Thanks!
Steve

 

[Don Rearic]

Since you're a teacher...well...most teachers have secure snack stashes in their classrooms.

Mainstay Rations, three packs of them. Three MetRx Bars. One to three real MREs to break up the boredom. Push comes to shove, you can eat over a week on just that and it fits in a backpack.

Two of the coolio Seychelle water filtration canteens and a couple extra canteens or Nalgene type bottles, perhaps one large stainless Guyot that you could boil water in if you have to.

You have more high-tech tools at your disposal now than ever before. You have Rite-In-The-Rain Copier Paper. Print out your maps on that. Every map you plot out, print out on the same waterproof paper, a highest-resolution-possible aerial photo of the same area.

 

[Don Rearic]

See above. CCW permits are almost impossible to obtain in LA county. I'm told it helps if you're a movie star or a politician. :thumbdn:

Steve, you're just being a cynic! Stars like Robert Blake NEED those permits...oh...wait a minute.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

Excellent posts so far guys.

- I have never felt comfortable with a briefcase so have always used a pack. I currently carry a 5.11 24hr Rush pack. My laptop fits inside leaving tons of space. I have gloves, goggles, LM Blast, locking plyers, 2 mini-prybars, 550 para-cord, optics, cell phone, extra energy bars, etc... my gear in the pack is pretty good/complete as I have really learned a lot from similar posts on Bug-Out-Bags on this forum. I used to have an OD green pack but this one is black so hopefully less military looking to avoid drawing too much attention.

I have extra gear in my car including an Izula. I may keep my ESEE 5 in there soon. So fixed blade is covered as well as a good folder.

You guys have pointed out some good things I will add to my pack for sure. My main concern is the second "E" in E&E. I started using google earth to examine path ways home and structures I would cross on each. I have also been taking different routes home and identifying things along the way. For instance one route takes me by a large shopping mall with lots of potential supplies. However, I am thinking that places like that, with lots of "stuff", will be prime targets for looters and should thus be avoided.

What about a police scanner? Small respirator for gas leaks, smoke? Not sure if these were necessary but after seeing all the smoke and ash in 911 I wouldn't want to be overcome with such things. May not be necessary though.

And as a side note I am in good physical condition and getting better every day because Tony H. is kicking my butt with his P90X workouts. Physical fitness plays a huge roll in what we can and can not do in emergencies. IMO

Thanks for the replys so far BTW. Good stuff.

 

[stsparky]

In a disaster here, I'm thinking open carry may be a deterrent. It's not the end of the world but failing to get a CCW permit won't be a deal breaker. Proper storage of a gun in one's car should be legal. I wouldn't post my NRA stickers on a car I drive to work. Storing a mountain bike at school would be a good way to promote fitness.

You could even instruct your students in disaster preparedness. All of you would benefit.

My BOB is an Adidas backpack.

 

[smithkzn]

EXCELLENT THREAD Tyrkon Lawson.
I'm in Wellington, New Zealand (ring of fire, 40 earthquakes a day! can't feel most though) Also on TV they advertise everyday to BE READY!. I lecture at a university and have the same questions as you. Just been on earthquake civil defense training at work. I've just equipped home with emergency survival bag. Now also on my person in my laptop bag I have a emergency 1st aid/survival bag (in a black Maxpedition 4x6 pouch). Also in each car is a 1st aid kit and mini survival. All made up for urban situation. If you want I can list what I thought was important.

Thing to remember is that one can go a bit paranoid/obsessive on these things too. And it's oh so nice to research and shop for the stuff. Just gotto be wise though.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

In a disaster here, I'm thinking open carry may be a deterrent. It's not the end of the world but failing to get a CCW permit won't be a deal breaker. Proper storage of a gun in one's car should be legal. I wouldn't post my NRA stickers on a car I drive to work. Storing a mountain bike at school would be a good way to promote fitness.

You could even instruct your students in disaster preparedness. All of you would benefit.

My BOB is an Adidas backpack.

I love sneaking this into my lessons. Fits in nicely when I'm teaching them chemistry and physics. :thumbup:

So far I have taught them about water filtration, fire by friction, making a compass with a magnet and piece of paper clip, compass use, and more.

 

[Don Rearic]

What about a police scanner?

There is so much police traffic that has went to online computers in the cruisers, replacing things like the old KTW in-car computers, and then you have wireless phones. I don't know about LAPD/LASD, I don't know if there system is digital or encrypted or what. Might just be good old 800Mhz and you would need a trunk chaser type of scanner for that. If the cell towers go down, they might have backup juice for the regular police radios like the radios I just mentioned.

Just Google "LAPD Scanner Frequencies" and do the same for LASD and see if they are available online, I'm sure you will have a lot of reading to do then.

Small respirator for gas leaks, smoke? Not sure if these were necessary but after seeing all the smoke and ash in 911 I wouldn't want to be overcome with such things. May not be necessary though.

Flat-folding Niosh masks and bandannas.

 

[DH1]

Most (all?) police departments have gone over to the digital trunking radios I think...a scanner costs $300 and up I've found (and may be illegal to carry where you are). It's possible your fire and rescue is still using the "old" technology radios, so having a $50 scanner might still be usefull.

