Product Description: A necessary and effective manual of urban survival techniques, a companion to the SAS Survival Handbook (1,000,000 copies sold).
John "Lofty" Wiseman is the author of the bestselling SAS Survival Handbook, the definitive guide to survival in the wild from Britain's Special Air Service. Now he has compiled a complete guide to survival in the urban jungle. Every year in America there are thousands of fatal accidents in the home—more than on the roads, and many more than in the great outdoors. Fire, electricity, water, gas, sharp knives, poisons, chemicals—these valuable tools can quickly become dangerous weapons when not treated with proper respect and understanding. Add to these the risks of travel, terrorism, muggings, rape, tsunamis, and earthquakes. We are constantly reminded that the world is a dangerous place. Wiseman shows readers how to think realistically and practically about these perils in order to avoid them, whether they are at home, on the street, in school, or in transit. From self-defense techniques to home security systems to coping with natural disasters, this book will teach readers to recognize risks, make quick decisions, and live confidently in the modern urban world. 100 color illustrations.
It is what it says it is... This book's title conveys its topic; it is a book with detailed guidance on minimizing your risks in the urban environment on a day-to-day basis.
Wiseman writes clearly and compellingly as he takes you from one scenario to another, explaining the types of problems you may encounter and the actions that will get you out of trouble. I began reading his book on a Sunday afternoon and I found myself stopping every few pages to tell my wife about some new bit of information I had not known about my own environment. For example, if your television catches on fire, throw a wet blanket over it because there is a good chance that the picture tube will explode! Perhaps everyone else already knows this, but I didn't: raw potatoes are poisonous and can be fatal.
The middle portion of the book has dozens of pictures of common houseplants that are lethal. The book is illustrated throughout and it is designed to work well as a reference in the event of a problem (i.e., call out boxes with critical information and consistent use of color with WARNINGS in red and entire pages with dashed borders with the systematic instructions).
The only `down side' to this book is that it is written for a British audience and a slight US bias does pop up occasionally and references to laws on gun ownership, self-defense, etc., are based on British law; otherwise, a great book and a handy reference source.
Must read... The book is useful to everyone. Topics such as emergency kits are very valuable, and practical.
Get the book, and make your own call, I used something from the book just yesterday.
Puts the Boy Scout Manual to Shame Well written and nicely illustrated, this book is a quality work. Yes,even a serious approach to survival in any environment - except urban and suburban environments. I am impressed. Using the suggestions contained could be life saving for people lost in wild environments. And I think hard core survivalists will treasure this book.
SAS Urban Survival Short term..... This was disappointing for me because I expected more. Urban survival is long term in crisis not just 3 days in some instances; consider New Orleans after Katrina. I have the SAS Survival Manual to use as I will need it to vacate the city shortly there after. I would like the book to have more about securing food, water, shelter out of what you are left with in your neighborhood when there is a disaster. Like dangers to look out for, safety, security, avoiding pillagers and mobs, what and where to stockpile 6 months worth of food etc. I think this is Survival/crisis lite!
Not a worst case book Urban life is unique in many ways. Life can be easy one day and tough the next. Urban life presents unique problems: stress, pollution, robberies, and so on. Life in the urban environment can also be pleasurable by being socially involved, and enjoying a well-paid job.
The book Urban Survival is about how to survive day-by-day in the urban world. Unlike other survival books, Urban Survival is not so much about the "worst" case, but rather common mistakes that can be made and how to prevent such mistakes from happening. Most of the facts are common sense, but they can be easily overlooked in the urban world. The book ranges from common do-it-yourself accidents to the more extreme such as robberies and terrorism and natural disasters. The book makes a good effort to keep your home secure from hazards from both inside and outside. The book isn't about how to make your home a fortified fortress capable of stopping a massive invasion and arming yourself with the latest weaponry (as a matter of fact, the book is against using a gun for defensive reasons since it's very well possible that the weapon can be used against you or hurt someone you don't intend to hurt). No, this book is about how to enjoy your life in the urban world while keeping in mind about safely and playing it safe. Basically, it's better to be safe than sorry.
I recommend this book to anyone living in the urban world. I think there are a lot of great tips in this book and some of them well make you say, "Well duh!"
Anything Goes Trivia
Trevor
Megaton Man
