Cornell University researchers have looked into the issue of a hypothetical “zombie apocalypse,” examining which areas of the state are safest, The Washington Post reports.
Under the right conditions, a zombie outbreak in Florida could envelop the state in less than a month — as shown by an interactive model released by those researchers.
Recommended Videos
As a result, Only In Your State released a guide of the top nine places in Florida to hide if a zombie apocalypse breaks out.
Those locations are as follows:
1. Florida Citrus Tower
In a zombie outbreak, cities with large populations would be huge vectors for transmission, but Clermont has a population of less than 50,000 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Being so close to Orlando, it’s a great place for city residents to flee to, and the 226-foot-tall Florida Citrus Tower would keep you up high and away from the zombies down below.
Cons: Not sure how much food you’re going to find inside.
2. The Kennedy Bunker
In the 1960s, the U.S. was in the midst of nuclear tensions with Cuba and the USSR.
At the time, then-President John F. Kennedy liked to snowbird at his family’s estate in Palm Beach, though if missiles were to be launched from Cuba, there would be no time to evacuate Kennedy.
As a result, a bunker was built on Peanut Island to keep Kennedy safe in the event that conflict broke out. The bunker is still there today, according to westpalmbeach.com.
It’s located on an island and could be a great place to hole up, making it a decent hidey-hole in the event of a zombie breakout.
Cons: No air conditioning or plumbing. The rations are probably a little outside their expiration date.
3. Costco
Only In Your State suggests that taking over Costco or another type of big box store could allow you to live for years off of the supplies kept inside.
Costco is known for having a diverse array of supplies, which would keep survivors stocked on food, entertainment, tools and other necessities.
Cons: You would have to take over a Wal-Mart if you’re looking for guns to protect your new colony, because Costco doesn’t sell them.
4. The Florida Everglades
Because outbreaks carry much more easily in densely populated areas, the Florida Everglades could help keep you insulated from a zombie outbreak.
There’s plenty of water and other natural barriers inherent to the area, meaning that such an outbreak would take much longer to reach you.
However, without a boat, it’ll be difficult to get around. And insect swarms and alligators would still be large threats.
Cons: You may survive the zombie apocalypse, but you still have to survive the Everglades.
5. A Houseboat
A houseboat grants protection by situating you in a body of water, and you can keep it as well-stocked as you need, making it a great fit for those who want to stay comfortable during a zombie apocalypse.
It also allows for travel to nearly anywhere you need, so long as it’s on the water.
Cons: You would need a lot of fuel and a well-stocked kitchen. Hopefully you’re with someone who is handy enough to make repairs when necessary.
6. Disney’s Underground Tunnel System
The Disney Utilidors — a sprawling, city-like network of tunnels underneath the Magic Kingdom — allows Cast Members to move around the park without guests noticing.
However, this tunnel system also includes kitchens where the park’s food is prepped and two cafeterias for park employees.
In addition, medical carts are stored here for emergencies, making this a great spot to survive as zombie hordes wreak havoc up above.
Cons: Bigger cities will be the first to go, so if you ever decide you want to leave the tunnel, we’re not sure where you would go or how you’d get out.
7. A Yacht
Just like with a houseboat, a yacht would afford protection, travel capabilities and comfort for survivors in a zombie apocalypse — assuming you can “acquire” one.
Larger yachts could potentially get you to another country where the outbreak has yet to spread, though it would still take a long time to do so.
Cons: Just hope it’s well stocked with fuel and food and someone knows how to navigate.
8. Florida Caverns
While caves might not be the most comfortable choice, they could be a good place to retreat to avoid the “brain-eating dead people,” Only In Your State suggests.
There are plenty of cave systems in the state, though the Florida Caverns in Marianna provide shelter and reprieve from the summer heat.
However, people using the caverns as a bunker would have to find a way to secure the entrance from zombie invaders.
Cons: Too close to Tallahassee and other populated areas to stay safe for long. Short-term solution at best.
9. Dry Tortugas
This island is around 70 miles away from Key West, and it’s outfitted with an old fort that helps make the site impregnable to a zombie outbreak.
The unfinished fort — dubbed “Fort Jefferson” — provides tall walls on all sides to allow survivors to look out from on high, too.
Cons: The island is set up for camping already, but things could get tricky long-term.
Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily: