4 Reasons Why Defense is Better than Offense in a Zombie Attack

Author: ZAC Admin
Submitted: 28 Dec 2007
Filed under: Home Defense & MZPK & Mobile Defense & Safety & Safety Council

24 Responses to “4 Reasons Why Defense is Better than Offense in a Zombie Attack”

1. swivel on 28 Dec 2007 at 11:22 pm #

   I think that you would be asking for trouble by leaving a safehouse just to run around and try to kill all of the zombies yourself. If you had a renegade group with plenty of weapons that might be a different story tho.

2. Spiraling on 29 Dec 2007 at 10:11 pm #

   Like it is stated, depending on the outbreak, though for different reasons. If you, like I am sure a lot of us will because we know the advantages of it, hold up on your houses second floor (after disposing of the staircase) with a bunch of supply, there is no need to move in the event of a class one, or even class two outbreak, unless you unfortunately run out of food, or water. Now, in the path of a class three zombie outbreak, you’d have to be on the move, of course you would want to plot a course for the nearest high security prison, or military base, but being mobile is something required in an event like this. Then of course you have the idea of a class four.. In which case, if you haven’t already moved, you are probably dead as it is.

3. Nic (Toebo23) on 29 Dec 2007 at 10:40 pm #

   I don’t think I could stand being held up in one spot. I would have to go mobile. I have a SUV with 4-wheel drive. I can get through damn near anything. I have the scrap metal in the garage and pre-set to go on my truck when the outbreak comes. I have a spare food closet in the basement plus about 4 cases of M.R.E’s. ( I am a G.I.) I even have 2 pre set escape routs out of the city where there should be fewer roadblocks. (Empty cars and god knows what else. I am working on weapons that could be added with the ram bar and armor. what can I say its my hobby. and sooner or later it is going to happen. be it god made or man made. it will happen

4. Travis Rickett on 30 Dec 2007 at 1:14 pm #

   I personally think that going on the offensive is very situational.
   First off if you think that you can just go out there and take them all out yourself,
   then your nuts. It simple math really, they outnumber you. So a defensive stance
   is the best idea for the most part. Except of course if your shelter or defensive
   line is compromised.
   The point i really wanted to bring up though, is the fact that sometimes you need
   to take the offensive. I’ll use dawn of the dead as an example, they get to the mall
   find a good defensive location and then they clear the place out. It makes pretty
   good sense. If you have good advantage with a minimal amount of risk, then taking
   the threat out of the equation would be a better defense than waitng around hoping
   the situation doesnt get worse. Although i want to make clear that even though
   it appears to be relativley risk free, it could very quickly go south.
   I could go on forever on this topic though, which is an excellent discussion choice
   by the way, but it is a very broad and often times unpredictable subject.
   doesnt hurt to have some good ideas though.

5. ZAC Admin on 30 Dec 2007 at 2:07 pm #

   “I’ll use dawn of the dead as an example, they get to the mall
   find a good defensive location and then they clear the place out. It makes pretty good sense.”

   Yes and no. It makes sense going on the offensive to get to a better location if your current location is not safe. However, it does not make sense to head into an unknown area solely for the sake of not sitting around.

   Again using the Dawn of the Dead example, the journey ended with the trip to an island which was believed to be lightly populated. Without the knowledge of the island, the opposite was found to be the case.

6. Spiraling on 30 Dec 2007 at 11:04 pm #

   Malls are one of the bad places you can go in the event of a zombie attack… Think about it, how many movies have people go into areas like malls? (I actually have no idea, though I assume it to be a high number.) Now, because people watch these movies, they believe that to be the good place to go. Now, think about the movies you have seen where it is like that, probably a small amount of people were in the mall, there would be a large amount of people in this situation. More people = More noise = More zombies. In this case, depending upon the class outbreak, you will probably be outnumbered, and quickly dispatched by the zombies. Malls = Teh fail.

7. RHINO72 on 31 Dec 2007 at 5:13 pm #

   I would have a main BASE HQ were i would keep my stash and some poeple to stay behind because thing will get worse and you will need supplies like AMMO AND FOOD i am in the millitary i would steel a bradly APC and alot of gear so i would be good i also would have battle buddies you always need good battle buddy *ZOMBIE BAIT*

8. Travis Rickett on 31 Dec 2007 at 8:50 pm #

   Yes you are correct on the point of moving just because you dont want to
   sit around makes no sense.
   I do have another interesting thought though……
   Ok so lets say you have a great defensive position, i dunno a highly fortified tree
   house or something crazy, but you have everything taken care of. I mean a
   renewable source of food and water, waste removal, ammo, everything you could
   need. Now lets say that your also in the middle of hundreds of thousands or maybe
   even millions of the dead with no escape route. Now with enough time maybe you
   could take all of them out. maybe. So my thought is if a rescue chopper or
   something came and offered to take you somewhere else would it be a wise
   decision to take the offer? This is kinda off the original subject but like i said
   earlier, its a great topic.

