First of all, a lot of people are talking about 'WHEN' the sh*t hits the fan and not 'IF', which i think is a bleak and negative outlook which
doesn't do much for morale what?
We're British, calm down... two sugars, milky and a biscuit and a nice sit down, think before we act.
Stay realistic.
First of all think Ray Mears, not James Bond, keep calm and don't run around being a hero.
Let's have a look at some other stuff we may not have covered.
Are we talking bad weather? The UK is only small and therefore there's a chance of everywhere being affected. If its cold/violently windy/stormy then
stay indoors until it fades, keep warm and contact people.
If you're caught outdoors, then immediately seek shelter and warmth, preferably somwhere with water.
If it's some form of virus/nuclear or space zombie outbreak or terrorist attack scenario, then stay away from infected areas, crowds and animals.
Roads: Will be impossible to drive anywhere (think a permanent state of rush hour / road rage due to panic, frustration and impatience), the roads
will no doubt be damaged, blocked or sealed off.
Other transport:
Trains and buses - all no use. They'll be either inoperable or full to the brim.
I'd suggest looking for a ferry or a boat and getting the hell out of the UK (although I dunno the reactions of the Coast guards would be?), if
that's impossible then get to undamaged areas...
use a bicycle's (three times faster than walking even with a rucksack) if it is safe to get outside, then stay away from major areas, use back routes
and fields, not major roads.
Get out of the cities, rural places may be less infected (depending what it is) but don't assume anything.
Stay away from crowds, it's easier to keep a cool head in smaller numbers, crowds are known to riot, loot and crush each other.
If the crowd is going one way, slip away and go somewhere else.
Stick with people you know, stay calm and focused and keep morale up (a pack of playing cards can get you through many a grim affair).
Mobile phones will either be inoperable or jammed.
If the internet is still available email friends and family. But don't rely on anything, as a culture (like many) we have become lazy and
sub-consciously rely on luxuries and tools (electric tin opener not working?), don't rely on the TV for information, use your own brains... think!
Avoid looting (at least in public), the police or military may have orders to shoot.
Don't walk around with guns visible, the military will see you as a threat and take you out, this is not the wild west.
Carry bottled water everywhere! Chocolate bars, nuts, crisps.
A portable (preferably two way) radio and spare batteries... a road map (again don't rely on GPS - the satellites may be knackered.
Pain killers (tooth ache? Unless your with a dentist, you're gonna be in a lot of pain);
Tents, cooking equipment and gas cannister, bowl, fork, a sharp knife, spare rope/string/gaffer tape/waterproof sleeping bag/water purification
tablets (available from most camping stores), try and get a whistle and a mirror for signalling. Matches and lighter, two torches (can't find your
torch in the dark?)
Do not attempt anything stupid... Unless its a matter or life and death, then don't be jumping off the jetty onto that speeding boat, you're not Al
Carney.
If you're being pursued by dogs for whatever reason, then cross water (only if you know its shallow enough and can trust the currents) and double
back on yourself and create false leads (piss in a coke can and throw it down a valley for instance).
Remember that helicopters have heat seeking cameras (if for example you need to signal a rescue helicopter then light a fire, if on the other hand you
are being pursued by people in helicopters then remember that a cave or tunnel may be a better option than sleeping in a barn for instance).
Use your instincts when meeting strangers, are they just frightened or are they shifty, in other words don't trust everyone, but don't be paranoid
either.
If you do manage to set up some form of shelter then keep a stock of fuel, gather food and supplies if possible and keep yourself busy with tasks and
repairs, its better to be active and busy than gloomy and thinking about them bloody zombies or whatever.
Peace
[edit on 22-3-2008 by mr-lizard]