It would be a good source of information though. It would be helpfull to have a printout of all the "codes" they use also.

 

[Inkedshooter]

Kinda in your same situation but I'm not a teacher. I also live in Cali but in the SF Bay Area, more specific very close to Oakland and E14th ST. Being a white guy in this area does not realy help either.... You are allowed to carry a fixed blade with a cutting edge no longer than 3" and a folder with a cutting edge no longer than 3.5". Do I really obey those rules.... Being married with a kid on the way, all I can think about is the safety of my family and what to do when SHTF... My everyday pack is a Max Condor II. I always have atleast one folder, ESEE/Rat 3, Izula, and a first aid kit. In my truck I try and make sure to have a oh sh*t kit in case of break downs, etc. If some gang/finger banger wants you vehicle, as much as it sucks, you're better to give it up. It would be nice if our gun laws did'nt suck balls, cause then we could carry.

 

[Tasselhoff]

I live less than a mile from the swchool I work at. There is a "wilderness area" in between with plenty of trails to walk. I have three hidden cache of supplies in the woods in case of an emergency. Mostly things like gloves, blades, rope, etc.... no food. (I live in an urban setting, food will be the last thing I need.

As for CCp - even with a Concealed carry permit, I would not be able to carry it to work. this is why I have the blades cached

 

[333rm]

As for finding routes home, you can go to mytopo.com and have them print up a waterproof custom made map for your specific area with grid lines and all. You can fold it up and keep it with you in your pack and it's markable. Allowing you to mark pre set routes on the map. You can have them printed in different sizes and scales also. I had several made for my BOB of the area I live in. Maybe also get a gps unit to go along with it and a good compass as backup and with those things you should be able to guide yourself home.
I would definitly stock the trunk of your car with whatever items you may need. I'd for sure keep your ESEE 5 in there. Keep a change of clothes, something like a set of running shoes/boots and some clothing to change into at school that will make keep you more comfy and have more pocket space for urban E/E. Maybe a decent set of cotton cargo shorts or pants. I'd bypass the space blanket and go for a Adventure Medical Kits Bivy Bag. That way you'll have a bag to sleep in and keep you warm. It comes in a pouch the size of an apple. Another good thing would be a good pry bar of some kind. Like the one that County Comm makes or TOPS knives. They're both small in size but really strong. Pick up a bunch of the Mainstay bars, they have 1200 calories a bar and won't melt in the heat like a candy bar. You can easily pack 4-5 in your pack with no problem. Also make sure you pack a GOOD LED flashlight with extra batteries! Also the usual survival things you'd want whistle, signal mirror, pre paid phone card, battery powered cell phone charger, extra cash in assorted bills. One thing I did was get a cheap pre-paid cell phone from a different network than my regular one. That way say if AT&T goes down, you can use your Verizon phone if their network is still up in that area.
I live in Northern California in Lodi, so I know what it's like having to live with the thought of the big one hitting. If it does, your best bet at safe movement will be at night under the cover of darkness, depending on the area your in and just how bad things have gotten. Remembering back to the Northridge quake and what it looked like down there I'm not sure if a bike might be the best mode of transportation or not?! If you were to keep one, I'd keep a regular framed mountain bike at the school and not deal with one of those folding things. Maybe one thing to do is look at Camelbak's packs, they make some pretty good gear and have a non military line. That way you can keep the large water pouch in the pack at all times and maybe carry a spare Nalgene bottle also. Well, I hope this helps a little. If you have any questions just ask away!

 

[Mistwalker]

I spend a lot of time on similar thoughts, except my primary worry is evac from a problem at a local nuclear plant, or even worse some of the facilities north of here. For me living on the oposite side of the river from where I often work is a major concern.

The folding bike may be a good thought if some of your routes may be free of debris. Never been in an earthquake but my understanding is they can be pretty nasty. A comfortable pair of hiking boots might be a good thing to have in the trunk too. Study your routes well and know which turns would be better than others if a change in direction is required. For your scenario at the least I'd definitely have the means to cover my mouth and nose, see to lighting needs (redundantly), have some gloves handy, have a fak, have a way to carry water on me, and have some snacks not known to increase thirst.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

As far as firearms I am pretty sure I can have one in my car parked off campus on the public street which is not far at all from my room. I have to go in that direction anyway. If its that bad where I need to bike or walk home and all chaos has broken out I won't be overly concerned about the legalities of packing one. I figure I'll just need to keep in covered by a long shirt or something so as not to draw attention.

Cool link for the maps. I'll be checking that out tonight.

Great responses guys. Got the wheels spinning yet again.

I

 

[stsparky]

Teach the kids to make compasses with magnets. I would love to read about a science competition to build the best solar still.

Just for self education, see if you can dig up info on an underground route home (if an obstacle was blocking the primary path), or a trek alongside the Los Angeles river.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

I was thinking about keeping a "throw-away" wallet so if I run into more than I can handle from looters who just want quick cash I can hand it over. Keep a small amount of money in it but not my important stuff.