[ToeJam]

Nerd topic incoming

Saw a recent thread elsewhere on these boards that made me smile slightly as a bit of a zombie/end of the world genre fan.

In the event of a zombie apocalypse, I, being a nerd, have often speculated on what I would need to do to survive (if I was fortunate enough to avoid being amongst the fodder of the masses) and protect the lives of my loved ones. Even amongst my friends amusingly (and baring in mind we're in our 30's and have known each other since primary school) have gone to lengths of establishing meet up points so that we could create a group early on - safety in numbers... strategic defensive points, dealing with other survivors etc.

Transpired our next door neighbour is also a bit of a zombie survival preparest and my wife told him of my very loose plans and insistents of stocking preserved food amongst our more short term products... I tutted as he suddenly became a rival for resources... got to be practical about these things right? (damn... now my nerdiness is really showing through)

Well on the thread I mentioned early on, it dawned on me one major consideration I hadn't thought of before... psychiatric help (pretty sure p-docs and T's would end up as zombie fodder as much as anyone else) as well as the inevitable unusability of meds as best before dates expired.

As such, figured I'd open up a nice general thread for other peoples plans, survival techniques and how they would deal with mh issues... of course, please try to keep this light... but on the matter of survival, be interesting to know what you would do.

Other factors of course are just the general stuff of staying put at the beginning or trying to get away from urban areas as quickly as possible.
Have always thoughts that in the early days of an out break.... all the cars heading out and creating one massive traffic jam left right and center would make for a nice little zombie buffet.

Loved the movie 'Zombieland' with the top tips for survival, so can always base your plans on this.
Warning, graphic and a bit of swearing... if scary films aren't your thing or gore, don't watch please.

As we have a world wide community base and most countries do not have a ready access to guns such as in the states... might be helpful to consider alternatives too.

[unaluna]

I saw a rerun of the sitcom Community yesterday where everybody turned into zombies - 1. They lowered the air conditioning - that calmed the zombies down and 2. It turned out the food at the halloween party had been roofied so they werent really zombies. Im going with that plan!

[MuseumGhost]

Yeah, hahah, the mood I've been in lately...the zombies need to be afraid of me!!!

[MrMessy]

I admit to fantasizing over the Zombie apocalypse.

[Arduous]

I'm a zombie nut Favorite movie is Dawn of the Dead, newer version.
I already live in the country, so I'm covered on that so far. I actually have bug out bags in the closets of every room in my house lol. "You never know what will happen these days "
I have plenty of weapons, food & water stored up just in case the SHTF. I think the best thing any of us could do though is to move somewhere pretty cold. Zombies can't dress warm & would freeze "hopefully" before they would get to you.... although, we could freeze also

[Mike_J]

My plan is to hide out in rural areas for the first onslaut and wait it out, then stelthfully sneek into the center of a large city, with all the people dead and now hunery zombies they would have to leave the cities to hunt for more food. This would leave me to scavenge though the now vacant appartments to find canned foods and medical supplies. And I would try Bill Murry's trick from "Zombieland" and dress/act like a zombie to fool them into leaving me alone if I happen to run into any remaining zombies.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

lol I love this post and you are clearly a nerd, but an AWESOME nerd! I'm into zombies too, and secretly love the idea of such a survival scenario, yet I've no clue how I'd be in reality. Weird how we work.

I think the first thing I'd do, is arm myself, make sure my folks were armed, then I'd either suggest we head off somewhere that might be safe (law enforcement, perhaps the army if they were there, which, let's face it, they probably would be! xD) It's either that, or I'd suggest holding up in the house, barring stuff closed (let's assume the old Resident Evil games sort of zombies ) in order for us to truly prepare, mentally, emotionally, and physically; we'd need to be co-ordinated, I think. We'd have to take some food and drink, so essentially water and whatever canned things we can find. I imagine one place we'd have to go soon, is a shop, the nearest to us is 10 minutes away. The problem with that, is that everyone else will have thought of the same thing, and it's a small shop. There are lots of shops. I guess it depends on the state of zombie-infestation. Are we talking 28 Days Later, where the guy wakes up and the world is already screwed? Or are we talking about Shaun of the Dead, when it kinda just suddenly starts? (at least to Saun ) Dear Lord, I never realised how much thought I'd put into this. 'o.O I'm a huge fan of the movies, I love(d) the games, ... ah man... I'm such a zombie fanboy, and I'm 28. ¬_¬ Never thought I'd admit that.

