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SAS Urban Survival Handbook: How to Protect Yourself Against Terrorism, Natural Disasters, Fires, Home Invasions, and Everyday Health and Safety Hazards
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 the complete guide to surviving among crowds of people, the mazes of office buildings, the dangers of an unfeeling city—put simply, how to stay safe in the urban jungle.
Thousands of preventable fatalities occur in the home every year—more than on the roads, more than in the great outdoors. Household chemicals, electricity, cooking knives, and rodent poisons—in the wrong hands and with improper usage, these day-to-day resources bring danger to your home. Add to this the risks of moving through city streets (the threat of rape, muggings, and gang violence) and the menace of natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, blizzards) that cannot be avoided.
Every day serves as a constant The world is truly a frightening place.
The SAS Urban Survival Guide advises readers to think practically about urban environments and offers tips and instructions on how to avoid hazards wherever one goes. From self-defense techniques to home security systems to coping with natural disasters, this book teaches readers to recognize danger, make quick decisions, and live confidently in the modern world.
Thousands of preventable fatalities occur in the home every year—more than on the roads, more than in the great outdoors. Household chemicals, electricity, cooking knives, and rodent poisons—in the wrong hands and with improper usage, these day-to-day resources bring danger to your home. Add to this the risks of moving through city streets (the threat of rape, muggings, and gang violence) and the menace of natural disasters (floods, earthquakes, blizzards) that cannot be avoided.
Every day serves as a constant The world is truly a frightening place.
The SAS Urban Survival Guide advises readers to think practically about urban environments and offers tips and instructions on how to avoid hazards wherever one goes. From self-defense techniques to home security systems to coping with natural disasters, this book teaches readers to recognize danger, make quick decisions, and live confidently in the modern world.
648 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 1992
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 19, 2012
Someone bought me this book - people buy me a lot of books (and socks) because what else do you buy a man of my years? Anyway, this was a really interesting read and I will put some of these techniques to the test. I might try and snare my 95 year old wife :-)
February 11, 2020
I confess I picked the wrong book from the library - I was interested in "survival" but not exactly urban survival. The coverage is huge and left me overwhelmed. Make no mistake, the author has a lot of experience and with the help of this book you will be excellently prepared to face any hazardous situation. It's just not a pleasant experience to read the book with its screaming advises and dangers lurking everywhere. I am also not a fan of having instructions how to secure your home or how to avoid precarious situations next to things that you would expect in a parental guide (childhood diseases, playgrounds).
4 stars out of 5.
4 stars out of 5.
February 2, 2021
I'm LOL'ing reading this , which is probably not the intended response. Most of this book is just pure common sense EG -
Don't leave babies near hot water/pans/open fires
Don't stick your fingers in live sockets.
Don't drink poison n bleach .
Don't smoke in bed, house fire risk,
Don't take Heroin if your stressed... It's addictive and deadly!! ( wow. .. That's news to us all!)
Don't walk through bad areas alone at night.
THIS IS ALL SHIT WE ALREADY KNOW MAN . Where's the promised urban survivalist ninja skills ?
Dear oh dear........
Where the bloody urban survival I'm promised.
Certain parts made me laugh . EG -
Don't let a dog lick your face. NEVER!!
DOnt keep moray eels as pets , they can't bite the hand that feeds them .
Oh man , at least I learned one new thing from this book , people actually keep carnivorous eels as pets. Yes I googled it as I was quite sure it wasn't a thing. It is a thing,
Still no wiser on self defence or what to do in riots , terror attacks or urban bloodshed. I will read on regardless as I am 2/3 through.
Don't leave babies near hot water/pans/open fires
Don't stick your fingers in live sockets.
Don't drink poison n bleach .
Don't smoke in bed, house fire risk,
Don't take Heroin if your stressed... It's addictive and deadly!! ( wow. .. That's news to us all!)
Don't walk through bad areas alone at night.
THIS IS ALL SHIT WE ALREADY KNOW MAN . Where's the promised urban survivalist ninja skills ?
Dear oh dear........
Where the bloody urban survival I'm promised.
Certain parts made me laugh . EG -
Don't let a dog lick your face. NEVER!!
DOnt keep moray eels as pets , they can't bite the hand that feeds them .
Oh man , at least I learned one new thing from this book , people actually keep carnivorous eels as pets. Yes I googled it as I was quite sure it wasn't a thing. It is a thing,
Still no wiser on self defence or what to do in riots , terror attacks or urban bloodshed. I will read on regardless as I am 2/3 through.
January 1, 2014
De verdad, si alguna vez necesitáis una guía de superviviencia..ESTA ES LA GUÍA DEFINITIVA!
Un manual antológico; que va desde los principios más básicos ( orientación, primeros auxilios..) a contarnos auténticas barbaridades ( no se si escogía la mejor palabra), cómo : hacer una traqueotomía de emergencia ( y otras perlas), sobrevivir en medio del mar, sacar alimento de los esqueletos animales y otras partes de estos, sacar agua de dónde sea y hacer un pozo o el abc de la supervivencia frente a tormentas eléctricas, orientación con luz cero...y un montón de cosas más que alucinas conforme lo vas leyendo.
Mira que me gusta el personaje de rambo, pero si tuviese que buscar uno real sería éste señor.
Amen de guía
Un manual antológico; que va desde los principios más básicos ( orientación, primeros auxilios..) a contarnos auténticas barbaridades ( no se si escogía la mejor palabra), cómo : hacer una traqueotomía de emergencia ( y otras perlas), sobrevivir en medio del mar, sacar alimento de los esqueletos animales y otras partes de estos, sacar agua de dónde sea y hacer un pozo o el abc de la supervivencia frente a tormentas eléctricas, orientación con luz cero...y un montón de cosas más que alucinas conforme lo vas leyendo.
Mira que me gusta el personaje de rambo, pero si tuviese que buscar uno real sería éste señor.
Amen de guía
July 17, 2018
Good solid survival book. Well laid out material with tons of good illustrations. Recommended
July 5, 2018
Honestly? A bit too much all at once. The graphics were overwhelming - so many bits marked "IMPORTANT" or "EMERGENCY" or "DANGER" that you couldn't easily flip through to find the bit you're looking for, especially if you're in an actual emergency situation. I think this book could have benefitted from a better layout, in a graphic design sense, making it more user-friendly... also perhaps a pocket book size?
And it's relatively specific to the UK, as well, for readers outside of the UK! Be aware.
Also, just a bit stressful to read in general, to be honest...
And it's relatively specific to the UK, as well, for readers outside of the UK! Be aware.
Also, just a bit stressful to read in general, to be honest...
October 3, 2012
90% of the book is about common sense but it can gives some good advices that can really save your life in difficult situation.
The utility of this book depends on your previous knowledge on the arguments, anyway is good to keep it at home.
The utility of this book depends on your previous knowledge on the arguments, anyway is good to keep it at home.
December 22, 2012
Mostly common sense stuff about everyday life (eg dieting, de-stressing, driving in fog, home repairs, how to use tools, self defense etc). Not at all what I was expecting. Basically how to live an everyday life.
August 8, 2026
A RETIRED BRITISH ‘SPECIAL FORCES’ OFFICER MAKES A VARIETY OF SUGGESTIONS
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman (b. 1941) at age 18 became the youngest person ever to pass selection for the Special Air Service (SAS), the British special forces unit. He served in the SAS for 26 years.
