Escape from Chicago

This is my plan, and would like to have input from other fellow Chicagoans or anyone facing a similar large city bordering water scenario.

I must first make note of the fact that my plan is going to be radically effected by the weather. The difference between winter and summer here is dramatic, and this must be taken into account.

If the zombie apocalypse occurs during the summer, ideal, then my first instinct would be to gather my family (if possible); wife, dog, parents, siblings, and friends. Hopefully, I can communicate my plan to them before the phones become inoperable, if not, then I may have to abandon my parents as they live out in the suburbs.

Here, I must proceed with a few assumptions: first, that my wife is not a work, as she works outside the city; second, that it is summer (you'll see why this is crucial later); third, that it is daytime, I wouldn't attempt it at night, and; finally, that it is an attack more of the day of the dead style (zombie infection just starting), rather than dawn of the dead (zombie population already out of control).

Now with all the preliminary explanations out of the way, I present to you, my Chicago zombie plan. I live on the north side, outside of Wrigleyville. Now, I don't own a gun, nor do I maintain an emergency survival pack (yeah, I know Homeland Security would be very disappointed with me). However, my escape incorporates attaining the necessary items for survival. As the attack starts, my wife, dog, and I would all don backpacks (yes, my dog has a backpack). We would gather what non-perishables we had, as well as arm ourselves with golf clubs and bats (something is better than nothing). We would then quickly, yet carefully, leave the building, if the halls were overrun we would go off the balcony (we live on the second floor, might be a problem with the dog, but I think we could lower her with a bed sheet). Once we are outside, we run. We're in decent shape, cardiovascularly speaking, so I believe we could easily run/jog the distances required. Also, we would stick to the main streets: this may seem antithetical to survival, but we must remember that we are dealing with zombies, not human enemies. Zombies, I believe, have no recollection of the differences between main thoroughfares and sidestreets. As such, the zombies are just as likely to collect on the sidestreets and alleys, and the wide streets will not allow zombies to sneak up on us.

To where are we running? First, the pawn shop, there are a few nearby, and once there, I would try to break in, if it was locked up, and if the place was still in operation purchase a few guns, tools, and swords if need be. Then, we would stop at the most convenient convenience store (ha!) and stock up on a few more supplies. Careful, not to overload our selves, but also, the opportunity may not present itself later. From there, and here is the crux of my plan, we travel along the "El" (the elevated railway which runs throughout the city). Travelling along the "El" is not an invulnerable position, however, at this point the zombie population is growing quickly, and being above street level provides some modicum of protection while allowing us to proceed to our final destination. Of course, there is another danger to the El, the third rail. I am hoping that this has been disengaged, due to zombies frying themselves, but if not then it would be perilous and we would take the proper care to avoid it.

Our final destination, the Lincoln Park marina. During the summer, there are hordes of boats, both sail and power docked here. Once on the boat, we would sail away. I know this doesn't provide a permanent solution, but it would get us out of Chicago. Also, we could stay relatively close to shore to signal any rescuers.

Thats it. Risky? Yes. But, I believe the key to surviving zombie apocalypse from a large metropolitan area would be to get out as fast as possible. The zombie infection will likely spread exponentially, and the vast number of zombies would likely overwhelm any attempt to barricade oneself in a safe spot. Also, big cities are prone to fire in these type of civil disasters. Therefore, one could easily find themselves trapped, without a proper escape route.

Oh yeah, if it is winter, continue as in the first few parts of the summer escape, except no boats. The boats are all winterized and dry docked. So, I would, in apperant contradiction to my escape at all cost argument, head to the convenience store across the street. There are gates over all the doors, which are themselves heavy reinforced doors. It is brick, and is only adjacent to one other building, to minimize the fire danger. Here, I would try and wait out the zombies.