Luckily, our house is full of so much things that can be used as weapons. I've got lots of workout gear, including two poles, very thick ones that would do some nasty damage to a zombie head! My step-mother has a gym full of stuff that could be thwacked on zombies heads. My dad has a ton of pretty awesome walking sticks that I know he'll do some zombie-slapping with. We're all a few cards short of a deck, which is an absolute bonus, as well. I think we'd do quite well, as we're "barking mad", ... I mean, we're Scottish, for crying out loud. I'd like to see a movie about the Scotts fighting zombies... that's be brutal, and probably hilarious.

Just a thought, but I'm thinking high ground would be really good, because it's not like they can climb, so I'd see if there would be a way to get to very high ground; it would also serve as a place to keep an eye on the surroundings, and would likely be good for posting 4 watchers for each corner. (8 with 2 shifts a night, if possible) I also forgot about medical supplies, which would be essential. Some sort of radio, and plenty of batteries. I wish I could remember how to make a radio... I vaguely remember, but... not enough to do it. If the Internet still worked, I'd stick that on a data stick and see if I could find a printer somewhere, so I could print it out... or, obviously, draw the diagram. ¬_¬ 'cause, this is 2014 and apparently we still use pen and paper! :P

What about companions? Specific people you seek out? I would go for an expert on animals, big animals, if at all possible. Perhaps a zoo owner. Someone who knows when to keep a distance, and when to move in. A police officer, as well, someone firm but understanding. At least one person who knows plenty about cars and electronics, for vehicles and making things like the aforementioned DIY radio. Someone who knows morse code would be handy, but now I'm just being picky. Obviously at least two people, preferably two doctors, but one doctor, and someone trained in at least regular first aid. Someone big and strong would be handy, just in-case.. I'm strong, but.. man, you can never have enough. What if a car is blocking the way? Who knows when you might need an insanely big dude! xD Someone fast would be good... for making those daring speed runs somewhere, or for luring, if they'd be crazy enough. If even remotely possible, a mental health professional, someone who could help keep the team/colony as sane as possible; keep them focused and in control.

I can't help but to think that getting hold of a boat might be fortuitous, because if we could manage to get to a small island somewhere, that might increase chances of survival, or trap us... not sure about that; guess it depends on whether the zombies breath underwater, but I'd wager that, provided there's some realism to this, the zombies would still need oxygen in order for the body to work at all. I guess this is where the science of it all breaks the realism down, but let's just say that I'd wager an island on whcih we could build some kind of colony/HQ would be pretty handy. Tall walls, 4 watch towers of sorts, some sort of trap and alarm, and, if possible, farmable land.

I put WAY too much thought into this, but that's anxiety, fatigue, and procrastination for you. My name is [brains] and I have a problem... I like zombies.



PS
It would be really scary, in reality. 'o.O Why are we so intrigued by this? Anyone care to give a psychoanalysis on this anomaly? I'd wager that we don't really tend to get the chance to be survivalists, but it's kinda how we're wired, via nature, so we create scenarios and fantasize about them, watch movies, read books, and possibly more, in order to feed that survivalist part of us; sound plausible? Probably exasperated by my OCD. xD

[ToeJam]

Great to have a fellow Brit post and I loved the picture haha.

Sean of the Dead is a fantastic film and I loved the part where they are going through his venal (is that the right spelling?) music collection to fling at them

One of my mates who's come to visit me while in hospital and knowing I'd have lots of time on my hands encouraged me to read the following book: "The Zombie Survival Guide: complete protection from the living dead" by Max Brooks... which is turning out to be a really deadly serious book on survival by someone who is for better of a word 'weird'... but it's proved quite entertaining and I've been getting tips hehe.

Currently on the chapter discussing weapons and the impracticality of guns and chainsaws due to infinite ammo/fuel and the 'noise attracts more zombies' scenario so your idea of blunt instruments is certainly in the right direction.

