The 10 C’s of Survival by Dave Canterbury

Dave Canterbury, a wilderness survival instructor at the Pathfinder School, has created a comprehensive list called “The 10 C’s of Survival” that should be included in every survival kit, including bug out bags and get home bags. Now, I will present to you what I believe are the 10 C’s of URBAN Survival that you can add to the previous 10 wilderness survival items.

Dave Canterbury’s 10 C’s of Survival

Introduction

In the world we live in today, it is important to be prepared for any unforeseen circumstances or emergencies that may arise. Whether you find yourself in a wilderness environment or navigating through the urban jungle, having the necessary skills and tools for survival is crucial. That’s where Dave Canterbury’s 10 C’s of Survival come into play. Developed by renowned survival expert Dave Canterbury, these principles provide a comprehensive guide to ensure you have the essential items and skills needed to survive in any situation.

What are the 10 C’s of Survival

The 10 C’s of Survival are a set of ten categories that encompass the necessary items and skills for successful survival. These categories are: cutting tools, combustion devices, cover, container, cordage, compass, cloth, cargo tape, compass, and first-aid kit. Each “C” represents a vital aspect of survival. By addressing these ten areas, you will be better equipped to handle various survival scenarios.

Purpose of the 10 C’s of Survival

The purpose of the 10 C’s of Survival is to provide a systematic approach to preparedness, regardless of the environment you find yourself in. Whether you are exploring the wilderness or navigating through an urban setting, these principles serve as a foundation for ensuring your safety and well-being. By following the 10 C’s, you can have peace of mind knowing that you are well-prepared for unexpected situations.

The 10 C’s of URBAN Survival

Overview of Urban Survival

Urban survival refers to the skills and knowledge necessary to survive in an urban environment during a major disaster or crisis. While these skills overlap with wilderness survival, urban survival focuses on navigating through man-made landscapes such as cities and towns. It is essential to recognize the unique challenges that arise in an urban setting and adapt your preparedness strategies accordingly.

Addition to the Wilderness Survival Items

The 10 C’s of Urban Survival build upon the principles of wilderness survival. While many of the items required for wilderness survival are still relevant, urban survival introduces additional considerations. Elements such as navigating through crowded areas and sourcing potable water become even more critical in an urban setting. Therefore, it is important to adapt your survival kit and skills to fit the challenges of the city.

Importance of Urban Survival Skills

The importance of urban survival skills cannot be overstated. In a densely populated area, resources become limited, and chaos can ensue during a crisis. Knowing how to navigate through urban environments, source food and water, and find shelter can make a significant difference in your chances of survival. Urban survival skills empower you to confidently face any emergency situation and increase your chances of coming out unscathed.

Discussion of the 10 C’s of Wilderness Survival

Overview of the 10 C’s

The 10 C’s of Wilderness Survival, developed by Dave Canterbury, serve as a comprehensive framework for wilderness survival preparedness. Each “C” represents a category of essential items and skills. These categories include cutting tools, combustion devices, cover, container, cordage, compass, cloth, cargo tape, compass, and first-aid kit. By properly addressing each category, you can ensure that you have the fundamental elements for thriving in the wilderness.

Explanation of Each Item

1. Cutting Tools: These include knives, saws, and any other tools that enable you to cut through materials, build shelters, or prepare firewood.
2. Combustion Devices: These encompass items such as lighters, matches, or flint and steel, which allow you to start a fire for warmth, cooking, and signaling.
3. Cover: The ability to create or find shelter is crucial in the wilderness. Tarps, tents, or natural materials can be used to protect yourself from the elements.
4. Container: Having a container, such as a water bottle or metal pot, enables you to transport and purify water, as well as cook food.
5. Cordage: Strong and versatile cordage, such as paracord, can be used for building shelters, traps, and many other survival tasks in the wilderness.
6. Compass: A compass helps you navigate and orient yourself in unfamiliar terrain, allowing you to find your way to safety or essential resources.
7. Cloth: Cloth has a myriad of uses in the wilderness, from making bandages and clothing repairs to filtering water and signaling for help.
8. Cargo tape: This strong and adhesive tape can be used for repairing gear, constructing shelters, or securing items together.
9. Compass: Another compass is included in the 10 C’s of Wilderness Survival to ensure its importance is highlighted.
10. First-aid kit: Having a well-stocked first-aid kit is essential for treating injuries and illnesses that may occur in the wilderness.

Importance in Wilderness Survival

Without the necessary items and skills represented by the 10 C’s, wilderness survival can be significantly more challenging. These categories outline the critical components needed to sustain yourself in the wilderness. Whether it’s starting a fire for warmth, purifying water for hydration, or constructing a shelter for protection, each “C” plays a vital role in your ability to survive and thrive in nature’s harsh conditions.

The 10 C’s of Urban Survival

Introduction to Urban Survival Version

Just as the wilderness has its own unique challenges, urban environments present their own set of obstacles during a crisis or emergency. The 10 C’s of Urban Survival address the specific needs and requirements for navigating through dense cities and towns during such situations. While many items from the wilderness survival version are still applicable, the urban adaptation ensures you are adequately prepared for urban-specific scenarios.

Explanation of Each Urban Survival Item

1. Cutting Tools: In an urban setting, cutting tools such as bolt cutters or multitools can be crucial for gaining access to buildings, rescue operations, or freeing yourself from dangerous situations.
2. Combustion Devices: While fire-starting in an urban environment may be restricted, compact and portable devices like pocket stoves or portable electric heaters can provide warmth and cooking capabilities.
3. Cover: Urban survival necessitates the ability to blend in and maintain a low profile. Items like clothing suitable for urban environments or camouflage gear can help you navigate unnoticed.
4. Container: Having a container, like a collapsible water bottle or water filter, can assist in sourcing and storing potable water in an urban environment where clean water supplies may be limited.
5. Cordage: Quality cordage remains essential in urban survival. It can facilitate the creation of improvised systems, securing items, or constructing temporary shelters.
6. Compass: Navigating through densely populated urban environments can be disorienting. A compass, along with a city map or GPS device, can help you navigate efficiently and find safe routes.
7. Cloth: Urban settings often expose you to harmful particles or gases, making the need for protective clothing, masks, or respirators crucial for safeguarding your health.
8. Cargo tape: Cargo tape in an urban environment becomes a versatile utility for repairs, securing items, creating barriers, or even fashioning makeshift handcuffs for self-defense.
9. Compass: Similar to the wilderness survival version, the inclusion of a compass emphasizes its importance as an indispensable tool for urban survival scenarios.
10. First-aid kit: Medical emergencies can occur anywhere, and urban environments are no exception. Having a well-equipped first-aid kit allows you to address wounds, injuries, or illnesses promptly.

Relevance in Urban Survival Situations

The 10 C’s of Urban Survival provide the necessary tools and skills to navigate through the challenges of an urban environment during a crisis or emergency. By addressing each urban survival item, you can adapt and augment your preparedness plan to specifically cater to the demands of densely populated areas. From self-defense to sourcing safe water and medical support, these items enable you to be self-sufficient and take control of your well-being when faced with urban survival situations.

Adding the 10 C’s to Emergency Preparedness Kits

Explanation of Emergency Preparedness Kits

Emergency preparedness kits, often also referred to as bug-out bags or go-bags, are portable kits containing essential items and supplies needed to sustain oneself during an emergency. They typically include items like food, water, first-aid supplies, tools, and provisions to meet immediate survival needs while awaiting assistance or relocating to a safer location. Adding the 10 C’s of Survival to your emergency preparedness kit enhances your overall level of preparedness.

How the 10 C’s Enhance Preparedness

Adding the 10 C’s of Survival to your emergency preparedness kit ensures that you have the fundamental tools and skills required to address a wide range of scenarios. By having the cutting tools, combustion devices, cover, container, cordage, compasses, cloth, and first-aid kit, you can handle various challenges that may arise during an emergency. These items equip you to build shelters, create fire, navigate, secure supplies, and tend to injuries or illnesses, making your emergency preparedness kit more comprehensive and effective.

Other Recommended Items for Kits

In addition to the 10 C’s of Survival, there are several other items you may consider adding to your emergency preparedness kit. These items include but are not limited to:

• Extra clothing appropriate for the climate
• Multi-tool or Swiss Army knife
• Duct tape for repairs and makeshift solutions
• Personal hygiene items like toothbrushes, soap, and toilet paper
• Portable water filter or water purification tablets
• Additional food rations
• Emergency blanket or sleeping bag
• Whistle or signaling device

By expanding your emergency preparedness kit beyond the 10 C’s, you can enhance your survival capabilities even further and tailor it to your specific needs and circumstances.

