In Case of a Zombie Apocalypse

Cedarville is prepared for the threat of an infectious disease on campus, but would happen if campus was affected by… a zombie apocalypse?!

Zombies are featured in several popular movies, shows and books, including “The Walking Dead,” “World War Z” and the “Maze Runner” series. Often, the ravenous undead are created by a global virus that decimates the world’s population.
While (very, very highly) unlikely, the question remains: What should Cedarville students do if a zombie apocalypse strikes?

Preparation

The Center for Disease Control’s “Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse” blog recommends stocking up for zombies much the way you would when faced with a natural disaster like a hurricane or a pandemic. They suggest stocking:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
• Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
• Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
• Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.)
• Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
• Important documents (copies of your driver’s license, passport and birth certificate, to name a few)
• First Aid supplies (although you’re a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane)

Survival Strategies

Prepared or not, you will eventually have to decide on a plan of action. Or have the decision made for you and probably get eaten. Sorry. Here are some strategies you can choose from:

Option 1: Run

Staying in a populated area during a zombie apocalypse is definitely a bad idea. The Zombie Research Society recommends staying away from all crowded stores or areas. Stores might be great for getting supplies, but odds are that everyone else thinks so too. They also suggest buying a survival guide to increase your chances of survival in the woods. Keep running, they say, unless you can find a place isolated enough to serve as a safe living area. Only take what you can carry, so you’re not weighed down when you have to run.

Option 2: Stay in a Dorm

The article, “Preparing for Z Day: What to Do When You’re at College and Zombies Attack,” says this is the worst possible solution. Even after the initial wave of people turning into zombies, dorms will be buffets, full of scared people to munch on. So, grab what you need and get out.

Option 3: Stay in Another Building On Campus

If not a dorm, then where? “Preparing for Z Day: What to Do When You’re at College and Zombies Attack” recommends science buildings, or in our case, the ENS or HSC. You can use some of the equipment, such as bunsen burners for sterilizing weapons or cooking, and there are various chemicals that could be useful. Whichever building you choose, just remember: if you think it’s an obvious choice for survival, other people probably think so, too.

Survive

If you’re going to work with others, remember that less is more. Having too many people draws attention and quickly depletes supplies. Staying with friends can work, as long as you’re not bringing your entire hall, but just make sure that everyone is prepared and willing to pull their weight. There’s no room for slackers when dealing with zombies.

Gather weapons, food and water and take care of your own. Cedarville’s rural location will help, but if worse comes to worst, maybe you should follow the advice given in the “Preparing for Z Day: What to Do When You’re at College and Zombies Attack” article: “If a group of zombies advances on you and you see no way out, remember that this is survival of the fittest. Eat or be eaten. So don’t beat yourself up about it, and trip the slow bugger next to you.”

Emily Finlay is a senior journalism major and campus news editor for Cedars. She loves writing, reading, making obscure references in normal conversation and every type of geekery.