He wrote in the Foreword to this 1991 book, “My first book, ‘The SAS Survival Handbook,’ deals with survival in the wild away from all resources, so you may be surprised to see me turning my attention to the problems and dangers of the urban environment. Unemployment and the high cost of accommodation contribute to serious social problems---the number of homeless sleeping rough [for example]… Safety is largely a matter of common sense and following basic rules… The pace of urban life is sometimes too fast to keep up with… I didn’t write this book to scare anyone, I want to show you how to avoid these dangers. The same awareness and readiness that are required when surviving in the wild really are necessary in the city, too.” (Pg. 6)
He explains, “Electricity always wants to return to earth. This process of ‘earthing’ is what happens when you receive an electric shock from an appliance, or from a live wire. The electricity is trying to return to earth through you. The human body is not a very good conductor, but so strong is the tendency for electricity to earth itself, it will take any route offered to it. Effectively, you form a circuit. Wearing rubber boots, which cut off the route to earth and therefore break the circuit, should protect you. Standing in wet ground makes you a more efficient circuit and is therefore deadly.” (Pg. 27)
In a sidebar labeled ‘Women and Sport,’ he states: “Specific differences that may affect women’s performance in sport, or the risks of particular sports, include: *Smaller hearts and lungs than men. *Less muscle bulk and strength than men. *Better fat-burning mechanism than men (useful in endurance sports). *Higher fat percentage… *Lower center of gravity than men. *Smaller stature (useful in some sports---riding, for example). *Wide pelvis alters angle of the femur---can lead to knee problems in running. *Breast pain and jogger’s nipple can be caused by running. *Joint looseness (useful in some sports—gymnastics for example). *Reproductive organs well protected. *Menstrual cycle can be affected by strenuous exercise. *Pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments. *The contraceptive pill increases risk of cardiovascular strain.” (Pg. 173)
In a section titled ‘SNOWBOUND,’ he explains, “If you find yourself trapped in a blizzard or snowdrift, you must above all KEEP WARM and KEEP AWAKE… Wrap up in clothing, blankets, car carpets, newspapers---whatever is at hand---and move limbs, fingers, and toes from time to time so that you keep blood circulating. Falling asleep is dangerous because your body temperature lowers and you could succumb to hypothermia… DON’T drink alcohol as this also lowers the body temperature, as well as clouding judgment and encouraging drowsiness.” (Pg, 184)
Of Firearms, he states, “Firearms present more of a risk than a serious form of protection. Having such weapons in your home may pose a severe threat to children---or to all the members of a household if the weapons are misused by an intruder. Attitudes to firearms vary enormously around the world. In the US, for instance, the ‘right to bear arms’ is part of the Constitution. Even though there is legislation, there are an enormous number of cases where weapons are misused. The legal requirements in Britain, however, probably give the safest guidelines for owning and storing weapons. *No one may own a firearm unless he or she is a member of a shooting or hunting club… *A license is valid for only three years. Regular inspections are made to ensure that the owner is adhering to ALL the rules governing the possession, use and storage of a firearm… *Ammunition must also be stored… in another location from the weapon… *If carrying the weapon through the streets, it must be in a locked security case---it must not be loaded." (Pg. 205)
Of knives, he comments, “Knives are deadly and can inflict serious injuries or kill. Most people freeze when confronted by any weapon---especially anything as serious as a knife or a gun. Avoid confrontations with weapons at all costs. If the weapon is being used as a threat to demand money or goods---hand over whatever is requested and try to get away. If you are not trained in self-defense, you cannot hope to deal with an armed assailant. Which is more important---your property or your life? The only real defense against a weapon is a more powerful weapon. A large heavy stick might give you the advantage against a knife---but not against a gun.” (Pg. 235)
If you are kidnapped, he suggests, “Talk to your captors about personal matters, show them photographs of your children. The more they begin to see you as an individual with a life and relatives or a family of your own, the less you may represent a ‘victim.’ The more they identify with you personally, the more difficult it becomes for them to harm you.” (Pg. 256)
Of course, he covers MANY other topics, ranging from terrorist threats to childbirth. While a number of Wiseman’s suggestions might be rejected out of hand by Americans (about firearms, for instance) this is a very informative and thought-provoking book.
John ‘Lofty’ Wiseman (b. 1941) at age 18 became the youngest person ever to pass selection for the Special Air Service (SAS), the British special forces unit. He served in the SAS for 26 years.
