Zombie Apocalypse: Are You Prepared?

unlost dogsunlost dogs Posts: 12,553
edited May 2011 in All Encompassing Trip
Just want to be sure you're all fully prepared. Even those among us who, lacking a brain, don't have to worry about being potential zombie bait. (You know who you are.)

http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies_blog.asp

Social Media: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse
The following was originally posted on CDC Public Health Matters Blog May 16th, 2011 by Ali S. Khan.

There are all kinds of emergencies out there that we can prepare for. Take a zombie apocalypse for example. That’s right, I said z-o-m-b-i-e a-p-o-c-a-l-y-p-s-e. You may laugh now, but when it happens you’ll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency.

A Brief History of Zombies
We’ve all seen at least one movie about flesh-eating zombies taking over (my personal favorite is Resident Evil), but where do zombies come from and why do they love eating brains so much? The word zombie comes from Haitian and New Orleans voodoo origins. Although its meaning has changed slightly over the years, it refers to a human corpse mysteriously reanimated to serve the undead. Through ancient voodoo and folk-lore traditions, shows like the Walking Dead were born.

A couple dressed as zombies - Danny Zucco and Sandy Olsson from the movie Grease walking in the annual Toronto Zombie Walk.
In movies, shows, and literature, zombies are often depicted as being created by an infectious virus, which is passed on via bites and contact with bodily fluids. Harvard psychiatrist Steven Schoolman wrote a (fictional) medical paper on the zombies presented in Night of the Living Dead and refers to the condition as Ataxic Neurodegenerative Satiety Deficiency Syndrome caused by an infectious agent. The Zombie Survival Guide identifies the cause of zombies as a virus called solanum. Other zombie origins shown in films include radiation from a destroyed NASA Venus probe (as in Night of the Living Dead), as well as mutations of existing conditions such as prions, mad-cow disease, measles and rabies.

The rise of zombies in pop culture has given credence to the idea that a zombie apocalypse could happen. In such a scenario zombies would take over entire countries, roaming city streets eating anything living that got in their way. The proliferation of this idea has led many people to wonder “How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?”

Well, we’re here to answer that question for you, and hopefully share a few tips about preparing for real emergencies too!

Better Safe than Sorry

Some of the supplies for your emergency kit.
So what do you need to do before zombies…or hurricanes or pandemics for example, actually happen? First of all, you should have an emergency kit in your house. This includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp (or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored). Below are a few items you should include in your kit, for a full list visit the CDC Emergency page.

Water (1 gallon per person per day)
Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.)
Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
Important documents (copies of your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few)
First Aid supplies (although you’re a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane)
Once you’ve made your emergency kit, you should sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan. This includes where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your door step. You can also implement this plan if there is a flood, earthquake, or other emergency.

Family members meeting by their mailbox. You should pick two meeting places, one close to your home and one farther away.
Identify the types of emergencies that are possible in your area. Besides a zombie apocalypse, this may include floods, tornadoes, or earthquakes. If you are unsure contact your local Red Cross chapter for more information. Family members meeting by their mailbox. You should pick two meeting places, one close to your home and one farther away
Pick a meeting place for your family to regroup in case zombies invade your home…or your town evacuates because of a hurricane. Pick one place right outside your home for sudden emergencies and one place outside of your neighborhood in case you are unable to return home right away.
Identify your emergency contacts. Make a list of local contacts like the police, fire department, and your local zombie response team. Also identify an out-of-state contact that you can call during an emergency to let the rest of your family know you are ok.
Plan your evacuation route. When zombies are hungry they won’t stop until they get food (i.e., brains), which means you need to get out of town fast! Plan where you would go and multiple routes you would take ahead of time so that the flesh eaters don’t have a chance! This is also helpful when natural disasters strike and you have to take shelter fast.
Never Fear – CDC is Ready

Get a Kit, Make a Plan, Be Prepared
If zombies did start roaming the streets, CDC would conduct an investigation much like any other disease outbreak. CDC would provide technical assistance to cities, states, or international partners dealing with a zombie infestation. This assistance might include consultation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts, and infection control (including isolation and quarantine). It’s likely that an investigation of this scenario would seek to accomplish several goals: determine the cause of the illness, the source of the infection/virus/toxin, learn how it is transmitted and how readily it is spread, how to break the cycle of transmission and thus prevent further cases, and how patients can best be treated. Not only would scientists be working to identify the cause and cure of the zombie outbreak, but CDC and other federal agencies would send medical teams and first responders to help those in affected areas (I will be volunteering the young nameless disease detectives for the field work).

