In the New York Times Bestseller The Zombie Survival Guide , Max Brooks informs his readers how to detect and defend against the undead. Brooks includes detailed weapons knowledge and combat techniques in order to help humanity survive the zombies' attack. This book does not teach the public to become zombie hunters, but rather how to simply survive against these "subhuman beasts."
Preparing the Home for a Zombie Attack
When an attack begins, the majority of the population will probably attempt to flee. This, however, is the wrong approach to surviving against a zombie attack. With thousands of people on the roads, those stuck in traffic will more than likely be added to the undead horde. It is the survivalists who have prepared their own residence for the occasion that will have any chance of survival.
Although it is highly unlikely that any home has been built with defending against the living dead in mind, some homes will be better suited for such an attack than others. If a home is not ready, there are certain modifications that can be made in order to fortify the structure. Stilted homes, such as ones found near the beach, and tornado-proof "safe houses" will need the least amount of modification.
Modifications for Houses Appropriate for a Zombie Attack
Security bars on windows and doors have been shown to defend against a group of zombies for an allotted amount of time. However, research proves that as few as three zombies can break through these barriers in less than twenty-four hours. Tempered glass fixed with concrete or steel frames would be a great investment if against owning a stilted or tornado-proof domiciles.
A good chain-link fence can hold dozens of zombies for weeks. However, Brooks says a "ten foot cinder-block wall, reinforced with steel rods and filled with concrete, is the safest barrier" during an outbreak. If a gate is obtained, it should be steel or wrought-iron and solid if possible.
Advantages of Living in an Apartment During an Attack
First-floor apartments are extremely accessible which makes them highly dangerous. Individuals who live in an above ground level are almost always more protected than in any type of home. Above ground levels can be effectively isolated from the undead by cutting power to escalators and destroying any stairways.
Another bonus to defending within an apartment rather than private residence is numbers. Tenants of an apartment building can help one another by providing supplies, skills, and support, whereas a homeowner might be alone to defend against the zombies. Brooks mentions that social conflict might become an issue but the reader should always choose an apartment over private home.
Supplies Needed During a Zombie Attack
The following supplies are recommended for maintenance and survival:
- Water, three quarts per day, for cooking and washing
- Hand pumped water filter
- Four replacement filters
- Cistern for collecting rainwater
- Iodine and/or purification tablets
- Canned food, three cans per day (preferable to dry goods in that they contain some water)
- Two portable electric stoves
- Advanced medical kit (must include field-surgery implements and antibiotics)
- Bicycle-powered electric generator
- Gasoline generator (to be used only in emergencies)
- Twenty gallons of gasoline
- Rechargeable, battery-powered shortwave radio
- Two battery-powered flashlights
- Two rechargeable, battery-powered electric lamps
- Two rechargeable, battery-powered and/or solar-powered radios
- Appropriate reinforcement materials, including lumber, bricks, mortar, etc.
- Extensive tool kit, including sledgehammer, ax, handsaw, etc.
- Lime and/or bleaching powder in sufficient supply to maintain latrine
- One high-powered telescope (80X-100X), with spare lenses and cleaning equipment
- Fifteen emergency flares
- Thirty-five chemical light sticks
- Five fire extinguishers
- Two sets of earplugs
- Spare parts for all aforementioned machinery and user's manuals
- Extensive library of manuals, including a general disaster's manual
Ready for Attack
Before the virus spreads and the undead walk among the living, survivalists should make appropriate home purchases and modifications in order to secure their safety. Making these changes and obtaining these supplies is necessary for anyone hoping to properly defend against zombies. Also read about the Solanum virus and weapons advice for further preparation.
References
Brooks, Max. The Zombie Survival Guide. THREE RIVERS PRESS New York, New York. 2003
Terah Talley - Terah Talley is a recent graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville GA. Her focus of study included theater performance, vocal arts, and ...
Join the Conversation