Surviving a zombie attack (Part 1)

Note: Parts of this entry was taken from another blog which is referenced:

After watching Dawn of the Dead (2004), and I just have to wonder, did these people even think about how they would survive a zombie attack? Since we've had a rash of zombie movies lately - 28 Days Later , Shaun of the Dead - I think someone needs to publish a zombie survival guide to help these people out. And that someone is me, because I for one don't welcome our new zombie overlords.

First of all, you have to know your enemy. There are a few things to consider. First is the zombie’s intelligence. In most cases, zombies mostly react based on instinct, but on occasion, there are some those that retain some memories and have the ability to communicate. Second, you have to consider their speed. They are usually slow (rigor mortis) or move more human-like, where they have the ability to run and chase your sorry ass down. Next you have to consider how the living becomes zombies. Either a zombie bite makes the victim die after a few hours or anyone who dies, no matter the reason, becomes one. Lastly, you have to know how to kill one. To be on the safe side, the destruction of the brain will pretty much do it, but there are the types that will die just like any other human.

Preparation:

If you’re reading this, I’m assuming you’re currently not experiencing a zombie outbreak. If you are, I suggest you skip to the next section.

Getting ready now for zombiedom is always a good idea. Since you don’t want to alarm your neighbors by bricking up your windows and stocking piling on weapons and ammunition, you have to be smart about this.

First thing’s first. Get to know the guy in town who bought a pallet of Spam to survive Y2K. He’ll most likely still have that stuff around and knows all the good hiding places.

Next, scout out all the big box retailers that carry ammo and food. Next, scout out all the big box retailers that carry ammo and food. Not too many eh? Tough luck, blue-stater. Someplace like Wal-Mart is ideal, especially with the Garden Center for seed and stuff for long-term survival. A big bonus would be a nearby Home Depot or some such place so you can get plenty of lumber and quick-mix concrete for fortification.

While you're preparing, always keep in mind locations where people congregate - you're likely to find lots of zombies there when things turn ugly. Highways, malls, and schools are especially bad. You also might want to mention to your friends and family in passing how well your hiding place could be defended, etc. That way, when the zombies come, they'll remember you said that and come help you. I don't recommend telling them you're preparing for a zombie invasion.

First, the Fun Stuff

After your initial panic, it's important to remember that a significant component of your survival is the demise of the ghouls trying to get your tasty brains. Despite some reports to the contrary, the only way too permanently un-animate a zombie is to destroy its brain. This isn't rocket science (although that would be a cool way to do it). A gunshot to the head is the most direct way to disable a zombie, but not the only way. Decapitation also works; although the head will probably still function so doesn’t let it bite you. If you survive long enough, and society collapses along with any hope of rescue, you'll need to develop some means of skull penetration that doesn't involve guns - a professional bow hunting setup works if you can get it. You might be squeamish at first, taking out your neighbors; with time this will pass, you might even adopt a gleeful hangman's sense of humor in your executions.

Run or Hide

This is a no-brainer. You gotta hole up somewhere eventually, but pick carefully. Let's say that the outbreak is localized to your city, but you know that the neighboring town is zombie-free. Flee to the neighboring town. I know this sounds obvious, but don't sit around waiting for grandma to bite you. Get to the safe town, find a gun store, and join the Minuteman Militia.

But that isn't much fun, so let's think about what you'd do if the whole country is overrun. Since you already did your prep work, make a beeline for the Wal-Mart you picked out earlier. Hot Tip: Pick a new Wal-Mart if you can. Zombies tend try to do the things they were doing when they were alive, so they're gonna head to the mall, or Wal-Mart, or school... you get the idea. And since we're on the subject, malls are a bad place to hole up in. Too many entrances, and not enough goodies for long-term survival.

In short, pick a new general merchandise or grocery big box store. You get lots of canned food to eat, and only one or two large entrances to guard. 

To be continued...