9. Niyaz PK on 31 Dec 2007 at 10:39 pm #

   You have been planning this for long. Ain’t you…

10. splint.chesthair on 01 Jan 2008 at 1:59 pm #

    “I would have to go mobile. I have a SUV with 4-wheel drive. I can get through damn near anything. ”

    Oh yeah? Does it run on sweet dreams and candy cane wishes? Fuel is going to be difficult to come by. Better to save your fuel for emergency evac when your safe house no longer becomes safe or to use the vehicle to get to a pre-planned safe house in a remote location.

11. Nic (Toebo23) on 01 Jan 2008 at 4:58 pm #

    Spare gas in thanks in the back, will not last forever but if you avoid city’s and hit the red neck towns or refills you will have a better chance. I am not saying this is the way to go, I am just the kind of person that would not be able to stay in 1 spot. I would head the the nearest Army base I could find. I hear people saying prision’s and ur right it would be a great place to make fort…… but the only problems I see are.
    1. Its full of Prisioners
    2. what supplies u have there is all ur gonna have
    3. I would not like having to watch my back 24/7.

12. Nic (Toebo23) on 01 Jan 2008 at 11:05 pm #

    ~Mental note~
    – No more posting when hung over-

13. splint.chesthair on 03 Jan 2008 at 7:40 pm #

    Well, you can carry spare gas for sure and may get lucky enough to run across manually operated pumps but your initial post made it sound like you would drive forever across the country because you would want to stay mobile.

14. Evan on 05 Jan 2008 at 4:50 am #

    Mining shafts.

    Where i live in the mountains there are many that i know about already stocked with tools, have heavy barricade-able doors and only a few exits and are maintained but pretty much abandoned. Most have their own generators with stock-piled fuel or geo-thermal power (unlikely, but some do). Easily defensible and out of the way. Also if its winter, most likely dry. Though if you didn’t have lights or ventilation of some sort, you’d prolly end up being eaten in your sleep or die from asphyxiation. You could hook up solar power with batteries easily enough and light an area with LED’s to conserve it, and most mine shafts are set up to naturally vent themselves, depending on the mine, when it was set up, and the mining company that did the work. There are also Equipment storage shafts and compounds underground, i have a friend who keeps his old cars and tools in one, its not big, but easily defend-able. Elevated positions or one’s with easily barricaded entrances are best, i would assume. So if in an apartment building, i would try to destroy the stairs/ladders leading to anything above the first floor. You could make exits using zip-lines across disabled power cables (you might need to re-enforce these) or your own zip lines to other buildings, poles, or trees. Personally i would pick something that would have a wide visible range around it to make sure when i shimmied across, that i didnt become dinner. Being in a low populated area may be a good idea, but supplies would be in lower stock, and if animals could become infected… I’d hate to encounter a zombie cougar, bear, or pack of coyotes/wolves/dogs… house cats even… *shudder* But The zombie masses would be far less. I think Visibility would be a must however… so the mine might now work out unless you planned it out well enough

15. Age T on 09 Jan 2008 at 6:19 am #

    I live in the UK so have the increased risk of death as weapons are banned (guns, knives etc etc) So I guess I would need to truly improvise by ensuring I have a cricket bat (well this is England) and some sharp knives available at all times!
    Blimey im off to Asda (Walmart to you yanks) to get some supplies in.
    On second thoughts I wont Asda is full of the living dead already.

    AAAAAgh Im doomed :-)

16. Sled on 13 Jan 2008 at 10:17 am #

    Sorry guys, I am immediately on the move and will cut you guys down later if needed after you are converted.
    They are NOT here yet so I live a fairly normal life. Somewhat prepared, but normal. Since I (and most of you) do NOT live in a truly defensible home you need to have a plan for when they come, and you must execute it quickly.
    Here are some things to consider
    1) Most of the people you meet will be competing for the same supplies that you are after. They care more about their friends and Family than yours. Just like you do.
    2) You cannot have too many weapons
    3) Many many parts of our world/infrastructure are automated. There will still be widespread phone service and electricity at first. It could last years in some places.
    4) It is NOT your job to kill them all, it is your job to survive.
    5) Gasoline and gasoline vehicles should be left for the tasty, use only diesel vehicles/machinery
    6) FRESH food will be scarce quickly regardless of outbreak type. If it spreads fast and wide and there are FEW survivors CANNED goods will be plentiful for some time. Stock up? yes, take risks for it? NO!
    7) Medicine will be as important as food. Water more important than both of them.
    8) Bridges and tunnels are NOT you friend. They are choke points to be avoided if possible.
    9) Remember what time the cr@p really hit the fan, was it rush hour? did the people get a chance to panic and clog the roads? You will need to remember this as you travel.

