CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Readies Public for Zombie Apocalypse

Don’t panic just yet, but the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has launched a public health preparedness campaign. As part of that campaign, the CDC is using a scenario known as the Zombie Apocalypse.

First, to be clear, there is not actual prediction from the CDC of an actual Zombie Apocalypse. This is an exercise designed to help the public understand methods and things to consider to be prepared for a real medical pandemic scenario.

In developing a basic readiness drill for the public, the CDC put for the question, “How do I prepare for a zombie apocalypse?” Addressing this question, individuals will find tips useful to real emergencies.

Something very simple, yet missing from most homes is an emergency kit. According to the CDC, this includes “things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp (or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored).”

Some items suggested by the CDC include:

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)

A complete list of recommended supplies can be found on the CDC Emergency page.

Once you’ve made your emergency kit, the agency recommends that you sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan. This includes where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your door step. You can also implement this plan if there is a flood, earthquake, or other emergency.

For more complete details, visit the CDC web site at www.cdc.gov