He wrote in the Foreword to this 1991 book, “My first book, ‘The SAS Survival Handbook,’ deals with survival in the wild away from all resources, so you may be surprised to see me turning my attention to the problems and dangers of the urban environment. Unemployment and the high cost of accommodation contribute to serious social problems---the number of homeless sleeping rough [for example]… Safety is largely a matter of common sense and following basic rules… The pace of urban life is sometimes too fast to keep up with… I didn’t write this book to scare anyone, I want to show you how to avoid these dangers. The same awareness and readiness that are required when surviving in the wild really are necessary in the city, too.” (Pg. 6)
He explains, “Electricity always wants to return to earth. This process of ‘earthing’ is what happens when you receive an electric shock from an appliance, or from a live wire. The electricity is trying to return to earth through you. The human body is not a very good conductor, but so strong is the tendency for electricity to earth itself, it will take any route offered to it. Effectively, you form a circuit. Wearing rubber boots, which cut off the route to earth and therefore break the circuit, should protect you. Standing in wet ground makes you a more efficient circuit and is therefore deadly.” (Pg. 27)
In a sidebar labeled ‘Women and Sport,’ he states: “Specific differences that may affect women’s performance in sport, or the risks of particular sports, include: *Smaller hearts and lungs than men. *Less muscle bulk and strength than men. *Better fat-burning mechanism than men (useful in endurance sports). *Higher fat percentage… *Lower center of gravity than men. *Smaller stature (useful in some sports---riding, for example). *Wide pelvis alters angle of the femur---can lead to knee problems in running. *Breast pain and jogger’s nipple can be caused by running. *Joint looseness (useful in some sports—gymnastics for example). *Reproductive organs well protected. *Menstrual cycle can be affected by strenuous exercise. *Pregnancy hormones loosen ligaments. *The contraceptive pill increases risk of cardiovascular strain.” (Pg. 173)
In a section titled ‘SNOWBOUND,’ he explains, “If you find yourself trapped in a blizzard or snowdrift, you must above all KEEP WARM and KEEP AWAKE… Wrap up in clothing, blankets, car carpets, newspapers---whatever is at hand---and move limbs, fingers, and toes from time to time so that you keep blood circulating. Falling asleep is dangerous because your body temperature lowers and you could succumb to hypothermia… DON’T drink alcohol as this also lowers the body temperature, as well as clouding judgment and encouraging drowsiness.” (Pg, 184)
Of Firearms, he states, “Firearms present more of a risk than a serious form of protection. Having such weapons in your home may pose a severe threat to children---or to all the members of a household if the weapons are misused by an intruder. Attitudes to firearms vary enormously around the world. In the US, for instance, the ‘right to bear arms’ is part of the Constitution. Even though there is legislation, there are an enormous number of cases where weapons are misused. The legal requirements in Britain, however, probably give the safest guidelines for owning and storing weapons. *No one may own a firearm unless he or she is a member of a shooting or hunting club… *A license is valid for only three years. Regular inspections are made to ensure that the owner is adhering to ALL the rules governing the possession, use and storage of a firearm… *Ammunition must also be stored… in another location from the weapon… *If carrying the weapon through the streets, it must be in a locked security case---it must not be loaded." (Pg. 205)
Of knives, he comments, “Knives are deadly and can inflict serious injuries or kill. Most people freeze when confronted by any weapon---especially anything as serious as a knife or a gun. Avoid confrontations with weapons at all costs. If the weapon is being used as a threat to demand money or goods---hand over whatever is requested and try to get away. If you are not trained in self-defense, you cannot hope to deal with an armed assailant. Which is more important---your property or your life? The only real defense against a weapon is a more powerful weapon. A large heavy stick might give you the advantage against a knife---but not against a gun.” (Pg. 235)
If you are kidnapped, he suggests, “Talk to your captors about personal matters, show them photographs of your children. The more they begin to see you as an individual with a life and relatives or a family of your own, the less you may represent a ‘victim.’ The more they identify with you personally, the more difficult it becomes for them to harm you.” (Pg. 256)
Of course, he covers MANY other topics, ranging from terrorist threats to childbirth. While a number of Wiseman’s suggestions might be rejected out of hand by Americans (about firearms, for instance) this is a very informative and thought-provoking book.
July 24, 2013
Incredible so far, completely different from the Original SAS Survival Guide.
April 15, 2013
How do you prepare a bear? Don't eat the liver.
January 11, 2015
Still reference this book to this day and bought it over 8 years ago.
January 1, 2020
I have one of the first published print. That was in 1986. Now 2020 it is still an true source of outdoor knowledge and skills.
In those times "surival" was not charted and everybody practicing it; nuts.Bush wacking and fire making idiots, trying to look serious...most of the time. Brands like: BCB where leading companies in survival gear and items. Long before Ray Mears started bragging and.......waaaaay...before Ray Mears firstly travelled to Scandinavia and learned; that it is cold out there.
This book put "survival" on the chart as an serious business. So serious, nowerdays in the European Union plagarism by newbies is more; the thing to do, than not to do...and calling it "bushcraft" or what that maybe other than survival skills as refined as it was during the 80's.
Top 5 books on my shelf on this subject! (sorry Ray Mears...your not...)
In those times "surival" was not charted and everybody practicing it; nuts.Bush wacking and fire making idiots, trying to look serious...most of the time. Brands like: BCB where leading companies in survival gear and items. Long before Ray Mears started bragging and.......waaaaay...before Ray Mears firstly travelled to Scandinavia and learned; that it is cold out there.
This book put "survival" on the chart as an serious business. So serious, nowerdays in the European Union plagarism by newbies is more; the thing to do, than not to do...and calling it "bushcraft" or what that maybe other than survival skills as refined as it was during the 80's.
Top 5 books on my shelf on this subject! (sorry Ray Mears...your not...)
December 1, 2021
This book is a potentially useful compilation of practical tips that is let down by being very outdated (it clearly pre-dates mobile phones and the internet) and repetition of common sense (how many times do I need to be reminded not to drink cleaning fluids, anti-freeze, etc.?) The most useful parts was dealing with common things in other climates that I've never personally had to think about, like driving in snow or preparing for a tornado.
May 21, 2018
This should definitely be taught in schools.
July 11, 2019
We all need to know stuff.
March 5, 2022
Mi libro favorito de la vida
March 24, 2025
Uta madre... con todo y sabiendo esto... teniendo un bunker con provisiones para un año o más, y sistemas de defensa... moriría bien rápido de todas formas.
No es de ignorar que contra los que vas a competir, en un situación de supervivencia para toda una región, también tienen conocimientos maximizados por internet y herramientas funcionales, la Inteligencia Artificial como asesora en estos temas, grupos de poder, saben quién eres, y qué tienes... y nadie va a esperar a que seamos justos y civilizados si el mundo gira a mal o muy mal..., un país, un estado o en la mera comunidad en que vives. imagina que el vecino que nunca saludaste ahora quiere lo que tu tienes, no por envidie, sino porque lo necesita para sobrevivir, en ese momento, y que lo mismo piensa el vecino, al otro lado, ese que se ve más débil que un gusano de charco pero siempre tuvo una escopeta guardada "por si acaso" en su colchón.
Me acordé del tal Selco Begovic. Pero en éste momento... con todo lo que tenemos de nuevas tecnologías... un escenario SHTF... no pinta nada bien para nadie... solo para los que esten en milicias poderosas.
¡Caridad y piedad en esos momentos!
T_T porque ahí el amor no puede emerger tan rápido y de igual forma para todos.
P.D. La historia del Selco Begovic es real, no porque sea verdad (qué es) sino porque eso es real-real pero en el lado oscuro, bajando al caos que siempre esta "a la vuelta".
No es de ignorar que contra los que vas a competir, en un situación de supervivencia para toda una región, también tienen conocimientos maximizados por internet y herramientas funcionales, la Inteligencia Artificial como asesora en estos temas, grupos de poder, saben quién eres, y qué tienes... y nadie va a esperar a que seamos justos y civilizados si el mundo gira a mal o muy mal..., un país, un estado o en la mera comunidad en que vives. imagina que el vecino que nunca saludaste ahora quiere lo que tu tienes, no por envidie, sino porque lo necesita para sobrevivir, en ese momento, y que lo mismo piensa el vecino, al otro lado, ese que se ve más débil que un gusano de charco pero siempre tuvo una escopeta guardada "por si acaso" en su colchón.
