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Ready for Anything: Advice in Case of the Undead

OCTOBER 31, 2013 -- We'd like to wish you a happy Halloween ... but it's only appropriate we mention zombies first. In recent years, zombies have invaded popular culture, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), who have done a great job linking being prepared for a zombie attack with overall disaster preparedness. You may laugh, but you can also learn a thing or two about being ready for the return of the undead.


Don't Let the Zombies Win


If you watch any movies or T.V. shows about surviving zombie apocalypse, you can actually pick up some handy preparedness tips. Although pre-made zombie survival kits are amusing, most of them have in common the kind of life-saving ideas that will work in any emergency situation:


  • Water: Having three gallons per person per day is critical. Water is not only used for drinking—we use it for cooking and cleaning too. But consider including alcohol-based hand gels or wipes to ration water use and avoid getting sick.
  • Food: Keep on hand at least two weeks' worth of nonperishable food; the type that doesn't require cooking or refrigeration is best. And don't forget about food and water for pets and service animals!
  • First Aid Supplies: Commercial kits are available at most drug stores. It's a good idea to have a kit at home and one in your car. Be sure to replenish items you use and be mindful of expiration dates.
  • Gas: It's typically a good idea to keep at least a half tank of gas in your car at all times. If you know a hurricane or other threatening event is coming, be sure to fill up early.
Be Prepared for Hazards of All Kinds


Being ready for disasters is something we take very seriously at NOAA's Gulf of Mexico Disaster Response Center. Which is why we've taken this advice to heart and made sure our own facility in Mobile, Ala., is ready to withstand a hurricane, tornado, or even zombie apocalypse. Just peek into our restrooms, where we have:


  • Multiple 25-person survival kits, which include items such as safety goggles, pry bar (especially handy for zombie defense!), multifunction tools, first aid supplies, flashlights, and emergency water pouches.
  • Backup generators that will automatically switch on if the primary power fails (zombie attacks usually result in power loss).
  • Internet hookups, which are being fed into the building from two different directions in case zombies or stormy weather damage or sever one of the cables.

Of course, both your family and your employer should customize the steps you take and supplies you stock based on your particular needs and situation.


Sweat the Small Stuff


We all know it's important to make an emergency plan and keep an up-to-date list of important phone numbers. But sometimes we are so focused on gathering the big things that we forget about the small stuff.


If you're ready for a zombie apocalypse, then you're ready for any emergency. emergency.cdc.gov


For instance, it is suggested that you stock canned food, but don't forget to grab the "all-mighty" can opener. It's also recommended to wear sturdy, close-toed shoes if you need to go outside. But it isn't mentioned very often to keep a pair of spare socks in a tightly sealed bag. This will allow you to have at least one dry pair as a backup. Another tip is to keep a flashlight, radio, and other battery-powered items on hand—but make sure they all use the same size battery to avoid stocking multiple sizes. Today, zombies provide a fun and creative way to teach about the importance of being prepared for anything. For a spooky story that kids and adults alike might enjoy, check out the CDC's "Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic" short graphic novel, which is an entertaining and informative way to learn about preparing for an emergency, whether it’s a natural disaster or a very unnatural attack by zombies. Happy Halloween (and watch out for the undead)!

Zombie nurse.
If you're not prepared for the worst, then you're letting the zombies win. (Credit: Tuomas Kuosmanen, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic License)
Zombie hands going after brain.
Use your brain and be prepared for anything. (Credit: Beth Jusino, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic License)
Last updated Monday, March 13, 2023 10:21am PDT