Part 6 – Urban Evasion & Movement

EVASION, MOVEMENT & NAVIGATION: HOW TO TRAVEL SAFELY THROUGH A CITY IN CRISIS

Introduction: Movement Is Survival

When disaster strikes an urban environment, movement becomes one of the most important—and most dangerous—activities you’ll undertake. Whether you're trying to get home, link up with family, retrieve gear, or escape an imminent threat, the way you move through a city determines your safety.

Most people panic.

Most people freeze.

Most people follow crowds blindly.

Prepared individuals do none of these things.

Urban movement is about strategy, stealth, awareness, and dynamic decision-making. Fast is good. Safe is better. Silent is best.

This chapter teaches you how to move through a compromised city with confidence, precision, and a significantly reduced risk profile.

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1. The Three Rules of Urban Movement

Before diving into tactics, you must understand the core principles that govern safe travel during urban instability.

Rule 1: Avoid the Danger Zones

These include:

• Crowds

• Choke points

• Government buildings

• Police activity

• Protests

• High-crime blocks

• Bridges/tunnels

• Transit hubs

• Gas stations

• Grocery stores

  
  

These areas attract:

• Desperate people

• Opportunistic criminals

• Armed responders

• Chaos

Your goal is flow around danger, not through it.

Rule 2: Stay Invisible, Not Fast

Speed gives you distance, but stealth gives you safety.

In urban survival:

Being unnoticed is superior to being quick.

The “Grey Man” principle applies to movement as much as clothing.

51% Rule – Blend in, look like the majority. Do not stand out.

Rule 3: Move With Purpose, Never Hesitation

Hesitation is dangerous. It signals vulnerability, indecision, and weakness.

Purposeful movement signals confidence, reduces attention, and keeps you safe.

Purpose ≠ rushing.

Purpose = clarity.

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2. The Psychology of Urban Movement

Understanding people is just as important as understanding streets.

During crises:

• People panic

• People follow crowds

• People make irrational choices

• People become aggressive

• People become confused

• People become unpredictable

Your safety depends on avoiding the psychology of the herd.

Crowds are deadly because they:

• Move unpredictably

• Can become violent

• Block movement

• Attract criminals

• Trigger panic stampedes

• Draw police and military response

Your job is to stay on the edges, not the center.

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3. Situational Awareness: The Most Important Skill You Have

Situational awareness (SA) is your survival radar.

The Four Levels of Awareness (Cooper’s Model)

White — Unaware

Dangerous always, deadly in crisis.

Yellow — Relaxed Awareness

Baseline survival mode.

You notice, evaluate, and scan without paranoia.

Orange — Potential Threat Identified

Focuses on one specific thing:

• A person acting strangely

• A blocked road

• A fire or plume of smoke

• 
  

Red — Action

Immediate decision:

• Avoid

• Evade

• Escape

• Engage only if forced (last resort)

Mastering this cycle keeps you alive.

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The Four Actions of the OODA loop process

We do this all the time during our daily activities. It is how a human reacts to a stimulus.

The concept was created back in the 1950’s by a fighter pilot named Colonel Boyd. He believed that by understanding the human reaction time when faced with a stimulus, a disadvantaged situation can be overcome by an individual.

It stands for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

Observe - We process about 80% of what we see, that does not include our other senses of hearing, such and smell.

• You scan,  pinpoint the location of the noise.

• Now you are entering the “Orient” stage.

• This only takes seconds.

  
  

Orient - You are now focused on the event happening.

• Two factors affect you during this stage – denial and emotional filtering

• Denial – where you refuse to believe this is happening.

• Emotional filtering – allowing your emotions of denial overcome you.

  
  

Decide – You are focused on the specific event.

• You are now deciding what actions you need to take.

• Change directions, avoid it.

• Engage the threat, protect yourself and those with you.

• Blend in until the right time to change directions

  
  

Act – You make your decision

• You execute your decision.

• This only takes seconds, depending on environment.

Reaction for stimuli to reach the brain.

• Auditory stimuli only takes 8-10 milliseconds.

• Visual stimuli only takes 20-40 milliseconds.

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4. How to Scan Your Environment Like a Professional

The key elements to monitor:

A. The People

Watch for:

• Erratic movements

• Anger or agitation

• Groups forming

• Predatory behavior

• Nervousness

• Concealed hands

• Sudden directional changes

  
  

B. The Surroundings

Look for:

• Exits

• Alleys

• Stairwells

• Fences

• Roads

• Elevation

Separation from the threat, terrain (buildings), barriers, direction, and visual.  

C. Sounds

Important survival indicators:

• Shouting

• Breaking glass

• Sirens

• Running footsteps

• Fire alarms

• Engine revving

• Sudden silence

• 
  

D. Changes

Anything that changes rapidly is a warning sign. Trust your gut.

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5. Choosing the Safest Route Home

A good route is:

• Simple

• Redundant

• Quiet

• Walkable

  
  

Pre-plan your four routes (If able):

• Primary (P)-Route: Fastest, most direct, familiar

• Alternate (A)-Route: Avoids crowded areas, choke points

• Contingency (C)-Route: Less obvious-quiet, backroads, service alleys, industrial zones

• Emergency (E)-Route: Last resort, roofline egress, less expected

Survival = options.

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6. Movement Techniques for Urban Terrain

When a city becomes unstable, you need to move differently.

Technique 1: Move From Cover to Cover

Never expose yourself for long distances.

Use:

• Parked cars

• Walls

• Columns

• Dumpsters

• Bus stops

• Construction barriers

Move in short bursts, then pause. Stay out of visual line of sight.

Technique 2: “Slicing the Pie” Around Corners

A cornerstone of tactical movement.

• Don’t blindly turn corners.

• Slowly widen your angle.

• Expose as little of yourself as possible.

• Clear your field of view gradually.

  
  

Technique 3: The Offset Method

Never walk down the center of a sidewalk.

Walk:

• Near walls

• Near buildings

• Away from street edge when cars are a threat

• Away from walls when shooters are a threat, rounds will ricochet and travel parallel (rabbit rounds) to the wall. Stay 12-18 inches off the wall.

Adjust based on scenario.

Technique 4: The Shadow Line

Stay in shadows and poorly lit areas at night.

You’re harder to see, track, or target.

Technique 5: Elevated Terrain Is Information Terrain

Stairwells, balconies, parking garages, rooftops provide:

• Better visibility

• Escape routes

• Tactical advantage

• Avoidance of street-level chaos

Use elevation sparingly but wisely.

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7. How to Blend Into the Environment (“Grey Man Tactics”)

Grey Man is not about being invisible—it’s about being forgettable.

Clothing Begins the Story

Avoid:

• Tactical gear

• Flashy colors

• Military patterns

• Logos

• Distinctive outfits

  
  

Choose:

• Neutral colors

• Common brands

• Business casual (if environment appropriate)

• Average

  
  

Behavior Finishes the Story

Act:

• Calm

• Focused

• Unremarkable

  
  

Do not:

• Run

• Stare

• Display fear

• Look lost

• Show wealth or preparedness

  
  

Grey Man = safety through anonymity.

51% Rule – Look like everyone else and blend in.

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8. Navigating Urban Obstacles

Crisis movement often requires overcoming/navigating hazards:

Blockages

• Cars

• Barricades

• Downed trees

• Collapsed facades

Strategy:

• Go around

• Use alleys

• Climb ONLY if needed

• Don’t expose yourself on top surfaces, avoid sky lining yourself.

  
  

Smoke and Fire

• Stay low

• Use masks or cloth

• Avoid stairwells filled with smoke

• Never use elevators

  
  

Flooded Areas

• Avoid

• Hidden potholes

• Live electrical hazards

• Sewage contamination

  
  

Crowds and Riots

• Do not engage

• Move diagonally, not straight, off axis

• Avoid eye contact

• Keep hands open and visible

• Don’t film—this paints a target

  
  

Police & Military Presence

They are not automatically your first choice for safety during chaos.

They prioritize:

• Crowd control

• Protecting assets

• Stopping threats

• Limited resources

If you approach, do so calmly, hands visible, and without sudden movements.

(Link to my Get Home Scenario Blog):

Get Home

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9. Travel Timing: Day vs. Night

Day:

Pros

• More visibility

• Easier navigation

• Fewer shady individuals

Cons

• Crowds

• Police scrutiny

• Traffic

• Panic behavior

  
  

Night:

Pros

• Less visibility (for you and others)

• Quieter

• Easier avoidance

Cons

• Reduced situational awareness

• Lower safety in high-crime zones

  
  

Best Method:

Move at first light or early morning, when chaos is low and visibility is good.

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10. Vehicle Movement: Risks and Realities

Cars become liabilities during crises.

Common problems:

• Gridlock

• Roadblocks

• Abandoned cars

• Police checkpoints

• Fuel shortages

• Broken traffic systems

  
  

If driving, plan your routes (PACE), have items that will assist you with obstacles, but if it becomes unsafe, ditch the vehicle early and transition to foot movement. Don’t wait until you are stuck.

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11. Family Movement vs. Solo Movement

Family movement dramatically changes your strategy.

If you have children:

• Shorter routes

• More breaks

• Increased security space

• Pre-assigned roles

  
  

If you’re assisting elderly or disabled individuals:

• Equipment adjustments

• Pace modification

• Medical considerations

  
  

If solo:

You can move faster, more quietly, and more tactically.

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12. When to Shelter in Place Instead of Moving

Movement isn’t always the right call.

Shelter in place if:

• Streets are unsafe

• Riot activity is high

• Hazardous materials released

• Law enforcement orders lockdown

• You lack information

• It’s dark and roads are unclear

Movement must be deliberate. Plan for “Safe Areas” that you can use in this scenario.

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13. The Decision Point: Move or Stay?

Ask yourself:

• Do I know where I’m going?

• Is the danger increasing or decreasing?

• Am I prepared for what’s ahead?

• Is my family safer here or elsewhere?

• Are there alternate routes available?

  
  

The best decision is the one that preserves life—not the one that feels heroic.

Allow situations to develop, take a tactical pause to see how the event affects your plans.

Reacting too quickly can place you in a bad situation.

Conclusion: Movement Is a Skill Set—Practice It

Urban evasion and movement aren’t theoretical—they are skills that require practice.

You should:

• Walk your routes regularly (day and night)

• Practice awareness drills

• Train with your gear

• Time your commute on foot (walking and jogging/running)

• Learn the “feel” of your city, understand its pulse

Knowing how to move may save your life when everything else fails.