Whenever I watch a zombie movie, be it 28 Days Later or, today, Shaun of the Dead, I end up unable to stop planning scenarios for when the next zombie plague hits Boston.
I have decided that the safest thing to do is to ride out the crisis, barricading ourselves in the apartment until the zombies leave or help arrives (which it always does in the movies, be it a day or a month later). Sure, there's the urge to get out of the city, head somewhere safe, but that always leads to many of the supporting cast being killed or zombie-fied. Plus, my apartment is one of the easier places in Boston I know to secure.
Fortunately for this scenario (and unfortunately if there were a fire), we're on the 3rd floor with only one entrance to the apartment. So keeping the zombies out would be relatively simple. No need to worry about protecting the windows, as it's a pretty steep climb and I've yet to see any flying zombie movies.
The biggest challenge would be sustenance. It would require quickly stockpiling as much water as possible, to prepare for the inevitable shutting down of utilities. Fill the bathtub, sinks, and as many containers as possible with clean water and then ration it and food. (Note to self: stock up on canned goods.)
After that, it's just a matter of waiting it out. Stay away from the windows, no lights at night, do nothing to draw attention to ourselves and hope that the cavalry arrives soon.
This plan would also work for any mass hysteria event, biological (non-airborne) outbreak, or particularly rambunctious block party. Sadly, I don't think it's applicable in any other situations.
Comments
Should I be worried about heading out there? Should I pack differently, say with more guns and a can opener? Cuz I'll have trouble getting those on the plane.
Posted by: Ben | June 4, 2007 04:31 PM
This is why you always need to have an emergency supply of water in the house! It's not just for earthquakes.
Posted by: Gwen | June 4, 2007 10:22 PM
While I admire your plan in principal, there is one potential problem; the crux of your plan involves relying on help that may never come.
The fortress strategy is appropriate for certain types of zombies (fast ones)and a particular level of outbreak (small-scale).
However, in a full-scale, slow-moving zombie outbreak, your best bet will probably be to stay moving.
Frank at SciencePunk wrote up an interesting post on siege warfare and how it applies to a zombie apocalypse: http://www.sciencepunk.com/v5/2007/05/zombies-and-the-science-of-siege-warfare/
Posted by: Chad Crawford | June 5, 2007 01:22 AM
Chad,
Thanks for stopping by! While I absolutely get what you're saying, I don't think my plan eliminates the option of mobility. As I wrote, a large part of it involves avoiding detection. If we manage to keep the zombies from clogging the hallways in wait for us, then we can choose an opportune moment to flee if necessary.
My concern with immediate flight is that you face not only the increasing and not-fully-understood zombie threat, but also the panic of the still-human population. Once the zombies have settled into their routine and the streets have been appropriately vacated, we can dash to the car and hightail it to the country.
Posted by: Daniel | June 5, 2007 08:11 AM
It's nice to know that you're prepared. I myself am lacking in the zombie disaster planning area.
Posted by: Danielle | June 6, 2007 02:04 PM
It's never too soon to start preparing!
I fully expect cat-friendly contingencies. :)
Posted by: Daniel | June 7, 2007 12:21 AM
I don't worry about Zombies as much as I worry about carnies.
Posted by: Jason | June 19, 2007 05:10 PM