ZOMBIE SURVIVAL PART II

Now You Must Find A Hold For Yourself


Assuming that we are still talking about a Class 3 (worldwide) from yesterday, there are certain inevitable factors that will take place. First, total takeover. Zombies will be the dominant predator on the planet. The only survivors will be small groups of scattered human resistance, and the bandits, thieves and renegades trying to rob them. So when preparing your defense you must realize that you are not only defending from the undead, but also the thieving hoards of the living.

After I start describing how to choose and fortify your position you might be thinking that you are going to have a difficult time acquiring materials used to complete these objects described. Keep in mind ITS THE END OF THE WORLD!!! home depot is like our free toys r us for tots.

Swamps
bad bad Bad BaD BAD! swamps are an altogether death trap. The lack of ability to maneuver silently due to the wet environment is suicide.

You already have to deal with the living dead and thieves. You don't need to be needlessly worrying about being bitten by poisonous snakes, spiders, and have to deal with crocodiles.

Lastly and arguably the most important, the undead do not breath. they can utilize their respiratory system to moan, but they do not need a flow of oxygen to the body or brain to function. This gives Zombies the ability to walk on the bottom of water. They are not agile enough to swim, but they can slowly trudge along the bottom of rivers, lakes or other smaller water systems. This means that even after clearing an area to make sure its safe, unless you own sophisticated Scuba gear and are willing to brave the murky abyss, the swamp will more than likely contain the undead that you cannot see until they resurface. This inability to clear an area is unacceptable and could be your ultimate downfall.

JUNGLE
Same rules as swamps apply. Lack of visibility due to density of the Forrest is a bad factor to have when keeping distance from zombies is your best form of survival. Also, snakes, poison arrow frogs; not the most attractive environment available.

URBAN
Do not under any circumstances, build your long term fortification here. At first sign of an outbreak, your home IS probably the best place for you to dig in. You know where important items are located, and where you need to barricade. Also, during the first week of an infestation, the highways, freeways, overpasses, and many other forms of passage will be blocked off with bumper to bumper traffic. Staying in your home will be your best bet to avoid all of the immediate turmoil and panic of the outside world.

Other than this first initial period of survival, Rural areas should be avoided at all costs unless resupplying. Too many corners, too many alleys, too many attics and windows. There are too many crooks crannies and dark corners for the undead to be lurking in, doorman, waiting to erupt in a hunger driven rage.

DESERT
There are both pros and cons to this environment/terrain type.
The main positive is as fallows.
Zombies are nothing more than a human body infected by a virus. The human body still deteriorates naturally. Now take a human body, and strip it of all nutrients. It has no source of water incoming to replenish the body, and it is never washed. This increases the deterioration rate. A Zombie body will deteriorate completely in approximately 5 years. In a desert environment, this time is cut down to about 2 years.

The Cons of living in the desert are obvious, lack of water, lack of food, dehydration. But hey if you are smart enough to live in the desert and be able to survive long term, go get em' tiger.

Your Best Course Of Action
Keep in mind when I say best, I am admitting that there is no perfect solution. Unless your family owns a medieval castle with a moat and a 50 ft high brick wall, highly unlikely, you will have to get creative. Remember you are trying to fend off not online the zombie hoards, but also raiders and thieves.

An Ideal spot would be somewhere isolated. A two story rural farmhouse with flat planes surrounding would be a wise choice. You don't want anything on a mesa or a plateau. Though the "king of the hill" advantage would be enticing for feeble minds, you don't WANT to draw attention to yourself.

Just For Fun
Whilst viewing a friends blog, I was intrigued by his article on tree houses. Not your ordinary one story play pen, but elaborate, intricate wood workings of wonder! observe.
http://www.ashextourism.com/treehouses/tree_images/Tree-House-2-052.jpg
http://www.ashextourism.com/treehouses/tree_images/Tree-House-2-052.jpg
http://www.house-design.info/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tree-house-design.jpg

obviously I could never design something this elaborate, however if you are more skilled than I, the only downside that I can see to this option is obviously a fire. :)

Also I couldnt immagine building one of these amazements whilst trying to defend your position.... but hey, keeping yourself entertained is a key part in keeping your sanity.


Dispelling fallacy's

Malls are poo poo. Dawn of the Dead was entertaining, but not methodical. Malls are made largely of GLASS. how will that hold out against an army of dead?

Banks despite being built to protects its contents, offer nothing really valuable.

Churches, actually older ones, may be a good place to stay for a short period of time. Older chapels generally only had one entrance, and the windows were many feet above the ground.
http://images.topix.com/gallery/up-VP57G0148531Q3LQ.jpg
http://media.photobucket.com/image/old%20churches/ladypjg/Churches%20Cemeteries/OldChurchandGraveyardBaillieston14.jpg

I will write later today on fortification and defensive measures