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How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need: Survival Tricks for Hacking, Hurricanes, and Hazards Life Might Throw at You
A seasoned war correspondent, Columbia University professor, and safety consultant provides practical, proven strategies for women that gives them the power and resources to take on almost any crisis, disaster, or challenge—from hurricanes to harassment and beyond. Everyone from Louis Pasteur to the Girl Scouts has championed the motto “Be Prepared”—but what does that mean in today’s constantly changing world? In this age of anxiety, when reports of mass shootings, political unrest, the threat of nuclear war, devastating natural disasters, and digital attacks dominate the news and are transforming our lives, we yearn for some control. We want to make sensible decisions to help keep us on track when everything seems to be going off the rails. We want to be ready—to the best of our abilities—for the worst that can happen.
As a seasoned war correspondent with more than thirty years of experience working in crisis zones and a pioneering safety consultant, Judith Matloff knows about personal security and risk management. In How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need, she shares her tried-and-true methods to help you confidently handle whatever challenges comes your way.
Blending humorous stories and anecdotes with serious advice, Matloff explains how to remain upright in stampedes, avoid bank fraud, prevent sexual assault, stay clean in a shelter, and even be emotionally prepared for loss. From cyber security, active shooter situations, and travel, to natural disasters and emotional resilience, she shares tips that will give even the most anxious person a sense of control over life’s unpredictable perils. Unfortunately, we can’t anticipate all the crises of our lives. But with How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need, you’ll find the skills and confidence you need to weather an emergency.
As a seasoned war correspondent with more than thirty years of experience working in crisis zones and a pioneering safety consultant, Judith Matloff knows about personal security and risk management. In How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need, she shares her tried-and-true methods to help you confidently handle whatever challenges comes your way.
Blending humorous stories and anecdotes with serious advice, Matloff explains how to remain upright in stampedes, avoid bank fraud, prevent sexual assault, stay clean in a shelter, and even be emotionally prepared for loss. From cyber security, active shooter situations, and travel, to natural disasters and emotional resilience, she shares tips that will give even the most anxious person a sense of control over life’s unpredictable perils. Unfortunately, we can’t anticipate all the crises of our lives. But with How to Drag a Body and Other Safety Tips You Hope to Never Need, you’ll find the skills and confidence you need to weather an emergency.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 19, 2020
205 people are currently reading
2849 people want to read
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March 28, 2020Useful and very thorough. No matter how much of a planner you think you are, you've got nothing on this lady. However, it really strikes home that true preparedness is the domain of the rich. Many people flat-out can't afford all this. I think I was hoping for less "Buy this, stock this" and more of a low-bar-to-entry how-to. Also fewer weight jokes.
June 1, 2020
In chapter 1 she proves she doesn’t have common sense and really shouldn’t have been in Angola.
Chapter 2 - she really needed advice from a friend to put on sunscreen (while hiking in Utah) and went online to find out what to do or wear in 108’ temperature (loose clothing, hydration, wear a wide brimmed hat, seek shade). Really?
When staying in a third world country, (especially if you’re a woman traveling by yourself) you should stay in a safe hotel.
Oh my, this woman doesn’t have any life skills and unsure how long I’m going to last.
NOTE REGARDING HEAVY BLEEDING. The author bypasses direct pressure and mentions tourniquets. Wrong.
First, one should apply direct pressure to try and control bleeding. If you control the bleeding with this direct pressure, keep holding for 10 minutes as it takes this long for clots to form. Press down hard.
Direct pressure remains the main choice of treatment and it will control bleeding in the vast majority of cases. Only use tourniquets when direct pressure is either not possible or ineffective.
Their use should not be taken lightly. It is important to note the exact time in which you applied the tourniquet. Concern for loss of limb if the tourniquet is applied for over 2 hours.
Chapter 2 - she really needed advice from a friend to put on sunscreen (while hiking in Utah) and went online to find out what to do or wear in 108’ temperature (loose clothing, hydration, wear a wide brimmed hat, seek shade). Really?
When staying in a third world country, (especially if you’re a woman traveling by yourself) you should stay in a safe hotel.
Oh my, this woman doesn’t have any life skills and unsure how long I’m going to last.
NOTE REGARDING HEAVY BLEEDING. The author bypasses direct pressure and mentions tourniquets. Wrong.
