With Halloween around the corner, I would like to share a fear of mine. The most closely related not-so-scientific term would be unnecrophobia, the fear of the undead. Yes, zombies are what my nightmares are made of, thanks to movies such as “Dawn of the Dead” and “Resident Evil.”
No matter what you call these creatures-zombies, the living dead or ghouls-I have convinced myself there is a real threat of the undead taking over the world, or at least Nicholls.
So, here I am with Max Brook’s look, ‘The Zombie Survival Guide’, to help you, the potential victim, survive.
First, in order to understand a zombie you must know the definition of “zombie”. Brooks describes a zombie as an animated corpse that feeds on living human flesh. Even more so, they are a plague on the human race that threatens our future.
With that said, I hope you will follow me through this crash-course survival lesson, because I will not be a victim, and neither should you.
According to Brooks’ book, a virus called solanum infects a human. The virus has no known origin or starting point. All that is known is that the virus travels through the bloodstream, and there is only a 24-hour time period between infection and reanimation.
Once a human is infected, there’s no turning back. Little to nothing can be done to save someone after being bitten by a zombie.
Outbreaks can occur during any season, in any area and to anyone.
Let’s say there is an attack on campus. According to Brooks this would most likely be a Class 2 Attack, which involves between 20 and 100 zombies and results in a few hundred casualties. I wonder how that would affect the retention rate?
Also as students we must understand in this type of crisis it’s every man and woman for themselves.
Sure all that group work you did in your biology class helped when dissecting a cat, but this is a little different.
Since weapons are not readily available on campus, we will have to look at other resources for options.
You can already rule out University Police; they will most likely be first to respond and first to perish.
Try instead turning to Goaux Hall where they have knives for chopping, torches for Crme Brule and mini saws for ice sculpting are available. These common kitchen tools can be your best weapons against the undead.
The best building, which would offer security, stability and important resources, would be the newly renovated cafeteria and union buildings.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking, “You must be crazy; the cafeteria is completely glass.” I have considered this, but we have to understand this is where the food is located.
I think we could utilize the cafeteria as a food source, not to mention it’s where those culinary majors come in to play.
They can double as lookouts and chefs. Who would argue that?
Next, the ballroom could be used as our main fortress, since there are no windows and it could be blocked off from the other buildings.
The bookstore could be utilized as both a place of entertainment (in the case of a long attack), and could supply us with clothing and something to burn if we need light or heat.
When faced with an attack, always remember to stay alert and aware.
Skipped class that day? Not at school? No problem. Many of these tips can be modified for home use.
For those of you who live in apartments, rally tenants together and move to a higher floor and always remember: destroy staircases. This rapidly decreases your chance of a zombie moving up into a multi-story building.
Still live at home? If your home is not already prepared for an attack then not all hope is lost. You may still have a chance to save yourself and your family.
If you do not have a two-story home, find a neighbor that does – that is if they haven’t already joined the undead army.
Lock all doors and windows – shattering glass will act as an alarm system. Turn on all running water in upstairs bathrooms in case water gets cut off. Thirst will be your greatest enemy, next to the zombies.
Stockpile the second story with food, weapons, clothing, etc. and don’t forget the staircase!
Here are a few more quick tips according to Brooks to help you in case of an attack:
Organize before they rise!
They feel no fear, why should you?
Use your head: cut off theirs.
Blades don’t need reloading.
Ideal protection = tight clothes, short hair.
Get up the staircase, and then destroy it.
Get out of the car, get onto the bike.
Keep moving, keep low, keep quiet and keep alert!
No place is safe, only safer.
The zombie may be gone, but the threat lives on.
With all this said, knowledge is only part of the fight for survival. The rest is up to your will to live. So what will you do? Be a victim or survive? The choice is yours.