As for the army... '28 days/weeks later', 'dawn of the dead' and 'the crazies' would put me off going near any military encampments.

as for

It would be really scary, in reality. 'o.O Why are we so intrigued by this? Anyone care to give a psychoanalysis on this anomaly? I'd wager that we don't really tend to get the chance to be survivalists, but it's kinda how we're wired, via nature, so we create scenarios and fantasize about them, watch movies, read books, and possibly more, in order to feed that survivalist part of us; sound plausible? Probably exasperated by my OCD. xD

I think it does have a lot to do with the media of today... news articles and popular movie culture instils fear of this or that crisis happening (virus/meteor/some nut with nuclear weapons) and it has kinda tuned some people into thinking about the 'what if'... and rather than be scared... just prepare on the off chance they'd be lucky enough to get through the initial 'crap hitting the fan' stage.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Originally Posted by ToeJam

Great to have a fellow Brit post and I loved the picture haha.

Sean of the Dead is a fantastic film and I loved the part where they are going through his venal (is that the right spelling?) music collection to fling at them

One of my mates who's come to visit me while in hospital and knowing I'd have lots of time on my hands encouraged me to read the following book: "The Zombie Survival Guide: complete protection from the living dead" by Max Brooks... which is turning out to be a really deadly serious book on survival by someone who is for better of a word 'weird'... but it's proved quite entertaining and I've been getting tips hehe.

Currently on the chapter discussing weapons and the impracticality of guns and chainsaws due to infinite ammo/fuel and the 'noise attracts more zombies' scenario so your idea of blunt instruments is certainly in the right direction.

As for the army... '28 days/weeks later', 'dawn of the dead' and 'the crazies' would put me off going near any military encampments.

lol Vinyl, I think, but yeh, OMG, I love that part! I have so many favorite parts to that EPIC movie, but the one that might stick out the most, is when they're coming back from the pub and do that weird nenenenenenenene... *groans* bit. I still find myself doing that every once in a while. xD God, that movie is amazing, and I love those guys! Amazing actors!

Yep, it's nice to meet another Brit, as well.

Oh yeah, good point on the army... I vaguely remember some bad army situations in zombie movies. God help us if they figure out how to use the guns! Ever seen I Am Legend? I bet you have. :P I love that movie as well, and it freaks me out. There's something about those zombie-like things... they're kinda, the modern zombie, if you know what I mean. I guess there's two kinds of zombie-lovers: the slow, shuffling kind, or the fast, almost intelligent kind. 28 Days Later, or old (PS1) Resident Evil games. I'm partial to both, really, but find the former to be the freakiest, because... so easy to avoid the slow ones; seems like they can't do much of anything except shuffle about while we thwack 'em with whatever we can find (including vinyl ) But the fast ones? They really are a hell of a threat!

Do you like the Walking Dead? I went through most of that a while back and was soooooo engrossed... OMG, the story, the action, everything.. that was intense.

Oh, and I agree with the ammo thing. There's no point in going around with guns, anyway, because, if we go by the movies, we'd have to severely damage the brain, and what better way than with a blunt thing? I guess arrows could work, so if a carpenter is around, that could be good, provided people were really good (that would just be unrealistic, maybe, as I don't think it's quite that easy to be accurate with a bow and arrow :P) I think, although gross, swords are a real winner... nothing says "Not today, Brain-lover!" like a Katana chopping off a zombie's head.

I think it does have a lot to do with the media of today... news articles and popular movie culture instils fear of this or that crisis happening (virus/meteor/some nut with nuclear weapons) and it has kinda tuned some people into thinking about the 'what if'... and rather than be scared... just prepare on the off chance they'd be lucky enough to get through the initial 'crap hitting the fan' stage.

I like the way you think.

[unaluna]

I love this thread. When its done, It should be a sticky at the top of some forum

[ToeJam]

Originally Posted by Zwangsstörung

lol Vinyl, I think, but yeh, OMG, I love that part! I have so many favorite parts to that EPIC movie, but the one that might stick out the most, is when they're coming back from the pub and do that weird nenenenenenenene... *groans* bit. I still find myself doing that every once in a while. xD God, that movie is amazing, and I love those guys! Amazing actors!

Yep, it's nice to meet another Brit, as well.

Oh yeah, good point on the army... I vaguely remember some bad army situations in zombie movies. God help us if they figure out how to use the guns! Ever seen I Am Legend? I bet you have. :P I love that movie as well, and it freaks me out. There's something about those zombie-like things... they're kinda, the modern zombie, if you know what I mean. I guess there's two kinds of zombie-lovers: the slow, shuffling kind, or the fast, almost intelligent kind. 28 Days Later, or old (PS1) Resident Evil games. I'm partial to both, really, but find the former to be the freakiest, because... so easy to avoid the slow ones; seems like they can't do much of anything except shuffle about while we thwack 'em with whatever we can find (including vinyl ) But the fast ones? They really are a hell of a threat!

Do you like the Walking Dead? I went through most of that a while back and was soooooo engrossed... OMG, the story, the action, everything.. that was intense.

Oh, and I agree with the ammo thing. There's no point in going around with guns, anyway, because, if we go by the movies, we'd have to severely damage the brain, and what better way than with a blunt thing? I guess arrows could work, so if a carpenter is around, that could be good, provided people were really good (that would just be unrealistic, maybe, as I don't think it's quite that easy to be accurate with a bow and arrow :P) I think, although gross, swords are a real winner... nothing says "Not today, Brain-lover!" like a Katana chopping off a zombie's head.


I like the way you think.

Hehe, well the book I mentioned above actually extensively covers most weapons and does favour blunt force. Katanas are mentioned... as well as other exotic weapons... but seriously, some of the actual gear you'd need in an ideal world is both bloody expensive... and in the UK likely to get your house raided under some anti terrorist act "no, really officer... all of this paraphernalia is for when the zombies take over... I swear to god... please don't arrest me"

My wife humours me for the most part as I've slowly built up survival kits, kept med supplies up to date and ummm, yeah made sure we'd have staple food that would last.

Two good tips I read for living in a two story house which I would never have considerd is: make sure you have a ladder and demolish your stair case as zombies of the slow brainless type don't climb.... and fill your bath tub with water as quickly as possible as you never know when the water supply will be cut off.

As for 28 days later type zombies... or I am legend... being right in the middle of a city we'd probably be screwed lol. I still stand by the idea of holding up at home to begin with though as the mass panic and hysteria of most people trying to escape would be like waving a neon sign around saying 'please bite me'.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Lol. Agree with all of that. Funny stuff. xD

[shogunzaa123]

I like all post. The post is very Useful. Thank you, this advice will come in handy.

[Nammu]

I'd head for the Arctic or Antarctic, live in an igloo until they all killed each other.....assuming that somehow the zombism doesn't jump species in which case the polar bears, seals and penguins will get me!

[-jimi-]

I'd join the zombies, either as a zombie myself or a human guide for zombies.

That's my plan.

For other disasters I work on preparedness. If there is no food to buy tomorrow I would be stupid not to have planned for that.

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Originally Posted by -jimi-

I'd join the zombies, either as a zombie myself or a human guide for zombies.

That's my plan.

For other disasters I work on preparedness. If there is no food to buy tomorrow I would be stupid not to have planned for that.

Traitor! lol

[Rohag]

If the zombies ate my brains, could that infect them with my MIs?
Were that infection to spread, it would greatly diminish the threat to the surviving humans.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
SPOCK, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

[ToeJam]

Originally Posted by Rohag

If the zombies ate my brains, could that infect them with my MIs?
Were that infection to spread, it would greatly diminish the threat to the surviving humans.

"The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."
SPOCK, Star Trek: The Wrath of Khan

I guess it would depend on the type of zombie. In terms of mental health, this made me think of the film 'Serenity' (based on the popular but short lived tv show 'Firefly')

Once thought only to be fictional, Miranda in fact was an experimental colony where the Alliance tried to chemically modify its populace to be peaceful. This worked perfectly; it eliminated violence, but in the process it had a fatal side effect. The inhabitants lost all ambition ;they stopped doing any work, stopped talking to each other, stopped reproducing and eventually stopped even feeding. For 0.1% of the population it had the opposite effect and caused extremely violent behavior, beyond mere psychosis but animalism. The "survivors" of Miranda were the Reavers who started to menace the Rim planets.

link: [x]

Interesting thought though.