Throughout the past few years there has been intense hype and demand for zombies. Movies and television shows such as The Walking Dead, World War Z, and Z Nation (among others) have had audiences at the edge of their seats following and cheering on the world’s last survivors in their efforts to not only survive but also in their attempts to live in a zombie-laden world.
The question then begs: Could you survive in a zombie apocalypse?
In order to prepare you for these tragic events we have compiled a list of 9 steps to help you survive the elements in a zombie outbreak. (You’re welcome.)
1. Gather Food and Supplies
Food and Water
During a zombie apocalypse the last thing you want to think about is how hungry you are. Make sure you stock up on plenty of food and water that can last you weeks instead of days. Collect non-perishable foods such as canned goods and vacuum-sealed goods. While amassing these supplies, make sure that you take into account the weight of what you’re carrying––take only what you can bear or store away.
Supplies
When it comes to supplies make sure to stock up on anything you would need to survive while camping (essentially). This includes:
-
Clothing
- long sleeves
- jackets
- hiking boots or shoes are a must
-
Medical Supplies
- Don’t forget to pack a First Aid kit to prepare for the unexpected; pack things such as:
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Band-Aids
- gauze
- laxatives
- hand sanitizer
- iodine
- antihistamines
- medical tape
- etc.
- Don’t forget to pack a First Aid kit to prepare for the unexpected; pack things such as:
-
Camping Gear
- flashlights
- batteries
- sleeping bags/blankets
- matches
- pots/pans
- eating utensils
- rope/twine
- markers
- map
- compass
- etc.
-
Hunting Gear/Self Defense
- knives
- axes
- guns
- etc.
-
Toiletries
- toilet paper (if you are so lucky)
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
- soap
- garbage bags
- deodorant
- etc.
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Communication Tools
- There should always be some way that you can communicate to other members of your group
- Ex: Walkie-talkies are an excellent way to stay in contact with your team.
2. Get Out of the City
To quote Gerry Lane from World War Z: “El movimiento es vida”. Movement is life. The fact of the matter is staying where you are and doing nothing will not bode well for you in the end. The hot spots for zombie outbreaks and rapid spreading will be within and around large cities. You need to gather your supplies and get as far away from these big metropolitan areas as fast as possible. If you want to see how fast a zombie attack would occur anywhere within the United States check out Zombie Town US, which simulates zombie outbreaks depending on where you place patient zero.
3. Move to Higher Ground/Head for the Woods
Once you leave the city head for the woods and the hills. An ancient war technique that has been used for generations has been to head for high ground to take advantage of your enemy. You will have a better chance of surviving if you can choose the right location to set up camp. A great place move to after a zombie outbreak is the woods. The deeper you go into the woods the less likely you are to be found by a pack of zombies or any other humans for that matter. The only problem with this is you risk running out of supplies and you also risk being attacked by other wild creatures––BUT reading up on outdoor survival advice and tips should help remedy this dire situation.
4. Set Up a Solid Base Camp
You don’t want to be caught off-guard if you can help it. Setting up a well-protected and guarded campsite will ensure that nothing will invade your camp without you knowing about it. Install barricades/walls to surround your camp, assemble around-the-clock watchmen, and most importantly learn to fight.
5. Learn to Fight and Defend Yourself
The time has finally come to fend for your life. You may have never touched a weapon before, but now it is pertinent that you know how to use knives, swords, and a variety of guns. You will not only have to fend off blood-thirsty zombies, but fight a variety of offending and hostile animals and human beings. Now that you live in a world with dwindling supplies you must fight to survive. You can either be the hunter or the hunted.
6. Learn to Hunt
Let’s face it––you’re going to run out of food in the woods. You can set up supply runs to the nearest town, but you run the risk of drawing back unwanted zombie hoards. This is why it is important to learn to survive off the land until a cure is found. Take after Daryl from The Walking Dead and learn how to use a crossbow or a bow and arrow to hunt wild game. Learn how to make a snare trap, and if you’re near a body of water brush up on your fishing skills.
7. Gather a Team
Remember the old adage: “There is strength in numbers.” You could survive on your own in a zombie apocalypse, but let’s be honest, it’s probably going to get very lonely after the outbreak. For this reason it would be beneficial to gather people that can bring unique skills to the team. Keep your eyes open for smoke, lights, and fires at night as this could lead you to find other survivors.
8. Choose Diesel
Gasoline will not keep for more than a year and with the zombie outbreak chances are that gas will run out quickly. So if you do need a vehicle to travel in choose a diesel-powered vehicle. Not only does a diesel have better fuel economy, it lasts longer, and there will probably still be some fuel left if you drop by any gas stations.
9. Don’t Stop Believing
It’s going to get pretty glum during the zombie apocalypse, which is why it’s important to stay positive and keep moving forward especially if you’re in a team. Even though the world is a different place that doesn’t mean that you should abandon your morals. There will be people who have spiraled into a deep pit of greed and unethical behaviors, but do not fall into a similar trap.
Don’t be caught off guard when the zombie apocalypse happens. You can start ahead of time by brushing up on your own survival skills for when you have to endure the elements. Learn more useful survivalist tips and find the best gear at Prepper’s Base.
- There should always be some way that you can communicate to other members of your group