To learn more about what CDC does to prepare for and respond to emergencies of all kinds, visit:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/cdc/orgs_progs.asp

To learn more about how you can prepare for and stay safe during an emergency visit:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/

To download a badge like the one above that you can add to your social networking profile, blog, website, or email signature visit:
http://emergency.cdc.gov/socialmedia/zombies.asp
15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
Post edited by Unknown User on

Comments

  • RKCNDYRKCNDY Posts: 31,013
    be sure to add a Zombie Preparedness kit to teh PJ20 Packing List please...
    The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.

    - Christopher McCandless
  • unlost dogsunlost dogs Posts: 12,553
    RKCNDY wrote:
    be sure to add a Zombie Preparedness kit to teh PJ20 Packing List please...

    We've covered Zombie Defense Gear, but hadn't worked out a safety plan.

    I think, if they arrive during PJFest, our rendezvous point should be the motel room shared by Black Diamond and Thrilla.

    I would be quite skeptical about the "special 10-Club Only shaded area." I think that's something the band set up to lure us to what we think is a safe spot _ but where they will direct the Zombie army while they flee down the highway toward Milwaulkee as the Zombies pull out their forks.
    15 years of sharks 06/30/08 (MA), 05/17/10 (Boston), 09/03/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/04/11 (Alpine Valley), 09/30/12 (Missoula), 07/19/13 (Wrigley), 10/15/13 (Worcester), 10/16/13 (Worcester), 10/25/13 (Hartford), 12/4/13 (Vancouver), 12/6/13 (Seattle), 6/26/14 (Berlin), 6/28/14 (Stockholm), 10/16/14 (Detroit)
  • Entertaining, educational AND practical!
    I think they left "shotgun" and "plenty o' shells" off the list, though…
    "If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit." - Mitch Hedberg
  • ClaireackClaireack Posts: 13,561
    Thank you for this highly useful information. I will try and ensure I have the right equipment to prevent me becoming zombie fodder.

    Is there such a thing as anti-zombie cream? It would be very useful.
  • It's not anti-zombie cream, but according to the Walking Dead TV show, if you cover yourself in rotting corpse, zombies think you're one of them…
    walking-dead-102_240.jpg
    "If you are flammable and have legs, you are never blocking a fire exit." - Mitch Hedberg
  • CAVSTARR313CAVSTARR313 Posts: 8,756
    Zombies don't like The Strokes so we may be safe during their set.. but otherwise, look out.. I will be packing my super soaker, filled with apple juice (My cousin told me this works) and a large wooden spoon.. I am not sure what I will use the spoon for.. yet.
    None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe that they are free.
    Abrn Hlls '98 - Clarkston 2 '03 - Grd Rpds '06 - Abrn Hlls '06 - Clvd '10 - PJ20 - Berlin 1+2 '12 - Wrigley '13 - Pitt '13- buff '13- Philly 1+2 '13 - Seattle '13
  • ClaireackClaireack Posts: 13,561
    It's not anti-zombie cream, but according to the Walking Dead TV show, if you cover yourself in rotting corpse, zombies think you're one of them…
    walking-dead-102_240.jpg

    But it washed off in the rain - we need a water-proof variety.
  • rick1zoo2rick1zoo2 Posts: 12,632
    :o
  • Digital TwilightDigital Twilight Posts: 5,642
    Test how truly prepared you are:

    http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/511685

    The lighter side of a zombie outbreak

    http://www.mousebreaker.com/games/deathpenalty/playgame
  • Cree NationsCree Nations Posts: 2,247
    Zombies give me nightmares
    >>>>
    >
    ...a lover and a fighter.
    "I'm at least half a bum" Rocky Balboa

    http://www.videosift.com/video/Obamas-Message-To-American-Indians

    Edmonton, AB. September 5th, 2005
    Vancouver, BC. April 3rd, 2008
    Calgary,AB. August 8th, 2009
  • SatansFutonSatansFuton Posts: 5,399
    This....

    1400049628.jpg

    should be required reading. When it comes time, I'll be ready.
    "See a broad to get dat booty yak 'em, leg 'er down, a smack 'em yak 'em!"
  • RYEzupSFRYEzupSF Posts: 6,003
    My zombie fighting cornfed ninja kit includes: nunchucks, death stars, throwing axes, slingshot, Poprocks and my ever-present prison shank. I don't recommend standing behind me.
    BrowserPreview_tmp_zps26eff4aa.gif

    Don't fuck sheep. -EV 7/11/11
    You can never have enough Neil in the mix. -EV 10/24/10
    There's only one commandment: Don't be an asshole. -EV 5/6/10
  • rick1zoo2rick1zoo2 Posts: 12,632
    This....

