If the Shoe Fits...

Good morning class. I know in the past we've covered mechanical monstrosities on fridays, but due to several (many) persuasive letters we will be discontinuing Robo-Defense Fridays. Instead we will continue with our regular subject matter. To that end I give you today's topic.

Shoes.

These will help you survive.

Proper footwear is essential if you expect to survive the Zombie Apocalypse. Now, I know everyone has their favorite pair of old, comfy shoes, but they aren't going to cut it. The footwear you are equipped with will need to stand much more punishment, and offer a lot more protection, than what you are most likely currently wearing. You will be traversing not only post apocalyptic urban environments, but also rural, forested and possibly beach or water environments as well, depending on your location. Your footwear needs to be able to take a beating. Shards of glass and nails will be commonplace. Your footwear needs to provide protection. You don't want zombie blood soaking through your shoes.

Military issue combat boots work well for this. Old, broken in ones for preference. You don't want new shoes or boots in the event you need to run or walk miles. Blisters will quickly make any journey miserable, and nobody wants to be running around like a monkey with potatoes for feet. . So get your boots, steel-toed, leather, whatever your preference, and wear them. By the time you NEED to wear them you want your shoes to fit like a glove.

Great for climbing.
Terrible for fighting Zombies.

Another option that many people are fond of are Vibrum Five Fingers. While I am a fan of this type of shoe, I can't recommend it for survival where you need foot protection. Yes, they are very comfortable, but they give no protection whatsoever. No matter how much you love them, move on. Get some boots.

For the love of god, don't wear sandals. I myself am a fan of the sandals. I wear them most days, but I always have a pair of boots and my vibrums in the Jeep. In an emergency I have the footwear I need at my disposal. If you are stuck with sandals in the event of a zombie uprising, do yourself a favor. Lose them. Just throw them away. Maybe put them in your bag (You know. The bag of supplies and tools you keep packed in your car or closet in case of a zombie outbreak. You do have that...right?) if you have room. Your best bet if caught in sandals is to procure new footwear as soon as possible.

If you think this is good for running you are not worth saving.

Bucking the System

In our last lecture we discussed the lack of planning governments have done for the upcoming zombie attacks. Specifically, we talked about the government of Leicester, UK. In a move that makes me proud to be a human being, the residents of Leicester and surrounding areas organized a Flash Mob to demonstrate the need for proper ZPlague contingency plans. No violence ensued, thankfully. The flash mobbers, costumed as zombies, trudged half a mile through the city streets, from the clocktower to the city council building. There they pressed themselves up against the glass, moaning and groaning.

A member of the mob in Leicester.

I believe the city council may have missed the point, however, for they found the demonstration amusing. Amusement is much preferred to how the demonstration could have turned out. All it takes is one man prepared to survive to turn such a demonstration into a slaughter. So while I respect this group for the lengths they went to, please, practice safe demonstration. While I recommend everyone raise awareness for the coming storm in their communities and governments, I heartily urge you not to do it dressed like zombies. We don't want any of the possible survivors killed before the zombies even arrive.

If you are interested in reading the article about the flash mob, head on over to the metro.co.uk

The Queen's Zombies

As we've discussed before, the CDC plan for a zombie incursion is grossly inadequate. Governments cannot take a wait and see approach. We need proactive defenses. That is why you are here. You wish to learn. You want to survive. You are intelligent. I've recently learned about a group who is not.

Today, the BBC, who are finally waking up the the looming threat of zombies, reported on the plans of one county in England in the case of an outbreak of the Z Plague. It turns out they don't have one.

A worried member of the public has forced Leicester City Council to admit it is unprepared for a zombie invasion.

A Concerned Citizen

A concerned citizen wrote the City Council with a freedom of information request concerning their plans in the event of a zombie outbreak. This intelligent and forward thinking Brit is serving his country well. Now that citizens of Leicester City know there is no government plan they can set about organizing themselves and their community to pick up the slack where their government is failing them.

The full text of his request is as follows:

Dear Leicester City Council,
Can you please let us know what provisions you have in place in the event of a zombie invasion? Having watched several films it is clear that preparation for such an event is poor and one that councils throughout the kingdom must prepare for.
Please provide any information you may have.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen

I suggest you follow this patriot's lead and find out what your local government's plan for a zombie attack is. If you find yourself in an area with a government that doesn't care if it's citizens become mindless drones, organize yourself and your community. Set plans with your neighbors. Make sure you have supplies stored and weapons ready. Host an open community forum. Do anything you can to raise awareness!

We can survive this! Humans are smart and resourceful. Don't let your government's lack of planning cause the death of yourself or your loved ones. Protect yourself. Stay Prepared. Stay Strong! Survive!

To read the BBC coverage head to the BBC News site.

 

Rapture

What those of us NOT taken
have to deal with.

According to a lot of people who don't realize that this is predicted to happen about once a generation, the Rapture will be taking place tomorrow. Now while some people will look at the Rapture with religious significance, I have a different take on it. I see the Rapture as the time that certain people are taken to heaven while the rest of us have to deal with...you guessed it, the living dead. Will this happen tomorrow? No. I don't think so, but isn't it better to be prepared?

That said, if you are unsure of your moral and religious perfection it may be time to locate your crowbar. Personally, I will be spending tomorrow engaging in drunken revelry with a sword strapped to my side, a knife on my hip and a bludgeoning object within grabbing distance, just in case.

CDC Plans

CDC's Zombie Outbreak Plan

Hello future survivors. I know it's been quite some time since we've had our last lecture, but I have been extremely busy. I return to you today with what I consider to be extremely worrying news. As we all know, after the zombies appear we can't place much reliance on the government. Zombie survival inevitably ends up in an every man for himself atmosphere. Your odds can, of course, be improved by teaming up with people with complimentary skills, but you are still, basically, on your own.

The worrying news is that the Center for Disease Control actually has a plan for a zombie outbreak. Do NOT let this news lull you into a false sense of security. They will not save you. What the CDC WILL do is treat it like any other disease, forgetting the fact that the Z Plague will actively try to spread itself by killing people.

The actual plan from the CDC Website:

If zombies did start roaming the streets, CDC would conduct an investigation much like any other disease outbreak. CDC would provide technical assistance to cities, states, or international partners dealing with a zombie infestation. This assistance might include consultation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts, and infection control (including isolation and quarantine). It's likely that an investigation of this scenario would seek to accomplish several goals: determine the cause of the illness, the source of the infection/virus/toxin, learn how it is transmitted and how readily it is spread, how to break the cycle of transmission and thus prevent further cases, and how patients can best be treated.

How is this in any way acceptable?  Where is the mobilization of the military? Where is the plans to distribute effective weapons and ammunition to the populace? Why is there no mention of evacuation plans?

My point is this, do not count on the government to save you come the Zombie Apocalypse. Make sure you have your plan prepared. Know where you're going. Know who you're going with. Be prepared my friends. Be safe. Stay alive.

Read the CDC plan for yourself at the official CDC website.
Edit: The CDC website has been going up an down all day, most likely due to the heavy traffic it is receiving.