ON THE DEFENSE : GENERAL RULES

Buildings in poorer, inner-city neighborhoods tend to be more secure
than others. Their reliance on high fences, razor wire, barred windows,
and other anti-crime features make them readily defensible. Buildings
in middle- or high-income areas tend to emphasize aesthetics. What
rich city council wants an eyesore in its neighborhood? Instead of ugly,
even tacky, safety features, these affluent people rely more heavily on
law enforcement and private security (forces of proven umeliability).
For these reasons, and if the situation permits, head away from the suhurhs
and toward the inner city.
Avoid "accidents waiting to happen." Many industrial structures of
the sort commonly found in inner-city or "downtown" areas house
explosive or flammable materials. They also may contain complicated
machinery such as power generators and environmental regulators,
mechanisms that require constant supervision. Put those two together,
and disaster is. gu aranteed. The Khotan nuclear power plant is only one
extreme example. More numerous if less dramatic incidents usually
occur with all Class 2 and 3 outbreaks. Do not seek refuge in or near
industrial sites, fuel-storage facilities, airports, or any other place identified
as high-risk.
When choosing a refuge, consider these questions carefully:
1. Is there a wall, fence, or other physical perimeter?
2. How many potential entranceslexits are there?
3. Can the people in your party simultaneously defend each fence
and exit?
4. Is there a secondary defensive position, multiple floors, or an attic?
5. Can the building be secured?
6. Is there a potential escape route?
7. What is the supply situation?
8. Is there a water line?
9. If needed, are weapons or tools available?
10. Are materials available to reinforce the entrances?
11. What about means of communication: phone, radio, Internet, etc.?
12. Given all these factors, how long could you or your group survive
an extended siege?
Make sure to consider all these questions when choosing where to
make your stand. Resist the urge to dash into the nearest building.
Remember; no matter how desperate the situation seems, time spent
thinking clearly is never time wasted.