Any suggestions for a primary bolt-hole?

Martha, I am not convinced that you are required to be a warrior to survive, merely capable of functioning under high stress situations while applying common sense.

“Fourth, look for people who might be able to help (especially in terms of defending my group) and for a place to camp out. I’m thinking police stations, fire stations, etc.”

I am wondering if these places will be the best places to seek out. When things go bad, emergency services will be deployed throughout their local areas of responsibility. In the case of any level of an outbreak, I would imagine as many people as needed will be out on the road, leaving the stations with a skeleton crew, or no crew at all (save the dispatchers). The stations will surely be secured to prohibit those from getting into any of the “employee only” areas. So to obtain access to the supplies, equipment, and weapons you would need, another location might be the best bet to find first.

I’m not going to kid myself: I don’t have the agility or stamina to go it alone. I’m working on changing that, but I’m never going to make the most convincing warrior. In addition, as a soon-to-be medical student, I’m very likely to fall in the early stages of an outbreak. As with any infectious disease, hospital staff and healthcare workers (especially curious ones) are at higher risk.

However, I have some basic steps that might help me out a little:

Firstly (and obviously) I’ll be on the lookout for anything suspicious - I’ll report anything and warn people as soon as I can. Although I can’t guarantee anyone in authority will listen, I know that giving you guys the heads-up could well save lives.

Secondly, get as many people together as I can (fellow students, patients, etc). This may not be the best strategy, but my conscience wouldn’t let me just run away, and I’m not going to fare brilliantly on my own anyway. Obviously, check everyone (including myself) for bites and open wounds as regularly as possible and give as much zombie 101 as I can to keep people safe.

Third, grab medical supplies (those things will go fast, and I’ll actually know how to make use of them) as well as a supply of compact, light, nutritious and long-lasting food. Tinned fruit may look good, but I’d go for vacuum-packs of freeze-dried fruit anytime.

Fourth, look for people who might be able to help (especially in terms of defending my group) and for a place to camp out. I’m thinking police stations, fire stations, etc. Fire stations would be good for a couple of reasons: axes, sturdy buildings, protective clothing for extremities (the police have less of this, although fireproof may not prove zombie-proof). Also, the layout of your average fire station (accommodation above a garage) allows for fairly straightforward barricading.

Also - shave heads as soon as possible. May not be very attractive, but zombies can grab long hair (thank you survival guide). Do this (as well as reducing the bagginess of clothing) to the most vulnerable first - they’ll need all the help they can get.

I live in the city, and staying doesn’t seem very bright (more people=more zeds). However, fleeing right away wouldn’t be too smart either, as we’d be likely caught in the mad rush to escape. As a long-term plan, a remote island, walled farm, boat or space station would be more attractive - but in order to think about the long-term meaningfully you first need to accrue the muscle, weaponry, supplies and willpower to fight for it.

My must-have items?:
- Medical supplies (I don’t want to be a burden on my group. My skills will be useful to them, even if I’m not the best shot).
- A very small, very light, mini laptop. (With at least one USB port)
- A light, large hard drive with as much of wikipedia, google books, google maps, etc, I can fit on it.
- A small, light, USB solar panel. Bonus if it can plug into other appliances.
- Back-pack of dried fruit (and nuts)
- My Braaaaiiiin (I know, I know. I apologise)

The computer stuff might seem a bit odd, but in terms of long-term survival it’ll be indispensable. If you haven’t already, read the Day of the Triffids (no zombies, but killer plants are close enough). We’ll need access to as much knowledge as we can possibly get if we’re going to be able to get food, power, build new homes, make clothing, and everything else. Modern technology makes this easier than ever (if the internet’s still up, then the hard-disk is less important, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared).