by Augusto Na

Created on: March 16, 2009   Last Updated: March 21, 2009

GUIDE TO THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE: SURVIVING A ZOMBIE OUTBREAK

Always be prepared. You have a plan in case a fire breaks out. You know what to do in case of an earthquake. But are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? It does not hurt to be informed, and this guide will help you make the most of a rotten situation.

Tip 1. Identifying a zombie outbreak

Believe me, there is nothing more embarrassing than bursting out of your house with a chainsaw, ready to chop down some undead, only to find out that it was a false alarm. Before you take any action, double check that the suspected zombie outbreak is real. If you see it in the news, check the other channels, in case the one you were watching was mistaken or playing a joke. Checking the radio is also a good idea, since they provide more local news than television news. Once word is out that the undead have risen, it's time to take some action.

Tip 2. Arming yourself

The first thing you need is a weapon. Zombies are bloodthirsty creatures and they will come after you. Although many people recommend guns, I would not use them as a primary weapon. Let's just put it this way: you don't have to reload a crowbar. If you have a gun, by all means keep it in case of an emergency. Just don't rely solely on it. Heavy, blunt objects make good weapons. Crowbars, hammers, sledgehammers, baseball bats, etc. If you have a pair of sturdy gloves, wear them, in order to protect your hands from both zombie bites and chaffing. When using your weapon, remember to destroy the head. It is the only way to kill a zombie.

Tip 3. Arm your loved ones

If your loved ones are in the same locale as you, arm them and instruct them on proper zombie killing techniques. If they are not, call them and brief them on the situation. That's all you can do for them. In a zombie outbreak, it's every man for himself. If you have non-zombie friends or neighbors nearby, recruit them to your cause. They will help you killing zombies or they will serve as bait to slow down a mob of the undead.

Tip 4. Find a hideout

If the undead outbreak is localized, then try to make your way out of the infected area. Most likely though, the undead will have risen everywhere. Society will have broken down. Find a place that is well-supplied and move there. Supermarkets like Wal Mart make safe forts, because they have everything. They have a year's supply of non-perishable food. Many of them also have weapons that you can use to defend yourself. Use the items inside to fortify all of the entrances.

Tip 5. Keep an eye on the future

If you decide to hole yourself up in a supermarket, have a plan. Dig a hole to the outside in a well concealed area, in case zombies get through your barricades. Have several gates or obstruction points in case zombies break through your primary defenses. Wal-Mart has plenty of lights, so go to the roof and make a signal, announcing your presence to other survivors. Map out another safe place to go to when the one you are in is compromised or no longer useful. Good luck, and remember: go for the brain.

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