    OK so here is why you should move.
    I am sure everyone here already has a few starter weapons right?
    You need a large 1 ton crew cab diesel truck. It is debatable as to whether a dually is preferred over a single rear wheel truck. It should be 4wd, it should have a lockable metal tool box in the bed with a aux fuel tank and a hand pump. They are all over the place so finding one will not be hard IF you get there first. Snow plow on the front? even better. You will be able to find fuel for this forever. Do NOT choose a military vehicle unless it has a civilian counterpart. You want a vehicle that will have it’s parts stored at every parts store/dealership you pass. Naturally extra tires, fix a flat, and tire repair tools will be good to have. Be sure the tool box actually has tools. Multiple trucks will be the eventual goal.
    A trailer to carry extra goods will be commandeered later. You will need to be able to drop it off the truck from INSIDE while moving if needed. You can come back to get it later possibly.

    Now get more weapons. Guns, clubs, axes, etc
    If your home can last the night go back there for the night and equip the truck/trucks as best you can.
    In the morning go to that place you already Chose as your base should this ever occur. Fortify it, equip it, supply it.

    OK Now you are probably safe enough to plan a longer term solution. Keep in mind that the less populated and area the better, but you do not want to be so rural (at first) that there are not enough supplies around. Hopefully you have roamed far and wide from your home so that the place you choose will not be completely unknown to you.
    Do not choose the mountains as the terrain can hinder escape routes. Hills are good for defense, flat areas can be scanned easier for approaching Zombies easier.

    I am sure that any area can be stayed in for the first few years if the outbreak hit hard and fast. there will be canned goods in all of the stores and homes etc for a long time. For long term survival you will end up moving to someplace where you can grow your own food long term and hunt your own game.

    I would choose the foothills of the lower Appalachians. An area easily defended on 3 sides with a deep swift clean river on the fourth. Rig the bridges you normally use with explosives in case you need to cut off someones access as you retreat home.

    So who do you want to be?
    the people BEHIND the wall, well supplied and protected?
    OR
    the people outside the gate saying please let us in?

    Good luck
    Sled

17. Matt D on 15 Jan 2008 at 12:15 am #

    Yea i would like a place to settle in if i knew it, i would try to go out and find things but i would always have my BOB (bug out bag) just in case with my folding marine shovel knive protien bars water ect plus my remington 870 with plenty of 12 ga shells. i dont have a handgun yet but i think a hi cap cup such as a glock or USP in .45acp would be prime for transport and on the run always keep one bullet on a chain for yourself just in case

18. R N L on 17 Feb 2008 at 1:43 pm #

    I myself am a Canadian army Reservist. I live in walking distance from my base which is in the center of the city (as it is no bigger than a high school). I’m armored so I was surprised a quite a few comments made on military vehicule.

    It’s true that they consume a lot of supply. That’s the case for even armored jeeps.

    But I know (for Canada at least) that APC’s and tanks do not use a regular combustion engine. They use something that is similar to an aircraft turbine. The main difference is that this turbine can run on any liquid that burns. You could run a Canadian LAV-III on Vodka if you wanted. In the event of a zombie outbreak, having a vehicule that can run on any liquid that burns would be a huge advantage. You could use the available supply of gasoline and diesel while they last, and then find alcohol. Just bring with you a chemistry 536 book with a list of what elements burn and which don’t. You’ll never run out of gas. You must just be careful about mixing them, as this will likely break the engine. It means that if you want to switch from gasoline to vodka for example, you will have to wait for your gas tank to be completely empty.

    I would definitely take an APC over a tank, perhaps attach a trailer to it (but considering they already have a lot of space inside it might not be necessary). Nothing could get inside, ever meaning you have a moving, amphibious (in the case of the LAV-III) sheleter. Nothing could get into your way and you could easily move from supply sources to supply sources with a few friends (because you would eventually need to get out to fetch food and other supplies).

    Surviving the zombie horde with an APC would be much more like living the life of a nomade. Moving between supply sources constantly to stay alive.

