Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

What will happen to you and your family when the undead take over? Call me paranoid, but sooner or later the zombie apocalypse will happen. The only thing that will matter is your survival. This a brief guide to surviving the enviable zombie uprising.

Where not to go during the zombie apocalypse
Because of the popular Dawn of the Dead movies, the first place many people think of is the shopping mall. That's not a terrible choice, but realize food will rot or deplete. Malls are huge and thoroughly searching the entire building maybe a death sentence for you and your party. This can be said for all larger buildings such as schools. Cities aren't a good choice, either. With streets that can double as mazes and skyscrapers, zombies will be lurking everywhere.

Where to go
In a low level zombie outbreak, the best plan maybe to sit tight at home. With some supplies and fortification of your home, you may be safer there. At least, you won't be part of the panicked mobs clogging the roads. When the time comes to flee, consider these places.

Ideally, a nuclear fallout bunker would be great. Unfortunately, not everyone has easy access to such places. The best plan would be start building one now (or make friends with an owner). The next best place would be a small sized warehouse, look for one with few windows. Any strong, small building that can be re-enforced is a good choice.

Zombies are thought to freeze in cold climates. Although you still need to be careful, especially during the thawing season. Your group can stay in warehouse type buildings while traveling North. For travel, forget cars and either walk or bicycle. The streets will probably be crowded with broken down cars and their newly zombified owners.

Weapons to use during the zombie apocalypse
Keep your weaponry light and ready. Don't go looking for zombies, but realize they will find you. Longer knives, crowbars, and even light swords are good melee choices. They don't run out of ammo and never need reloading. Keep blades as clean and sharp as possible. The disadvantage of melee is you must be close to the zombie to do any damage.

Guns are important too, providing you are comfortable with one. Don't think for a second just because you've played shooting video games, you're a gun expert. Take the time now, before the zombies come, to learn how to shoot. Guns are especially useful when you see the zombies before they sense you. A few well placed shots can be the difference between an easy escape and slaughter. When the ammo runs out, you can always use a bigger gun to club a zombie and make a quick getaway.

Other important considerations
Stay in shape: if the zombies come then you got to go. Try to keep up a regular exercise routine before it's too late and you're panting or wheezing for survival.

Don't take personal/sentimental items: if you're running away from a horde of zombies, you can't carry around the antique picture frame your grandma gave you. Material things are best forgotten.

On a grimmer note: don't try to save loved ones bitten by the undead. They are gone and the longer you stay near them, the more you put yourself and others in danger.

Hopefully, you will come to see the dangers of not taking the zombie apocalypse seriously. Be alert for possible zombie outbreaks and be prepared.

Sources:

zombie movies

The Zombie Survival Guide by Max Brooks published 2003