Who better than a foreign correspondent, a journalist who has run toward riots, war, famine, and natural disasters, to offer tried and true advice for surviving life’s unexpected challenges? Matloff teaches a course in preparing and responding to all manner of chaos at the Columbia University School of Journalism. This book shares her experience and research with the rest of us.

Beginning with smart tips for basic planning, Matloff covers risk analysis before embarking on a venture of any sort, good suggestions for a communication plan, and practical preferences of dress. She next moves into thematic chapters: travel, first aid, protests and active shooters, natural disasters, sexual harassment and assault, and cyber attacks. Sprinkled among the advice and tips are her illustrative stories of disaster and survival in the field, which lend a lot of dark humor. Best way to avoid getting trampled by riotous crowd? Best antidote for tear gas exposure? Best technique for surviving an avalanche? Best strategy for keeping personally fresh when forgoing showers during days spent in a bunker? All the tips you’ll need, from the compelling to the mundane can be found here, for the devil is indeed in the details. Preparation is the best strategy, but if the unanticipated occurs, Matloff has tips that go beyond dumb luck to help you survive. Then you’ll have your own war stories to share with your grandkids. Highly recommend.