19. callan mcauliffe on 10 Jun 2008 at 6:33 pm #

    if i knew the world was over, and that the zimbies had populated te earth, i would hide for as long as i could, preparing an assault, gathering ammunition and weapons, then on the final day, gather friends and form a line and FUCK U: THOSE MOTHERFUCKERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FUCKING DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ha ha ha ha ah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    death

20. aware on 05 Aug 2008 at 2:36 pm #

    and then you’d die. (and add a bunch of zombies to the hungry masses)

21. Dr Who on 20 Oct 2008 at 9:24 pm #

    I posted this elsewhere but it deems repeating:

    “Immediately after an outbreak in an urban/sub-urban area the real danger lies in what has plagued humanities cities since the start of cities: FIRE. What fire crews actually make it out will be quickly overwhelmed with zombies and fires. With everything quickly spiralling out of control fire will spread as quick as the plague of zombies. All it takes is one housewife leaving the stove on to feast on flesh. Fires will quickly engulf whole nieghboorhoods and cities with all the people losing their minds at seeing little Joey eat his playmate. Have you ever watched how hard it is for alot of firecrews to contain ONE apartment building fire? Now imagine that happening at every apartment complex. Ever see on tv fires spread from one house to another in a sub-urban nieghboorhood WITH the fire department there? Most areas don’t have enough local crews to handle more than two fires in their serviced areas without calling in help from other areas. This time it will be alot more than two fires and the help will be overwhelmed with more fires than THEY can handle. You can easily imagine whole cities burning. Get out of these densely populated and packed areas. Let the fires burn out and hopefully take most of the zeds with them. You can come back after the fires are done smoldering and scavenge the stores and homes that are left.”

    This is your primary concern on where you go immediately during and after the outbreak should focus on this. A zombie can be shot, beaten to pieces, blownup, ran over, blockaded, or one of many other things for defence with fire you’re out of luck. Ever try to fight a fire by yourself? Come back well after the fires have burned out and are done smoldering. Then you can scavenge, which you will have to do in all but the most minimal outbreaks.

    On another note, the moment the first zed raises it’s rotting head expect WWZ. I modern society the virus can and will spread like wildfire. Don’t sit around expecting rescue or help. You will have to move to find supplies. Living off the land isn’t an option for man in the 21st century. Few people, even farmers have the knowhow to raise enough crops without modern equipment to support themselves. Much less to do it under zombie attacks.

22. GonzoTheBurner on 01 Jan 2009 at 2:07 pm #

    Dr. Who makes a really good point about the fire storms that would actually pose as much as a threat as the zombies. This is even more so if you are holing yourself up somewhere. You can fight the zombies. You won’t be able to fight fires.

    I think fires would be the indirect, but almost certian side effect of a Zombie Outbreak- whatever the level. Plus looters, sadists(think mad max) and even survivors, will more than likely be setting fires and tossing cocktails for their own purposes. Doubtedly, any would try to put them out.

    Also sadly, most houses and buildings these days are built poorly. They are rarely defendable without many modifications and will crumble just as easily as they would burn. Brick and slate houses stand a better chance- and if you are up north chances are you have a solid house of stone. If not, go somewhere else. Your little whitewashed suburban neighborhoods with houses A,B,C and D (alternating and reversed plans for variety) Are labyrinths of infested, combustible, flimsy piles of timber. These plastic prefab houses just won’t hold up and many are situated on dead end streets. You’d be trapped. I say you have to go mobile if you are in one of these areas. Get out to the country, commercial buildings for supplies, and industrial areas for fortification, fuel and vehicles.

    Another thing I would like to add is where you kill zombies, or approximity kill zone, which I believe could be it’s own topic. You don’t want a cluster of rotting corpses piling up around your safe house. This maybe an unpopular thought, but the infection could be airborne. Nobody wants a noxious Z-Cloud hanging around their D-Pad. Plus, unlike the movies, the bodies aren’t just going to go away. They will pile up, and after a while you will have created a rotting ramp. I guess you could burn the bodies, but I don’t think the good Dr. would recomend that.

23. 68A Soldier on 01 Jan 2009 at 9:40 pm #

    The only way i would fortify is if i could make it out to the country. A small Farm or compound out in the middle of nowhere. Less population density to worry about becoming infected.

    RHINO72- Your statement makes you sounds like a blue falcon…. but under the circumstances Military bases probably wouldn’t be the safest place. I wouldn’t take the APC because its not very subtle, but the truck would be full of MRE’s, ammo, and such…

24. Sharpshooter on 13 Apr 2009 at 4:40 pm #

    heres a rule of thumb for the zombie invation. bigger city=more of everything. true more zombies. but also better chance to find survivors. more food, water, other supplies. it’s all about how many people youve got with you. if its you and another person. stear away from cities. but if youve got 5+ people. then make the chance. keep calm, aware, and ready. should leave with minimal problems.

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