Me acordé del tal Selco Begovic. Pero en éste momento... con todo lo que tenemos de nuevas tecnologías... un escenario SHTF... no pinta nada bien para nadie... solo para los que esten en milicias poderosas.
¡Caridad y piedad en esos momentos!
T_T porque ahí el amor no puede emerger tan rápido y de igual forma para todos.
P.D. La historia del Selco Begovic es real, no porque sea verdad (qué es) sino porque eso es real-real pero en el lado oscuro, bajando al caos que siempre esta "a la vuelta".
March 1, 2020
DNF. Read the first 100+ pages in the ebook and the only thing of utility was a short passage on “you should carry a small safety kit and here’s what ideally it should contain.”
The majority of the book seems to be a voluminous litany of what dangers exist in an urban setting, and the advice given on how to navigate said dangers seems simplistic at best... Seriously - are most readers not aware that vitamin overdosing is a thing and that rats and cockroaches can carry and spread disease? Cause that’s what the other pages I flipped through seemed to contain.
I was expecting more of a “the average person uses 20 ft of toilet paper a day, and can survive on a gallon of water if bathing isn’t taken into account” type of book. Or “here’s a diagram of how fire escapes work” and “50 ways to use paracord to carry things unexpectedly when your bike gets a flat tire”... I really wanted it to contain useful information.
But I would really leave room in your bug out bag for some other book. This one didn’t seem worth the space.
The majority of the book seems to be a voluminous litany of what dangers exist in an urban setting, and the advice given on how to navigate said dangers seems simplistic at best... Seriously - are most readers not aware that vitamin overdosing is a thing and that rats and cockroaches can carry and spread disease? Cause that’s what the other pages I flipped through seemed to contain.
I was expecting more of a “the average person uses 20 ft of toilet paper a day, and can survive on a gallon of water if bathing isn’t taken into account” type of book. Or “here’s a diagram of how fire escapes work” and “50 ways to use paracord to carry things unexpectedly when your bike gets a flat tire”... I really wanted it to contain useful information.
But I would really leave room in your bug out bag for some other book. This one didn’t seem worth the space.
December 9, 2025
As an RAF Police Veteran, I found this practical, calm, and straight to the point — just how a survival guide should be. Wiseman covers the real-world stuff: awareness, preparation, and keeping your head when life goes sideways. Some sections lean toward worst-case scenarios, but better over-prepared than caught out.
If you’ve served, much of this will feel familiar. If you haven’t, it’s a solid crash course in staying safe in an unpredictable world. Worth a read and worth keeping on the shelf.
If you’ve served, much of this will feel familiar. If you haven’t, it’s a solid crash course in staying safe in an unpredictable world. Worth a read and worth keeping on the shelf.
July 4, 2008
Excellent book to have on hand, whether living in urban, suburban, or rural area. Everything from daily basics to the rare and (hopefully never needed) tips for violence avoidance and disaster survival.
July 10, 2011
If such pearls of wisdom like learning not to use your hair dryer in the bathtub and how to recognize genital warts count as your version of "urban survival" you've found the right book. If you want real information, look elsewhere.
May 13, 2007
I enjoy manuals on how to do things generally...but this nifty book is about making it when you are travelling light. Now that's useful information.
September 1, 2016
great guide and reference for any survival situation
March 20, 2020
Book is filled with very useful info.
But the design is ridiculous, and the tone of the writing is very 'Internet forum maniac'.
If you can look past that there is some good stuff in here.
But the design is ridiculous, and the tone of the writing is very 'Internet forum maniac'.
If you can look past that there is some good stuff in here.
July 10, 2020
Generally just common sense. Not really an SAS book
October 23, 2020
Rife with spelling errors and far too much common sense advice. Would not recommend.
March 28, 2021
Horribly written and unhelpful. Reads more like a bad book of advice about how to be an adult than a survival manual.
October 23, 2022
Most of it’s content is just common sense (especially for women this is nothing new).
October 15, 2023
Manual of what not to do
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews