ZOMBIES!!! Your Complete Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse Read online

  ZOMBIES!!! Your Complete Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse

  ZOMBIE SLAYER

  Throughout time people have had many different ideas on how the world would end. One scenario in particular has become more popular in this day and time. Z-Day, or the zombie apocalypse, is the belief that the world will end due to the rise of zombies, and the mass infection of all living beings. Many believe that zombie apocalypse began by some sort of massive outbreak of plague or disease. This infection would be transmitted from the walking dead healthy human beings. Zombies are only motivated by the need to consume living beings, most importantly their brains, and to transmit the virus or infection by either scratching or biting their victims. Such an uprising of infected undead baffles authorities, rendering leaders most completely useless. The threat of such an attack is incomprehensible, and by the time an appropriate plan of action is created, containment is impossible. Society breaks out into widespread panic, plus beginning the collapse of society as we know it.

  ZOMBIES!!! (Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse)

  Zombie Slayer

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  Contents

  What is a Zombie Apocalypse?

  Zombie Biology

  Zombie Survival

  Preparation

  Shelters

  The Other Bad Guys

  Strategies and Tactics

  Beating the Zombies…DEFEAT!

  What is a Zombie Apocalypse?

  Throughout time people have had many different ideas on how the world would end. One scenario in particular has become more popular in this day and time. Z-Day, or the zombie apocalypse, is the belief that the world will end due to the rise of zombies, and the mass infection of all living beings. Many believe that zombie apocalypse began by some sort of massive outbreak of plague or disease. This infection would be transmitted from the walking dead healthy human beings. Zombies are only motivated by the need to consume living beings, most importantly their brains, and to transmit the virus or infection by either scratching or biting their victims. Such an uprising of infected undead baffles authorities, rendering leaders most completely useless. The threat of such an attack is incomprehensible, and by the time an appropriate plan of action is created, containment is impossible. Society breaks out into widespread panic, plus beginning the collapse of society as we know it.

  Often times the disease or virus that causes dead bodies to reanimate, can not be exclusively determined, therefore it cannot be controlled. This makes it impossible to stop zombies from rising from the dead once this phenomenon begins. People who are infected with the venom from zombies most often turn into zombies themselves. Then the cycle repeats itself, and the virus then spreads exponentially making any hope of controlling the outbreak obsolete.

  Survivors are forced to hide out in bunkers or shelters and are reduced to scavenging for supplies and food. Not only must they face the opposing undead enemy, but there are other living humans who will attack them in effort to gain their weapons and rations.

  A huge number of video games and movies have glorified the idea of a zombie uprising, and has made the “zombie apocalypse” part of mainstream culture. Lots of material has been presented for how to be prepared for a hypothetical zombie takeover, but there are actually a few different scientifically explained reasons that an apocalypse of this nature could really happen!

  #1. Brain Parasites

  There are certain parasites capable of possessing the brains of animals. For example, the toxoplasmosa gondi, infects the brains of rats. This bug can only reproduce in one place…inside the stomach of a cat! In order to maintain life, this bug has to get its host into the tummy of its enemy, so it infects the rat’s brain, and forces it to move toward its predator. The poor little rat is actually being re-programmed to get itself eaten by the kitty. Now you may be asking yourself how in the world this could result in humans becoming zombies. First of all, rats and humans aren’t really all that different, and that is precisely why we use them to test our trial medications. Also, over half of the humans on Earth are infected with a type of toxoplasmosa! All t would take is for one strain of this toxoplasmosa to evolve, and suddenly the whole human race is completely devoid of instinct and rational thought. Still in denial? Wonder what those biological weapons programs are working on right now….

  #2. Neurotoxins

  Neurotoxins are basically poisons that slow down all of the body’s natural functions so dramatically, that even a doctor can’t tell you aren’t dead. Japanese blowfish, called fugu, can cause this type of reaction if not properly prepared. People who have induced this poison can be given a drug called datura stramonium (or other alkaloid) that will leave them in a state of trance. These people have no memories, but can still perform easy tasks such as sleeping, eating, and walking.

  This actually began in Haiti, where ironically enough the oldest zombie tales originate. Clairvius Narcisse was buried alive in Haiti in 1962. Supposedly he was found stumbling around the village a whole 18 years later!! Turns out, voodoo priests had been giving people neurotoxins for years to “zombify” them and make them work in the sugar fields.

  If some mad scientist were to devise a scheme to distribute these toxins to the masses, he could indeed create a mindless, shambling horde of zombie-like beings, but in no way would could he teach them to be aggressive cannibals…..Yet.

  #3. Neurogenesis

  Ever heard of stem cell research? Do you know what it is? Stem cells basically are used to re-generate dead cells. Neurogenesis is the process of re-growing dead brain cells. Wondering how this could have anything to do with zombies?? Medicine can do just about anything except bring you back from the dead, right? Well, scientists can already re-grow brain tissue from comatose patients until they are able to wake up and walk again on their own. Now, pair that with the fact that they are already able to keep any body in a state of suspended animation so that it can, in essence, be brought back later.

  There is a lab dedicated solely to “reanimation research”, and they claim that there are huge problems with “reanimating” people. The brain actually dies from the outside inward. Guess what the outside part of your brain is…the cortex. Guess what the cortex controls…YOU! The cortex controls your personality, memories, and feelings. Once that part of the brain dies, all you are left with is the part of the brain that controls primitive instincts and basic motor function.

  Without the cortex, a body could still survive. If you re-grow the brain stem in a brain dead human, you could still have a mindless body stumbling around with no personality, no thoughts, and no memories. See the resemblance?

  #4. Rage Viruses

  In the movie 28 Days Later, this was a virus that changed normal humans into raging murderers. In actuality, there are a number of different brain disorders that can cause the same type behavior. These disorders are obviously not contagious, but there are other types of diseases that have come along that can affect the brain the same way….and these ARE contagious. Take the Mad Cow Disease for example. This illness deteriorates the cow’s brain and spinal cord, and turns it into a mindless, bumbling attack cow. When this disease is transmitted to humans, it is called Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. How about these symptoms: Hallucinations, diminished coordination (falling and staggering), muscle twitching, rapid onset of dementia, and sporadic seizures.

  Now you may be wondering how this could cause a possible zombie apocalypse, huh? Did you know that there is only one chemical in the brain that that keeps us from turning into mindless murderers? Serotonin. (And y
es, this has been scientifically tested….yes, with rats!) Let’s say along comes an evolved Mad Cow or Chicken, or whatever animal virus that inhibits brain absorption of this chemical….and lets say this disease can be spread through blood or saliva….Now you have a zombie-like virus, that can be transmitted…..you guessed it….with a BITE!!

  The information in this book will not only help you develop the skills to survive a zombie apocalypse, but any other type of catastrophic event that could lead to the same type of collapse of society and government. If you prepare yourself to survive a complete and total economical and societal breakdown stemming from a zombie takeover, then you will also be prepared for almost any other disaster one could imagine. Our civilization is incredibly vulnerable. The H1N1 outbreak in 2009 should remind us all of that fact.

  The time to prepare for a zombie uprising is now. You need to stockpile supplies, you need to acquire weapons, and you need to train your mind and body. This takes time, and the time is NOW.

  Zombie Biology

  The insatiable need to feed on human flesh comes from the brain stem in a zombie’s brain. The brain stem is located where the cerebrum meets the spinal column and is responsible for alertness, hunger, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.

  The symptoms that one has been infected by the zombie virus can come on rather quickly, usually within one to two hours. The first stage of symptoms includes many flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, and chills. The next set of symptoms is a bit more drastic. The pulse slows dramatically and breathing becomes very shallow. The victim will then enter a coma-like state that lasts around four to six hours. Most of the time, infants and the elderly do not survive the zombie coma; however there have been reports of zombies as old as 90 and as young as five.

  Finally there is the transformation. Most zombies remain in a semi-catatonic state once they awake from the coma. They remain unresponsive to attempts to stimulate the senses, and they shuffle and stumble about aimlessly looking for their prey. Zombies begin to hunt immediately after “waking.”

  From the records that have been kept, it seems that zombie uprisings often come about in the wake of a recently past natural disaster. In fact, almost every recorded incident in the US follows a major flood, blizzard, or hurricane. There are also multiple (unofficially) documented cases of uprisings after the hurricanes in Louisiana. Eye-witness accounts place more than 200 – 300 “walkers” attacking rescuers in the midst of the rescue and clean up efforts. Most of these stories were covered up by FEMA and the FBI.

  Zombie Survival

  The most important thing in any attack is to know and understand your enemy. The second most important thing is to have a plan of action. Zombies are often very slow and incapable of generating rational thoughts, and because of this, they rely heavily on grouping together in mass numbers. The best plan of action, no matter what, is to act immediately. Do not hesitate. Avoid people who look disoriented or drunk, and immediately destroy any zombies you do encounter….including loved ones. Although it might be difficult, this will be better for you and more humane for them in the long run. This could be one of the hardest decisions you will ever have to make, but most likely it is what your loved one would prefer if given the option to choose.

  Begin your preparations now. While you won’t be able to board up windows and hoard massive weapons without drawing attention to yourself, there are other, smarter ways to prepare for hypothetical zombiedom. The first thing you should do is buddy up with all of the local “nuts” in town. Yes, this sounds ridiculous but its not! We all know that crazy lunatic that has bought 1,000 gallons of bottled water or a whole case of canned beans. That guy probably has a stash large enough to feed a small army for months, and likely knows a ton of good hiding spots. The next thing to do is to locate all of the big box stores that carry essential goods needed for long-term survival. A Wal-Mart located in close proximity to a Lowes store is an excellent location! Food, clothing and ammo are found at Wal-Mart, while the hand tools and lumber found at Lowes would make excellent supplies for fortification.

  When preparing for a zombie apocalypse you should always keep in mind places where people typically congregate. Major highways, shopping centers, and schools are especially congested areas. While you should not tell people that you are preparing for a zombie apocalypse, you might somehow mention what a great defendable hiding place you have. This will plant a seed in the backs of their minds, and in the event of a zombie takeover, they will remember this and come to help you.

  Once the initial shock of the zombie uprising has subsided, the most crucial thing to remember is how to destroy your enemy. There is only one way to kill a zombie, and that is to destroy its brain. Decapitation will significantly disable your foe, but its head will still be able to function and it will likely try to bite and infect you. A direct gunshot to the head will obliterate a zombie, but you will need to find some means of zombie brain destruction that does not involve gunshots. Gunshots are known to attract more zombies. Bows and blades are other excellent types of weapons for use against the walking dead.

  Now let's talk about some common no-brainer, common sense things to do. You can run and you can hide. Let's face it, you're going to have to hide somewhere sometime, but make sure you pick a good place. As we talked about before, big box retailers or department stores are good hiding places. Never choose a mall as your main base. There are just way too many entrances and exits to try and barricade, and all the wrong types of necessary supplies. Also, if you know the neighboring city is zombie free…GO THERE!! Don't just hang around trying to defend your home; you must defend your brains!!!

  Now let's say the entire country is overrun with zombies. Again, the most important thing is to find or already have a stockpile. Wal-Mart's, grocery stores, hardware stores, and gun and ammo shops are excellent places to hole up. The next thing you are going to need to do is to procure some reliable transportation. Once you have determined your means of transport, you will need to fortify your vehicle. Use scrap metal to create a type of armor for your vehicle. Equip it with weapons, and always use the buddy system.

  Don't be stupid. Although it may seem hard at first to terminate your friends and neighbors, if your buddy has been infected by a zombie... shoot him. Shoot him directly in the head and be done. It is better for you and more humane for him in the long run. One important thing to keep in mind with the buddy system is to keep your numbers small enough to endure, but large enough to protect each other. The average Wal-Mart will have enough supplies to provide for a group of 100 people for a few months. Depending on your bunker and/or supply level, maintain a group that is large enough to defend your base, yet small enough still feed every one. Keep in mind that frozen goods, produce, and dairy will spoil once the power is out. Canned goods are the only staples that will last. As a last resort, you can use the potting soil found in the garden center plant other types of food. But this takes a lot of time or very little rations. Point blank, you run out of food, you will have to move. NEVER... EVER eat infected zombies! Doing so will likely cause you to contract the virus.

  If you are forced to leave, the best thing to do is to get out of town. Head for the hills or the mountains. Avoid water at all costs. Zombies cannot swim, but they can walk along the bottom of a body of water and emerge on the other side. Never mistake a lake or river as a means of fortification. When traveling between locations, try to only use human powered vehicles it possible. Zombies tend to flock to loud noises, so it's best to be silent anytime you can.

  Now let's talk about fortification. The first day spent in your base should be spent checking for and clearing out zombies, and that hurts halls that hurts me know no sealing off all of the entrances. Use whatever supplies you have available, but boards, bricks, and concrete mix work well for blocking windows and doors. Start with the glass doors and windows as those are the easiest to break in and enter. Once you have completed sealing all of the glass entryways, then move on to all the others. Be thor
ough and generous with your fortification. A few boards nailed up are OK for a start but go behind that later and make it more permanent. Check your work every day, and never assume that they are holding. If you have enough supplies available, you may wish to build a second type of fortification behind the first.

  Now let's talk about your body. You've protected your base, but what are you doing to protect yourself? T-shirts and blue jeans are not bite proof. Find something metallic and attach it to your clothing. Leather is also a good alternative clothing, as it will still allow movement and protect against bites. Just keep in mind that this is not as strong as metal. Zombies cannot bite through this stuff. Protect your legs, neck, and forearms. Make sure whatever you choose is strong enough to protect you, but flexible enough still allowing you to move and run. If you're able to locate anything, head protection is also a good idea. If you can't find helmets of any type, a good sized pail will do the trick.

  So now you have a sustainable buddy system, and you have fortified your retail store with lots of staples, so how are things looking for long-term? Probably not so good, huh? Eventually you run out of food and water, and fuel and ammo right? Not if you plan ahead. If you have acquired a big box retailer as was suggested, you're not in as bad of shape as you might think. Places like this have good overhead skylights that will effectively light the building during the daylight hours, and you can rely on batteries and flashlights for the night time once you have lost electricity. Another thing you can do, before the apocalypse, is to locate gas stations near your chosen base. Familiarize yourself with the timings of the tanker truck deposits. If you're brave enough, you can sneak out to get fuel from the gas station, and possibly even bring back an entire truck to your fort. This will allow you to run a generator for quite some time. As for food and water, after you have sealed all of your exits, the next step is to find every empty container in the building and fill it with tap water. You are going to need all the drinking water you can get your hands on. Step three is to begin your garden. Gather lots of planters and potting soil and take them up onto the roof. Plant seeds and all of the planters and see if you can devise some sort of water filtering system from the toilets. Now you are set! You are fortifying your base against the throes of zombies, you have a small army to protect it, you have lots of non-perishable goods, plenty of water, and fresh vegetables. You could possibly maintain here for several years. What happens next depends on a lot of different variables.