Specific Capabilities for Urban Survival

Detailed Description of Urban Survival Capabilities

Urban survival requires specific capabilities to navigate densely populated areas and mitigate the risks and challenges that arise during a crisis. These capabilities include:

1. Situational Awareness: Being mindful of your surroundings and potential threats is essential in urban settings. Paying attention to your environment, people’s behavior, and potential risks allows you to respond quickly and make informed decisions.
2. Navigation: Urban areas can be complex to navigate, especially during emergencies. Having the ability to read maps, use GPS devices, or identify landmarks can help you avoid hazardous areas and reach your destination efficiently.
3. Self-Defense: In urban survival scenarios, self-defense skills are vital. Learning basic martial arts techniques, understanding situational awareness, and carrying non-lethal self-defense tools can help you protect yourself in dangerous situations.
4. Urban Foraging: Urban environments offer unique opportunities for sourcing food and water during a crisis. Learning about edible plants, how to find clean water sources, and the ability to procure or grow food in urban settings add valuable capabilities to your survival repertoire.
5. Communication: Establishing effective communication channels, such as a portable radio or smartphone, allows you to stay informed, coordinate with others, and seek assistance when needed.
6. First Aid and Medical Skills: In urban survival scenarios, access to medical services may be limited. Acquiring basic first aid and medical skills, such as wound care, CPR, or treating common medical conditions, equips you to address emergency medical needs effectively.

Examples of How Each Item Can Be Utilized

Each item in the 10 C’s of Survival can be vital in specific urban survival scenarios. For example:

• Cutting Tools: Bolt cutters may aid in accessing locked buildings or freeing trapped individuals.
• Combustion Devices: Portable electric heaters can provide warmth in buildings with disrupted utilities.
• Cover: Urban camouflage clothing can help you blend in and avoid detection.
• Container: A collapsible water bottle allows you to collect and store water from public sources.
• Cordage: Paracord can serve as a temporary clothesline for drying wet clothing or hanging items for storage.
• Compass: Navigating through unfamiliar streets can be less daunting with a reliable compass and city map.
• Cloth: Masks or respirators protect against harmful airborne substances during an urban crisis.
• Cargo tape: Reinforcing doors or creating makeshift barriers can enhance security in a temporary shelter or safe location.
• First-aid kit: Treating minor injuries promptly with first-aid supplies can prevent complications and aid in a swift recovery.

Benefits of Having Specific Capabilities

Developing specific capabilities for urban survival empowers you to adapt and react effectively in an urban environment during a crisis. These capabilities provide you with a tactical advantage, enabling you to navigate through complex situations, secure resources, and protect yourself and those around you. By acquiring these skills and actively working on enhancing them, you increase your self-reliance, confidence, and overall chances of survival in an urban setting.

Further Learning Resources

Recommended Channels

There are several reputable channels and platforms where you can access valuable survival information and continue your learning journey. Some highly recommended channels include:

• Dave Canterbury’s YouTube channel: Provides in-depth survival guides, practical tips, and demonstrations from the master himself.
• Wranglerstar: A channel focused on self-reliance, homesteading, and wilderness survival techniques.
• Creek Stewart: Known for his expertise in urban survival and the author of “Build the Perfect Bug Out Bag.”

Additional Learning Materials

In addition to online videos, there are various learning materials available to expand your knowledge on survival skills. Books such as “Bushcraft 101” by Dave Canterbury or “The SAS Survival Handbook” by John Wiseman provide comprehensive guides to wilderness survival. Online forums and communities, such as Reddit’s /r/Survival, offer a platform for exchanging ideas, asking questions, and learning from experienced survivalists.

Continuing Education on Survival Skills

Survival skills are continually evolving, and it’s crucial to stay up-to-date on the latest techniques and best practices. Participating in survival courses, attending workshops, and joining local survival groups provide opportunities to learn from experienced instructors and gain hands-on experience. By continually seeking out education and training opportunities, you can enhance your survival skills and stay informed about the latest developments in the field.

What Are Some Survival Foods That Align with the 10 C’s of Survival?

When it comes to preparing for survival situations, stocking up on top survival foods preppers should stockpile is essential. These long-lasting and nutritious food items align with the 10 C’s of survival, ensuring that individuals have sustenance during emergencies. Examples include canned meats, dried fruits, nuts, MREs, and freeze-dried meals, providing essential energy, proteins, and vital nutrients to overcome challenging circumstances.

Conclusion

Summary of the Importance of the 10 C’s

Dave Canterbury’s 10 C’s of Survival offer a systematic approach to preparedness, spanning both wilderness and urban environments. By addressing each category, you ensure you have the necessary tools and skills to navigate any survival scenario effectively. The principles allow you to adapt to specific challenges and empower you to take control of your well-being in the face of emergencies.

Final Thoughts and Thanks to Viewers

In conclusion, prioritizing your preparedness through the 10 C’s of Survival is an investment in your safety and peace of mind. Whether you find yourself in the wilderness or the heart of a city, having the necessary items and skills is crucial. We would like to extend our gratitude to all our viewers for their commitment to preparedness and their dedication to learning and growing in the field of survival. Remember, the more prepared you are, the better equipped you will be to handle any situation life throws your way. Stay safe, stay vigilant, and keep learning!