First, one should apply direct pressure to try and control bleeding. If you control the bleeding with this direct pressure, keep holding for 10 minutes as it takes this long for clots to form. Press down hard.
Direct pressure remains the main choice of treatment and it will control bleeding in the vast majority of cases. Only use tourniquets when direct pressure is either not possible or ineffective.
Their use should not be taken lightly. It is important to note the exact time in which you applied the tourniquet. Concern for loss of limb if the tourniquet is applied for over 2 hours.
October 2, 2020
A long time ago I had to work on the coast during a hurricane... everyone laughed when I walked into the police department with a big bottle of Listerine, a long rope, and a hard hat. The Listerine is an antiseptic and fire ants ride in ant balls on top of floodwater, a long rope was going to be used to tie my little ass to an underpass leg if I lost my car... and the hard hat.. well it was to protect my head. A lifetime of preparation, but this lady has me all topped...
One hard fact and suggestion after another... so much great info, I am going to have to purchase the book just so I know. Despite all of the super great suggestions, this was really entertaining and often funny as all get out.
Heels are for galas, not disasters! Wear shoes you can run in, don't get out of your car if a powerline falls on it. Don't put your cut off fingers on ice, just zip 'em in a ziplock baggie with a damp paper towel. Don't go in the cellar if it is flooding... really?
5 stars
Happy Reading!
One hard fact and suggestion after another... so much great info, I am going to have to purchase the book just so I know. Despite all of the super great suggestions, this was really entertaining and often funny as all get out.
Heels are for galas, not disasters! Wear shoes you can run in, don't get out of your car if a powerline falls on it. Don't put your cut off fingers on ice, just zip 'em in a ziplock baggie with a damp paper towel. Don't go in the cellar if it is flooding... really?
5 stars
Happy Reading!
Read
October 16, 2020Not gonna rate this one. It was helpful and all, but mostly just reiterated stuff I already knew. Sometimes it felt more like a book of anecdotes than a survival aide.
Read
April 3, 2020Valuable information presented in a light-hearted, accessible way. When I read it, the thought of a pandemic being one of the "hazards life might throw at you" hadn't yet become a concern.
July 22, 2020
This book presented helpful information in an entertaining way, so it was both insightful while also being fun to read. As someone that doesn’t read a whole lot of nonfiction, something like this was right up my alley. If you like to be be prepared for any situation this book is something you’ll love, as it provides useful advice for being safe online to an active shooter situation and so many other things in between.
October 15, 2021
The way this book is marketed and the actual contents of this book do not match. I thought I was going to read a book about helpful--yet fun, and maybe, morbid facts. What this book is the paranoid ramblings of a former journalist, who at times, gives terrible advice.
The worst thing this woman says is during the active shooter section of the book. She specifically talks about what kids are taught at school. Most kids are taught "Run. Hide. Fight." In that order. You get away, if you can't get away, you hide, and if you can't hide, you fight. This author basically just jumps to fighting and says it's not worth your time...EXCUSE ME. No, you find anything and everything and throw it at the asshole who is trying to shoot you. You might die, but at least you did something.
Secondly, this author CONTINUOUSLY speaks about how she weighs 98 pounds...like, a lot. She even mentions in the MRE section of the book that they taste gross, so hopefully, you'll lose a few pounds. I'm sorry, but if I'm eating MRE's I don't think I'm in a position to care about my weight.
Finally, and what I think best highlights how this book drops the ball is during the nuclear disaster section. She basically says "kiss your ass goodbye." Briefly talks about getting into a secure place and taping up the windows to keep radiation out, but when she talks about showering after a nuclear disaster she doesn't mention not using a conditioner. You are not supposed to use a hair conditioner after a nuclear disaster because the conditioner seals the hair follicles, and if there is nuclear fallout on you, you will seal the radiation into your hair. Does this author mention this fun fact? Nope. What's on the cover of this book? A nuclear explosion.
The worst thing this woman says is during the active shooter section of the book. She specifically talks about what kids are taught at school. Most kids are taught "Run. Hide. Fight." In that order. You get away, if you can't get away, you hide, and if you can't hide, you fight. This author basically just jumps to fighting and says it's not worth your time...EXCUSE ME. No, you find anything and everything and throw it at the asshole who is trying to shoot you. You might die, but at least you did something.
Secondly, this author CONTINUOUSLY speaks about how she weighs 98 pounds...like, a lot. She even mentions in the MRE section of the book that they taste gross, so hopefully, you'll lose a few pounds. I'm sorry, but if I'm eating MRE's I don't think I'm in a position to care about my weight.