    1400049628.jpg

    should be required reading. When it comes time, I'll be ready.


    good grief, my son has that book. I will need to keep him close to me
  • SatansFutonSatansFuton Posts: 5,399
    rick1zoo2 wrote:
    This....

    1400049628.jpg

    should be required reading. When it comes time, I'll be ready.


    good grief, my son has that book. I will need to keep him close to me

    It's a good book. When I first read it I couldn't figure out if it was supposed to be tongue in cheek or if it was written by a crazy person. Then I found out that Max Brooks is the son of Mel Brooks.

    I love what it says in "about the author". It simply says: Max Brooks lives in New York City but is ready to move to a more remote and defensible location at a moment's notice.
    "See a broad to get dat booty yak 'em, leg 'er down, a smack 'em yak 'em!"
  • Double tap and always wear your seatbelt!
    Gund Arena - Apr 25, 2003
    Quicken Loans Arena - May 20, 2006
    Grant Park - Aug 05, 2007
    Bonnaroo - Jun 14, 2008
    United Center - Aug 23, 2009
    Nationwide Arena - May 06, 2010
    Quicken Loans Arena - May 09, 2010
  • pjsteelerfanpjsteelerfan Posts: 9,895
    Double tap and always wear your seatbelt!

    I will have zombie kill of the week
    ...got a mind full of questions and a teacher in my soul...
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    SOMEBODY REMEMBER TO GET SOME TWINKIES!!!
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
  • SatansFutonSatansFuton Posts: 5,399
    Double tap and always wear your seatbelt!

    And if you run into Bill Murray, make sure he is really a zombie before you pump him full of lead.
    "See a broad to get dat booty yak 'em, leg 'er down, a smack 'em yak 'em!"
  • neilybabes86neilybabes86 Posts: 16,057
    i would love to be in the middle of one...my favorite shit
    i post on the board of a band that doesn't exsist anymore .......i need my head examined.......
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
  • RYEzupSFRYEzupSF Posts: 6,003
    i would love to be in the middle of one...my favorite shit

    Why does this not surprise me? :lol:
    BrowserPreview_tmp_zps26eff4aa.gif

    Don't fuck sheep. -EV 7/11/11
    You can never have enough Neil in the mix. -EV 10/24/10
    There's only one commandment: Don't be an asshole. -EV 5/6/10
  • EmBleveEmBleve Posts: 3,019
    SOMEBODY REMEMBER TO GET SOME TWINKIES!!!
    :lol: :thumbup:
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    EmBleve wrote:
    SOMEBODY REMEMBER TO GET SOME TWINKIES!!!
    :lol: :thumbup:


    I LOVE ME SOME TWINKIES!! :lol::lol::lol: I really do though :shifty:
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
  • neilybabes86neilybabes86 Posts: 16,057
    RYEzupSF wrote:
    i would love to be in the middle of one...my favorite shit

    Why does this not surprise me? :lol:


    just give me some ammo :mrgreen:
    i post on the board of a band that doesn't exsist anymore .......i need my head examined.......
  • SatansFutonSatansFuton Posts: 5,399
    edited May 2011
    I wonder how many of us would actually do the right thing and off ourselves after getting bitten, or which of us would be the weasel who hides the fact that we've bitten, only to turn zombie at a very inopportune time. Same goes for offing a friend/loved one being bitten.

    That's why zombie movies are so great, they make you think about what you would do in that situation, both morally and strategically. Zombie Apocalypse is the chess game or horror movie scenarios.

    Edit: I meant chess game OF horror movie scenarios.
    Post edited by SatansFuton on
    "See a broad to get dat booty yak 'em, leg 'er down, a smack 'em yak 'em!"
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    I wonder how many of us would actually do the right thing and off ourselves after getting bitten, or which of us would be the weasel who hides the fact that we've bitten, only to turn zombie at a very inopportune time. Same goes for offing a friend/loved one being bitten.

    That's why zombie movies are so great, they make you think about what you would do in that situation, both morally and strategically. Zombie Apocalypse is the chess game or horror movie scenarios.


    :lol: :thumbup: :mrgreen:
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    Another favourite of mine...can't wait for the second...also loved the video games!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5mT5LhbRJw
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
  • DissidentmanDissidentman Posts: 15,378
    'Nuff said.

    tumblr_liezm1CJ4C1qgtt5ao1_400.jpg
  • ShimmyMommyShimmyMommy Posts: 7,505
    'Nuff said.

    tumblr_liezm1CJ4C1qgtt5ao1_400.jpg

    LOVE ARMY OF DARKNESS! :thumbup:
    Lots of love, light and hugs to you all!
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