Scavenging
From ZombieSquadWiki
Scavenging is the strategy of acquiring abandoned supplies during, or after a disaster occurs, often from abandoned stores or homes. It may be possible to trade for these supplies, or the supplies themselves may be abandoned during the disaster.
Contents |
Advantages
Through scavenging, a traveler in a disaster area may be able to carry less supplies, and therefore cover more ground in less time. This strategy also avoids the expensive necessity of acquiring preparations before a disaster occurs. In some cases, scavenging may be the only viable option for a survivor. For example, many drugs may not be stored before the fact, due to the necessity of a prescription, prohibitively high cost, or a short shelf life. Also, many food items may spoil quickly without refrigeration.
Alternatives
Preparations may be stored, either in a central location, or in a series of resupply caches, spread out to make them convenient.
Criticisms
Logistical Problems
Most useful supplies will be taken soon after a disaster. Furthermore, reliance on common sources of supplies (for example, large package stores) will expose a survivor to great numbers of panicked, and similarly unprepared people. There is a great possibility of dangers such as riots or robberies.
Legal & Ethical Problems
Except during a PAW where all government services have broken down individuals scavenging from homes or businesses is considered looting. Looters may be shot on sight if martial law or other emergency states has been declared, if property owners are present or if vigilantes are patrolling neighborhoods. Therefore scavenging supplies is questionable whether or not it is legal and ethical to take abandoned supplies in a disaster.
The exception to the above rule is when a legitimate non-governmental organization (NGO) aid group or quasi-governmental rescue group (e.g. CERT) organizes the scavenging of needed food and medical supplies for a shelter. Often the law overlooks such seizures in the height of an emergency and looks for the courts to settle the matter after recovery.
