As a preface to this, I was living in Kobe when the earthquake struck back in 1995. I lived without electricity for over a week, without running water for over a month, and without gas i.e. no hot water for over two months. I didnt bug out because I was lucky enough to still have a home.
Things I pack in my urban survival kit. Some items may seem strange, but it is because I take the train everywhere and have to consider that I may have to walk several days before I can make it home to where I keep my real supplies. This kit was put together with idea of a natural disaster in mind, especially earthquakes.
By the way, I carry this everywhere I go and have been since 1995. Some things have gotten added since then, and I frequently review the kit. I hadnt planned on things like terrorist attacks so the kit doesnt focus on things like chemical/biological weapon survival.
I also have not listed the food items, but one bit of advice, dont pack candy. Peanut butter and high protein/carbohydrate foods are much better for you than sweets and will keep your energy level higher.
On person:
Spyderco Police G2 steel, fully serrated.
Spyderco G2 steel, 3 inch drop point, non-serrated.
Cold Steel Recon 1 Tanto, half serrated.
Diamond knife sharpener (shaped like a steel for quick sharpening and sharpening serrated edge knives)
Victorinox Mini-Champ
Gerber Legend multi-tool with 6 screwdriver bits and 5 jigsaw blades (2 general purpose, 1 aluminum, 1 plastic, 1 stainless steel) all in a modified belt pouch.
Fire: Windmill Delta shockproof lighter.
Light: Sure Fire E2 with 1 extra battery
Small metal referee whistle.
Fresnel lens 6x9 cm
5 Ibuprofen 200mg tablets
Waterproof hard box, o-ring sealed 8x5x4:
Mirror 16x11 cm
Fresnel lens 13x8 cm
1 tube super glue
Windmill Stormproof lighter
Windmill Fieldmax FMR-7000 small led light, whistle, compass, and 8X magnifying glass are rolled into one.
Windmill Fieldmax FMR-8000 small butane candle with adjustable flame and circular glass window.
Windmill Fieldmax FMR-9000 mini screwdriver with 5 mini-bits (for electronics/eyeglasses)
Swiss Army wrist compass.
Black Surgical tubing 93cm
Hydrogen Peroxide small bottle
50SPF sunscreen small bottle
Electrical tape black (1 roll)
Electrical tape red (1/2 roll)
Blazer pocket torch for soldering
Lead solder
Stainless steel wire 10m .5mm will hold 70kg
Brass snare wire 10m
Utility knife (medium size) with 2 extra blades
Led strobes in red reflector (2)
Mylar emergency blanket
Mirror (stainless steel) 11x8.5cm with self adhesive backing
Red and black electrical wire 1 meter
Storm whistle
Sewing kit with an assortment of large and small needles, heavy duty thread, safety pins of various sizes, 10 Exacto blades, and small stainless steel folding scissors.
Large gauze pads
Latex gloves
First aid kit (assortment of waterproof adhesive bandages, Neosporin, hydrogen peroxide, spf 50 sunblock, small bar antiseptic soap, ibuprofen, Imodium AD, Povidone Iodine pads, Isopropyl alcohol pads, benzalkonium chloride pads, ammonia inhalant pad, After Bite insect pad, gauze pads, cotton balls, small mirror, Classic Victorinox Swiss knife, and Irigate eye wash.
In backpack:
Waterproof case listed above
Small wrecking/pry bar wrapped with 15 ft. 550 parachute cord.
50 ft 550 parachute cord.
Heavy duty leather work gloves
SureFire 6P with 6 extra batteries and spare lamp assembly.
Black military poncho (as far as I know, they dont come in blaze orange)
Small color TV (the size of a walkman)
Spyderco Double Stuff medium and fine ceramic knife sharpener.
1 liter military canteen (empty)
I dont carry water or drinks which might seem strange to you, but if you have ever been in Japan, you know how many vending machines there are, and I carry a crowbar. Pocket change doesnt work when there is no electricity running to the machine. I really dont need the extra weight in my bag.
A few more tips, if you drive, consider that you will not be able to after a major disaster. Remember the expressway in North Ridge and Kobe? If you can make it by car, have several puncture kits in your trunk for your tires.
Someone posted before not to bother with small bandages however I disagree. If you get a small cut or scrape, you need to clean it and protect it. It can be quite messy after a disaster and you dont need dirt, grime, and bacteria in a cut and have it turn septic. Remember your first aid training (if you have had any) clear the airway, stop the bleeding, treat for shock, and PROTECT THE WOUND.
Last tip: When they tell you to get in a doorway or under a table in a large quake, forget about it. If the quake is of such a magnitude that you can, you dont need to. U.S. building specs are very good. Its the quake that is so large that you cant even crawl that is going to bring the building down on top of you, just like the one in Kobe. All you can do is pray that you will have the chance to use the things you have prepared when it stops shaking.
Ouch
