Catastrophic events are increasing in nature with little to no warning ahead of time. With over half of the world’s population living in busy cities and urban areas, urban prepper survival tips are proving to be more helpful than ever. There is more to preparation than simply packing a few food items and water; survival depends on having the essentials on hand and a well thought out plan in place. Here are the top ways to plan in case of an emergency that leaves a city struggling to provide for its residents. 
Pack the Urban Prepper Survival Essentials
A key part of urban prepper survival is having a bug out bag available at a moment’s notice. An urban prepper bug out bag is a kit that is already put together and contains the essentials that are needed to ensure survival during an emergency or a means of escaping the situation. An urban prepper list should contain as many of the following as possible:
· Medications –
Essential medications for existing conditions should be packed in the kit. Insulin, blood thinners, and others are considered essentials that without would affect a person’s health in a detrimental manner.
· Clothing –
While it is impossible to bring along an entire wardrobe, it is a good idea to include sweaters, pants and other seasonal appropriate attire. Disasters can happen at any time of year, in any season and clothing should be changed out accordingly.
· Food and water –
The average human can survive for up to 30 days without food, but only 3 to 5 days without water. Food items should be non-perishable and water should be packaged in gallon containers for easy portability. 
· Tools –
Basic tools such as flashlights and extra batteries, screwdrivers, hammers and axes are easily packed away. They can be used as a means of hunting, digging through rubble or for search and rescue purposes.
· Gas for automobiles –
In times of crisis, gas runs out quickly and as a result, prices skyrocket.
· Wallet and Personal ID –
A main part of urban prepper supplies is having identification and personal effects on hand. Proving one’s identity is hard to do without the proper documents.
Since many of these items tend to disappear quickly from store shelves, it is wise to prepare ahead of time. 
Plan an Evacuation Route
In times of an emergency, there is usually little to no time to plan and chaos may ensue, especially in heavy populated areas. To avoid becoming part of the chaos, an evacuation route is important. A secure location to evacuate to should be chosen and mapped out ahead of time. Using lesser known and traveled roads is best for several reasons. Highways and interstates will likely be gridlocked, making travel difficult, if not impossible. Often times, it is necessary to abandon vehicles and travel on foot, which requires more planning than if traveling by vehicle.
Urban prepper survival depends on preparedness. Without having a plan in place, people are subject to the mercy of the conditions in the city and the people within. Having a plan in place – regardless of whether it becomes necessary to enact or not – can be the pivotal difference between survival and defeat.