Finally, and what I think best highlights how this book drops the ball is during the nuclear disaster section. She basically says "kiss your ass goodbye." Briefly talks about getting into a secure place and taping up the windows to keep radiation out, but when she talks about showering after a nuclear disaster she doesn't mention not using a conditioner. You are not supposed to use a hair conditioner after a nuclear disaster because the conditioner seals the hair follicles, and if there is nuclear fallout on you, you will seal the radiation into your hair. Does this author mention this fun fact? Nope. What's on the cover of this book? A nuclear explosion.
October 6, 2020
Other than a basic first aid course, the author gives no indication that she has had formal training in any of the emergency areas she advises others about. I am a former EMT with ER experience. I don't claim to be an expert, but I can see errors in her writing. Some of the advice she gives is merely terrible, some is downright dangerous. For example, she recommends keeping your luggage at your feet when flying, so that if you have to evacuate in an emergency, you can take it with you. This is the kind of advice that gets people killed -- when you are performing an emergency evacuation, you do not stop to collect your luggage, nor should you block up the aisle of your fellow passengers with your stuff. You leave the plane with your life and hope you've not prevented anyone else from doing the same. That's just one example, but there were several more in the first quarter of the book I saw. This is the first book I ever returned to Amazon, that's how inaccurate I felt her advice was. Caveat emptor.
November 20, 2020
Really enjoyed this. Definitely would reread.
So much information on personal security and privacy.
How to be safe anywhere, anytime.
4.4/5
So much information on personal security and privacy.
How to be safe anywhere, anytime.
4.4/5
October 4, 2020
Lots of tips for surviving natural disasters, personal safety, and cyber safety.
May 2, 2020
Note: I received a free e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my review.
As a child, I LOVED reading survival books like Hatchet and Julie of the Wolves and as I got a little older, I started reading a bunch of survival manuals (Boy Scout Handbook, The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook, etc). Now, as a full fledged adult (oh god), this was really helpful! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it read, with short sections and Matloff's humor making it fly by. I read it during the COVID-19 pandemic and thought it would be heavy (and it was at times), but I walked away from it feeling a little more prepared about things. I also feel motivated to compile documents together in case of my death now and know what I should put in my emergency kit in my house and car.
There were times that she felt a little too "flip" for lack of better words on some topics, but that was just her writing style kind of rubbing with more of a my personal thing. I also wish that she had gone in depth on some topics as well.
I'd recommend this book and I'm definitely picking up the hard copy from my library to check out the resources section.
As a child, I LOVED reading survival books like Hatchet and Julie of the Wolves and as I got a little older, I started reading a bunch of survival manuals (Boy Scout Handbook, The Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook, etc). Now, as a full fledged adult (oh god), this was really helpful! I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it read, with short sections and Matloff's humor making it fly by. I read it during the COVID-19 pandemic and thought it would be heavy (and it was at times), but I walked away from it feeling a little more prepared about things. I also feel motivated to compile documents together in case of my death now and know what I should put in my emergency kit in my house and car.
There were times that she felt a little too "flip" for lack of better words on some topics, but that was just her writing style kind of rubbing with more of a my personal thing. I also wish that she had gone in depth on some topics as well.
I'd recommend this book and I'm definitely picking up the hard copy from my library to check out the resources section.
July 20, 2020
Even though I don't plan to be in many of the situations Matloff describes at this point of my life, I've always felt it was necessary to "be prepared." Notice... I did NOT say "live in fear"; I mean to be aware of possible unplanned-for situations and think ahead about possible ways to successfully negotiate coming out of those situations alive and well.
Matloff mainly speaks to this type of person, I believe; although she does try to also give tips to people that are fearful about situations like those she discusses. I learned several new things to keep in mind and ways to "McGyer" stuff, so I'm a satisfied reader.
It was also interesting to learn more about the situations that Matloff and other war correspondents encounter. The anecdotes used as illustrations to much of the advice here are worth reading, even if you aren't planning to use the survival data.
The title is aptly chosen to catch the attention of readers like myself. The cover illustration did not grab me, but I'm unsure what else would. They had me at the title...
I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley to read.
Matloff mainly speaks to this type of person, I believe; although she does try to also give tips to people that are fearful about situations like those she discusses. I learned several new things to keep in mind and ways to "McGyer" stuff, so I'm a satisfied reader.
It was also interesting to learn more about the situations that Matloff and other war correspondents encounter. The anecdotes used as illustrations to much of the advice here are worth reading, even if you aren't planning to use the survival data.
The title is aptly chosen to catch the attention of readers like myself. The cover illustration did not grab me, but I'm unsure what else would. They had me at the title...
I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley to read.
July 21, 2020
Judith Matloff knows what she is talking about when it comes to safety, and "How to Drag a Body" is crammed with reliable information that's just as useful if you live on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, in Arizona hiking country or - like Matloff - are a seasoned war correspondent with decades of derring-do under your belt. In fact a lot of what she has to say is about the sensible, pre-emptive, even dull steps that can make all the difference in an emergency, whether it be climate-related - floods, tornados, wildfires - or societal - getting trapped in a milling crowd, stalked online, or caught up in a mass shooting. Learn how to assess risk ahead of time, how to plan and communicate, how to shelter. And if things go badly wrong, there are always friendly ears out there to help. Her excellent, highly practical advice is especially geared to women, whether in ostensibly safe urban settings or, say, on a remote airstrip in Africa, and strikes an entertaining tone of self-deprecation, gallows humor and hard-earned expertise. The title may give an impression to some that this is a book about obscure skills few readers will ever actually need. Nothing could be further from the truth.
September 12, 2020
Most of the content was just common sense. A lot of the author's recollections of her own experiences fill most of the book and could've been replaced with more advisory and solid info.
Some was helpful. I can see this being a great book for someone whose lived a very sheltered and/or limited travel lifestyle. Young, college-age readers may also find more value from the book.
Some was helpful. I can see this being a great book for someone whose lived a very sheltered and/or limited travel lifestyle. Young, college-age readers may also find more value from the book.
April 26, 2021
If you need encouragement to think about potential emergencies, or don't know where to start, this covers many of them (from foreign travel to natural disasters to protests to cyberstalking) and will give you a head start.
Don't think of it as a resource manual though - each section is very brief - but you'll definitely come away with some good ideas and some resources to take you further.
Don't think of it as a resource manual though - each section is very brief - but you'll definitely come away with some good ideas and some resources to take you further.
February 29, 2024
Chronicles of an anxious person.
I think this is mostly useful for people that put themselves in extreme situations (like traveling to obscure destinations and being a war correspondent). Some of the advice made me pause and think (she recommends taking a first aid class where you learn to make a tourniquet in case you’re ever in an active shooter situation) but I don’t know if it was accessible advice. Overall I didn’t find it useful.
I think this is mostly useful for people that put themselves in extreme situations (like traveling to obscure destinations and being a war correspondent). Some of the advice made me pause and think (she recommends taking a first aid class where you learn to make a tourniquet in case you’re ever in an active shooter situation) but I don’t know if it was accessible advice. Overall I didn’t find it useful.
November 9, 2020
Be paranoid, think of worst case scenarios.
December 30, 2020
I am drawn most to survival type books the most during periods of stress and uncertainty. I am glad I picked up this book I thought the stories were fascinating and the preparedness of someone who has been through many disasters useful of even those of us who don’t happen to be war correspondents.
January 10, 2021
My review of this book can be found on my Youtube Vlog at:
https://youtu.be/uFi_PKFTGVk
Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/uFi_PKFTGVk
Enjoy!
November 22, 2021
The “advice” in this book is antiquated, leans towards victim-blaming, and at no point (particularly in the section about #MeToo) states that men should not harass women.
The suggestions in this book read like it was written decades ago.
The suggestions in this book read like it was written decades ago.
October 28, 2020
This book had its moments with some good and also some unrealistic advice (many can't afford to do everything she recommends) but I have it on my Kindle should I need some quick information.
March 13, 2024
DNF
In short, if you have even an ounce of common sense, then you can probably skip this one.
The humor suggested by the title doesn't exist. The author constantly contradicts herself. Pack light, but don't forget an myriad of supplies to cover any eventually that could happen ever. Okay? And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
It feels like the "help" being given is a joke most of the time, because much of it is so just so obvious. If you have a life threatening allergy, keep an EpiPen on hand. Thanks so much, I'd never have thought of that.
Matloff is also a little questionable in the stereotypes she employs at times. Perhaps this is her feeble attempt at humor, but for me it could be borderline offensive. "I'm not sure what's worse, having painful toothache on vacation or seeing a foreign dentist with dirty hands." If you don't see the issue with the implication here, then maybe there will be some helpful advice for you in this book after all.
Self-help? More like self indulgence. This book should have been called "Look at All the Places I've Been and Things I've Experienced or Even Ever Considered Happening or Seen on TV". It would have been more entertaining and truthful.
She has led an undeniably exciting life and seems well traveled, but the idea of going through it all being terrified of absolutely everything is just bizarre. I mean, can you imagine prearranging a Skype call with your doctor before a vacation just in case you get sick? It's ludicrous, but it's one of the things she actually suggests!
Sorry, really I wanted to love this book and hoped to learn some helpful tips. Instead I hated it more and more with each sentence I read.
In short, if you have even an ounce of common sense, then you can probably skip this one.
The humor suggested by the title doesn't exist. The author constantly contradicts herself. Pack light, but don't forget an myriad of supplies to cover any eventually that could happen ever. Okay? And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
It feels like the "help" being given is a joke most of the time, because much of it is so just so obvious. If you have a life threatening allergy, keep an EpiPen on hand. Thanks so much, I'd never have thought of that.
Matloff is also a little questionable in the stereotypes she employs at times. Perhaps this is her feeble attempt at humor, but for me it could be borderline offensive. "I'm not sure what's worse, having painful toothache on vacation or seeing a foreign dentist with dirty hands." If you don't see the issue with the implication here, then maybe there will be some helpful advice for you in this book after all.
Self-help? More like self indulgence. This book should have been called "Look at All the Places I've Been and Things I've Experienced or Even Ever Considered Happening or Seen on TV". It would have been more entertaining and truthful.
She has led an undeniably exciting life and seems well traveled, but the idea of going through it all being terrified of absolutely everything is just bizarre. I mean, can you imagine prearranging a Skype call with your doctor before a vacation just in case you get sick? It's ludicrous, but it's one of the things she actually suggests!
Sorry, really I wanted to love this book and hoped to learn some helpful tips. Instead I hated it more and more with each sentence I read.
July 23, 2022
Yikes.
Active shooter drills in schools are horrifying
and traumatic for children. They're also saving
countless lives by preparing them for the worse
case (and sadly, increasingly common)
scenario. The author of a book DEVOTED to
the topic of preparedness should, of all people,
recognize that. I'd be willing to bet more
people in the US will benefit from knowing the
best active shooter practices than will need to
know which booze makes hair shiniest. To
listen to the author carry on about how
unnecessarily traumatic active shooter drills
are was painful, especially after so many
stories of combat zones and dangerous parts
of the world. The comparisons made to the
"duck and cover" drills in the 50's and 60's was
even more infuriating. Climbing under a desk
isn't going to save anyone from an atomic
bomb, but learning to be perfectly silent when
someone bangs on your classroom door keeps
kids and teachers alive. To compare the two is
dangerously out of touch with the threats our
children experience each year,
I'm trying to give the benefit of the doubt that
the author has had a change of opinion on
active shooter drills in schools since this book
was published. Unfortunately, it wasn't
published too horribly long ago, so I don't have
much hope.
Active shooter drills in schools are horrifying
and traumatic for children. They're also saving
countless lives by preparing them for the worse
case (and sadly, increasingly common)
scenario. The author of a book DEVOTED to
the topic of preparedness should, of all people,
recognize that. I'd be willing to bet more
people in the US will benefit from knowing the
best active shooter practices than will need to
know which booze makes hair shiniest. To
listen to the author carry on about how
unnecessarily traumatic active shooter drills
are was painful, especially after so many
stories of combat zones and dangerous parts
of the world. The comparisons made to the
"duck and cover" drills in the 50's and 60's was
even more infuriating. Climbing under a desk
isn't going to save anyone from an atomic
bomb, but learning to be perfectly silent when
someone bangs on your classroom door keeps
kids and teachers alive. To compare the two is
dangerously out of touch with the threats our
children experience each year,
I'm trying to give the benefit of the doubt that
the author has had a change of opinion on
active shooter drills in schools since this book
was published. Unfortunately, it wasn't
published too horribly long ago, so I don't have
much hope.
January 27, 2021
There's a lot here and most of it will probably never happen. My main issue with this book is the sexual harassment chapter. The author offers excuses to use for everything (saying while someone is touching her inappropriately - "I have eczema, poison ivy, a broken collar bone, etc.). The only time she was direct was when she suggested sending an email to the harasser. People should feel empowered to respond to harassment in person directly - not a few days later via email. And if someone is not comfortable doing so - have a go-to phrase at the ready. Harassers need to be stopped immediately. Most of the time you will catch them off-guard and it's more effective to do so this way.
April 20, 2021
Silly
Each chapter gets worse. Basic information that most all would know or never need. I do not recommend. Not worth your time.
Each chapter gets worse. Basic information that most all would know or never need. I do not recommend. Not worth your time.
April 25, 2020
Believe it or not, one of my favorite books from the past decade is The Action Heroine’s Handbook. It took itself seriously - interviewing real experts to give real step by step instructions for each task - but in such a tone that made me laugh out loud. I haven’t read it in about six years, mostly because in my current profession I don’t have to seduce the enemy, maintain a secret identity, subdue anyone with a whip, fake my own death, or accomplish any number of other action heroine skills. Not that I had to in my previous profession either...
When I picked up How to Drag a Body, I was fervently hoping for this same mix of seriousness and sarcasm, practicality and ridiculousness, heaviness and hilarity. I was still hoping to laugh out loud, and possibly snort my coffee. However, this was definitely not that type of book. It was predominantly dense didactic text about how to prepare for, act during, and thrive after a wide variety of man made emergencies and natural disasters. Illustrations were extremely sparse - although there was one depicting proper and improper methods for dragging a body. The author used a mix of anecdotes from the her life as a war correspondent, as well as anecdotes from her safety training classes, to add dimension to the book’s neurotic instructions for planning, preparing, surviving, and thriving. However the combination did little to break up the density and seriousness of the text. There was just so much text that, without the benefit of illustrations or creative formatting, reading this book was an effort.
I was disappointed to see that the author did not take advantage of a chapter dedicated to drinking to catalogue planning and mitigation strategies for scenarios that involved an excess of alcohol. However, that disappointment was somewhat alleviated by an excellent chapter on mental toughness and emotional resilience.
I received this book as a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When I picked up How to Drag a Body, I was fervently hoping for this same mix of seriousness and sarcasm, practicality and ridiculousness, heaviness and hilarity. I was still hoping to laugh out loud, and possibly snort my coffee. However, this was definitely not that type of book. It was predominantly dense didactic text about how to prepare for, act during, and thrive after a wide variety of man made emergencies and natural disasters. Illustrations were extremely sparse - although there was one depicting proper and improper methods for dragging a body. The author used a mix of anecdotes from the her life as a war correspondent, as well as anecdotes from her safety training classes, to add dimension to the book’s neurotic instructions for planning, preparing, surviving, and thriving. However the combination did little to break up the density and seriousness of the text. There was just so much text that, without the benefit of illustrations or creative formatting, reading this book was an effort.
I was disappointed to see that the author did not take advantage of a chapter dedicated to drinking to catalogue planning and mitigation strategies for scenarios that involved an excess of alcohol. However, that disappointment was somewhat alleviated by an excellent chapter on mental toughness and emotional resilience.
I received this book as a digital advance reader copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2021
Geared for newbies exposed to dangerous situations. The first one I’ve read with crucial tips for women.
Judith is a journalist and teaches conflict reporting at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism. She’s been in many war-torn countries and scary situations so she knows how to stay safe and handle danger.
It begins with planning. Assess your risk then make a game plan, exit strategy, and communication plan. Know first aid and what to do when disaster strikes.
Your gear is essential. Know what to wear, how to pack, what to stockpile, how to secure your valuables and devices, have an emergency kit and a go bag.
While traveling, learn how to blend in, make contact, maintain hygiene without water or grooming, handle medical issues, choose transportation, where to stay, what hotel room is safer, and transmit your location for easy extraction. A lot of basics as well as specific situational safety.
Judith tackles natural disasters (earthquake, hurricane, flood) and man-made mayhem (bomb, shooting, #metoo, online harassment, child safety). You can outfit your shelter for power outage, water, food, waste, and supplies.
If you want to hide, you’ll find decryption tools and tactics to foil digital tracking.
She’ll also help you deal with the emotional and psychological toll of trauma.
Though we can’t predict everything, at least you’ll be (somewhat or mostly) prepared.
@IvyDigest
Judith is a journalist and teaches conflict reporting at Columbia’s Graduate School of Journalism. She’s been in many war-torn countries and scary situations so she knows how to stay safe and handle danger.
It begins with planning. Assess your risk then make a game plan, exit strategy, and communication plan. Know first aid and what to do when disaster strikes.
Your gear is essential. Know what to wear, how to pack, what to stockpile, how to secure your valuables and devices, have an emergency kit and a go bag.
While traveling, learn how to blend in, make contact, maintain hygiene without water or grooming, handle medical issues, choose transportation, where to stay, what hotel room is safer, and transmit your location for easy extraction. A lot of basics as well as specific situational safety.
Judith tackles natural disasters (earthquake, hurricane, flood) and man-made mayhem (bomb, shooting, #metoo, online harassment, child safety). You can outfit your shelter for power outage, water, food, waste, and supplies.
If you want to hide, you’ll find decryption tools and tactics to foil digital tracking.
She’ll also help you deal with the emotional and psychological toll of trauma.
Though we can’t predict everything, at least you’ll be (somewhat or mostly) prepared.
@IvyDigest
August 16, 2020
This is a book written by a journalist who now gives classes to other journalists on how to survive when thrown into strange situations where one might die, or be seriously injured. Probably the number one rule is to think ahead and then prepare for those situations that might come up. Do not depend on figuring things out as you go along. He other great tip is to always know where the exit is and situate yourself close to it in case you need to leave a situation that is getting out of control.
The focus is mostly on women's needs, but men could benefit from this book as well. There is a lot of focus on what journaists need to know such as a photo journalist should not take a tripod to a riot. If you have to run, or if you are knocked over, you don't want a lot of bulky or expensive equipment hanging around your neck that you feel compelled to defend. It should be light enough that you can run with it... fast... and not trip over it.
The author also has good advice on handling sexual harassment in the office and in the field.
Any modesty issues? Sexual situations for women are discussed including rape. These are real issues for women reporters/photographers in the field covering breaking news such as protests and riots.
The focus is mostly on women's needs, but men could benefit from this book as well. There is a lot of focus on what journaists need to know such as a photo journalist should not take a tripod to a riot. If you have to run, or if you are knocked over, you don't want a lot of bulky or expensive equipment hanging around your neck that you feel compelled to defend. It should be light enough that you can run with it... fast... and not trip over it.
The author also has good advice on handling sexual harassment in the office and in the field.
Any modesty issues? Sexual situations for women are discussed including rape. These are real issues for women reporters/photographers in the field covering breaking news such as protests and riots.
December 7, 2023
This was weird. I was expecting something along the lines of the Worst Case Scenario Survival Handbook from 1999. Instead this really dips into doomsday prepper and paranoia territory.
A lot of the advice is sound, but I could have done without the performative technophobia chapter. It kind of undermines the point that the reader should not be afraid of technology to go on at such ridiculous length and fervor about how frightened the author is of technology. The exaggerated physical symptoms upon just seeing the word "encryption" stands out as the perfect example of this unhelpful hyperbole.
Really the title is the biggest issue, though, and the source of the disconnect. It sounds more humorous than it is, along the lines of "What If" or the aforementioned survival guide. Instead, it's mostly common sense stuff or highly specific advice that does not pertain to most humans. I'm never going to go to Senegal to report on an ongoing coup or Rwanda to cover a contentious first democratic election or anything of that sort. These are the sort of things a reporter whose life WILL take them to those places should learn, but which aren't incredibly interesting to someone like me.
It's interesting enough, but fell well short of my expectations.
A lot of the advice is sound, but I could have done without the performative technophobia chapter. It kind of undermines the point that the reader should not be afraid of technology to go on at such ridiculous length and fervor about how frightened the author is of technology. The exaggerated physical symptoms upon just seeing the word "encryption" stands out as the perfect example of this unhelpful hyperbole.
Really the title is the biggest issue, though, and the source of the disconnect. It sounds more humorous than it is, along the lines of "What If" or the aforementioned survival guide. Instead, it's mostly common sense stuff or highly specific advice that does not pertain to most humans. I'm never going to go to Senegal to report on an ongoing coup or Rwanda to cover a contentious first democratic election or anything of that sort. These are the sort of things a reporter whose life WILL take them to those places should learn, but which aren't incredibly interesting to someone like me.
It's interesting enough, but fell well short of my expectations.
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