DWELLING WITH THE UNDEAD 2

September 2, 2010

The simple and yet often overlooked ability to pay attention to detail, will play a key factor in whether or not you survive a zombie outbreak. It will also be a huge factor in whether or not you understand what we’re talking about here. Because if you were paying attention, you would have read last week’s article (thus why this one has a “part 2” tagged to it) and know exactly what we’re talking about. If you didn’t read it, then you obviously don’t pay attention to detail, so you will die or be eaten when the zombies come.

As noted- the opening weeks of the invasion will be marked by chaos of the human nature. Survivors will be scattered to and fro, desperate and scared. It’s best to hunker down and wait it out before seeking out a more permanent, post-invasion dwelling. When you do begin your search there are a few things to consider in selecting your sanctuary from the undead. A high fence or wall surrounding the perimeter is always a good idea. The number of entrances should also be taken into consideration, as you will have to barricade or patrol these. Does the structure have materials you can use for barricades? An easily accessible escape route should also be sought out. Can the people in your party exit and defend themselves if necessary? A facility with a second floor or one that is sectioned off by walls and strong doors is preferred for a failsafe fall back position.

Adequate storage space for supplies is a must and a working waterline is a plus. Are there supplies such as tools, weapons, medical, etc. on site? What about means of communication with the outside world? Is there a phone line, working radio or internet connection? Taking all these factors into consideration, could you equip and stock the building to outlast an extended siege?

Now that we have the basic guidelines down, what kind of hideaways are we looking for? Well it sure as hell ain’t gonna be the Dairy Queen on the corner. Go ahead and mark hospitals off the list; though an abundance of medical supplies, food and expert staff sounds tempting. This is where all those “initial bite victims” will have been brought to and the hospital zone will be infested with reanimated corpses. Forget seeking help with local law enforcement. The police stations will be mobbed with the living, terrified and looking for order in the ensuing insanity. Scratch the local mall too. Despite its success in films it makes for a bad stronghold due to an excessive number of doors and glass. A supermarket already stocked with enough food to last you and your group thru the siege seems like a great idea. Just keep in mind everybody else is going to be hungry too and you may find your self in more battles with those still living. So where do you go?

Office buildings with several floors allow for many variations on defense and fall back positions. Piers and docks can be easily cut-off from land (zombies cannot swim) and modified to accommodate smaller parties. A house boat or larger water craft is an excellent refuge, but note a limited amount of supply space means regular trips to shore will be necessary. The same rule applies to off-shore oil rigs however these can be set to last much longer. Warehouses and factories are also excellent. What they lack in style and already available necessities they more than make up for in open space.

Any of these places along with many others can be set-up to keep you safe during a zombie invasion. However, regardless of where you decide to make your last stand for humanity, it will either be your attention to detail or stupidity that keeps you alive or makes you into fast food.

I welcome almost all questions and comments via through the Focus, or e-mail me at chainsawo53@aol.com.

Hope to hear from ya, until then try and stay focused!