Zombie Apocalypse

What to Do and What Not to Do in a Zombie Apocalypse

Written by: Jackie Teer, Year 13

Before deciding what steps are necessary to surviving the most anticipated type of apocalypse, the zombie apocalypse, we need to establish whether this event is even possible. Is there any scientific theory to back up the multi million-dollar Hollywood zombie obsession?

Solanum

If you are a well-versed zombie enthusiast, the word Solanum would be very familiar. Solanum is dealt with in Max Brook’s book “The Zombie Survival Guide” quite extensively and is worth reading up on. Solanum is a virus claimed to attack and mutate the cells of the brain – specifically the frontal lobe – causing death, and after 20-24 hours, reanimation. The frontal lobe is interesting because it serves to control your motor, emotional, decision-making, and memory skills. Damage to the frontal lobe is heavily linked to impulsiveness and disinhibition, which sounds to me like the basic workings of what might lead to be your traditional zombie. However, the virus Solanum is unfortunately completely fabricated. What we learn from this, is that any information about what to do in a zombie apocalypse depends heavily on the nature of the virus, or infection.

In any case, find out how the virus is transmitted, how long reanimation takes to occur, and any more useful information on the outbreak; this information will be extremely valuable and will dictate the speed and rigidness of your choices to come. The best way to be able to do this is to be vigilant and pay close attention to the news. It is unlikely that the virus will start specifically in the Philippines, and since we are a generally small and isolated country it gives us more time to react and register what we see in the news. However, if the virus finally reaches the Philippines and transmission is by direct fluid contact, which is the zombie bite theory, then it won’t take long for our country to go under considering our incredibly dense population. It would only take a few days before the entire country, save a few lucky people, is completely infected. Leading onto the first question:

Where should you go?

For the initial stages of the outbreak, depending on how quickly it has reached the Philippines, it is most likely safest to stay at home and barricade any entrances and exits, this is the usual situation depicted in horror films. If the streets are unsafe and any government action has already failed, you generally have no other choice but to stay at home and hunker down until a need to leave arises – in which case this should be done quite quickly. Also, be wary for early calls for organized departures.

However, it is also likely that you are to learn about the virus at an earlier stage, and if the virus is contracted through human interaction, then the best place to go is out of the city. Metro Manila is not only heavily congested, but also has many places that would render you extremely vulnerable to the zombie hordes. Don’t be an easy target. The decision to relocate, however, also comes with many considerations.

1.)    Many people will have the same instinct, and will most likely beat you to it.

The most common sight to see in a zombie apocalypse film is the traffic jam on the highway directly out of the city. Most famously illustrated by AMC’s: The Walking Dead: season 1.

This is usually people’s first instinct, and unless you make this decision earlier than anyone else, it might be worth waiting out the relocation.

2.)  You must be familiar with your next location

Familiarity with a location is essential because being in unfamiliar terrain is just asking to get bitten. You allow yourself to be susceptible to getting lost and possibly getting pinned down in certain zombie hotspots; or worse you might get stuck in a place where there is no access to water, and you die of dehydration – the lame but inevitable consequence if you make wrong decisions. This easily links to the next question.

Where should you not go?

Nothing makes me more frustrated than seeing “survivors” in zombie films that follow their first instinct of finding refuge in a grocery/ shopping mall, or worse yet, a hospital.

Hospitals:
Hospitals are where sick people go; in a zombie apocalypse, sick people are the last thing you want to come across because most likely they are infected with the very virus that you are protecting yourself from. Unfortunately, doctors and police forces are the lines of defense that will first fall, making medical prowess a very highly desirable quality. However, though hospitals may have medicine, antibiotics or antiseptics, the risk is not at all worth any of these resources; despite their likely depletion due to an influx of necessity.

Malls:
If you think going to SnR, Greenbelt or SM is a good idea, think again. Sure, there are many necessary items that are greatly accessible in grocery stores such as food, water, tools, and etc. but this is also where everyone will try to go first. Malls would quickly get overrun by naïve individuals leading hordes of zombies into said malls, only to get pinned down and turned themselves – leaving them and their newfound friends wandering aimlessly in the mall’s interiors. Unless there is a legitimate safe house located in the mall, mark it with a big red X in terms of possible places to go.

In response to relocating, another question arises:

What do you bring?

I am suspicious of people, especially in this age group, being unable to prioritize certain items and leave other items behind. What I mean to say is, bringing your Xbox, or your entire closet is quite possibly a death sentence. Bring only the necessities and hide your heavy “valuables” in obscure places in your house if there is any chance that civilization finds a way to restart and recover.
Things considered as necessities:

1.     Water
2.     Food
3.     First aid materials
4.     Weaponry
5.     Flashlight
6.     Tools: screwdrivers, pliers, knives, etc.
7.     Can- openers (These are absolutely necessary and often forgotten)
8.     Appropriate clothing
9.     Phone (You may still need it depending on the situation)
10.   Rope
11.    Fire starter

Basically anything that would aid your survival, but will not hinder your mobility. This does not mean you cannot bring things of sentimental value – however these should not be prioritized over necessities

What not to bring?
Other than what was previously mentioned, like an xbox and an entire closet’s worth of clothing, here’s a list of things that would not be advisable to bring:

1.)  Anything that would make too much noise
e.g. bags on wheels tend to make a lot of noise on asphalt.
This will attract zombies to you.

2.)  Anything too heavy and unnecessary
e.g.  SAT revision books, no need for these anymore!
Heavy items will make it difficult to traverse difficult terrain, and will wear you out faster; giving you less energy for moments where you may need to run.

3.)  Anything that is too large and takes up too much space
e.g. Bed sheets/ pillows. They are comfortable, but unnecessary.
They take away space that could be used for more critical items.

Don’t bring anything you will not use, because anything you bring will in some ways hinder mobility, or use up space that could otherwise be more effectively used.

However, the most important thing to bring in every case is always your common sense. Without this, you are merely zombie chow. We’ve merely scratched the surface of what to do and what not to do in a zombie apocalypse; the next installments will deal extensively with the details of what you bring, and your ideal weapon of choice. Till then, remain vigilant!

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