Zombie Survival 101
Intro:
Hello my name is Caleb Caridnell and I have written this book to increase your chances of survival in a undead apocalyptic situation. You can never be to careful when dealing with the infection of the zombie plague. So take my tips and advice into consideration but in the end it will be up to you to survive. So here is my survival guide to the apocalypse, I hope you find this helpful and/or entertaining. Enjoy!
Things you need to know
What is a zombie?
My Definition:
A cannibalistic person who has lost all cognitive thinking (loss of the frontal lobe) and is completely primal do to a infection that is spread through blood and saliva. Animals can also be infected.
Are zombies fast or slow?
I believe zombies would be able to move similar to the way they did when they human, therefore I believe that zombies can sprint if necessary. I apologize to classic zombie fans but if you look at it logically it makes sense.
How to kill a zombie?
The classic way is to destroy the brain or decapitating the head all together and that is the most effective way to kill a zombie but there are other methods such as stopping the heart (may that be removing it or destroying it). That being said the brain is still the best method (easiest way is straight through the eye). I recommend a weapon that keeps you out of arms reach which I will explain in more later.
Chapter 1 (Before the disease strikes)
Being prepared will save your life! Having the basic supplies, tools, and a durable weapon from the get go will go along way. Here is a list of things you need for a proper “Zombie Bug-Out Bag”
Things you will need
1: A strong but light hiking backpack (remember you have to carry it around)
2: A durable weapon (machete, axe, baseball bat etc.)
3: A handgun and ammo (for protection against other survivors)
4: Non perishable food (as much as you can carry comfortably)
5: Water in canteens or bottles (as much as you can carry comfortably)
6: A utility knife (for projects such as shelter, traps, ect.)
7: A folding knife (ONLY for food prep)
8: 550 paracord (200-300 ft)
9: Matches and/or lighters (waterproof matches prefered)
10: Waterproof two way radio set (2 or more)
11: Waterproof bags (for items that shouldn’t get wet)
12: Batteries (put in waterproof bags)
13: A flashlight (for obvious reasons)
14: Extra cloths such as sweaters and under pants (put in waterproof bags)
15: Something sentimental (something that has meaning to you can help keep your sanity)
Choosing a good melee weapon
Choosing a good weapon can be difficult. The first thing you want to ask yourself is do you want a bladed weapon (such as a machete) or a bludgeon weapon (such as a baseball bat)
Bladed Weapon
Pros
1: The ability to cut, stab, and slash
2: Light weight
3: Harder to defend against
4: The ability to decapitate
5: Generally faster then a bludgeon weapon
Cons
1: Have to sharpen constantly
2: Chance of bending
3: Can get caught in flesh
4: Need sheath to carry safely
5: Requires some skill
Bludgeon Weapon
Pros
1: Almost no maintenance required
2: Allot more durable (for the most part)
3: Bending or light damage does not affect its effectiveness
4: Easy to carry safely
5: Requires no skill to swing
Cons
1: Requires more weight to be effective
2: Easy to counter
3: Nearly impossible to decapitate with
4: Takes more effort to use
5: Less precision and much louder
Choosing your weapon
If you're looking for a bladed weapon with a long blade you MUST buy CARBON STEEL! Stainless steel is great for small knives but long bladed weapons such as swords and machetes should never be made from stainless steel because they would easily bend! Also a affective edge for fighting the undead should be close to 20 degrees but most machetes come at 50 degrees which will work but will take more force (Investing in a sharpening stone will save your life) If you're looking for weapons such as a axe or spear the edge is not as important as long as its sharp the force with be great enough for a kill but these weapons are not effective against multiple attackers or opponents because the recovery time is great
If you're looking for a bludgeon weapon like a bat, crowbar, or club IT MUST NOT be made of WOOD! Wood breaks and in a fight a broken weapon means death! If its a bat MUST BE aluminum (Cold Steel makes a indestructible polypropylene bat but that's the only exception). As far as other bludgeon weapons, just make sure its made from a strong metal or a good high impact material like polypropylene. STAY AWAY from heavy weapons like sledge hammers and other “One Hit Wonders” because the recovery time is too great
STAY AWAY from electric or gas powered weapons like chainsaws! They easily snag on clothing (this is not bath salts, these zombies will be clothed for the most part), the chain falls off, they require lots of maintenance, the blood splatter is ridiculous, they need gas or electricity to run, and they easily stall.
Choosing a handgun
Choosing the right hand gun is important. It will be your main protection against other survivors and marauders (if you believe that everybody will be honest and friendly in a apocalyptic world then you probably won’t survive). Once the government goes so will the order and people will start taking the things they want and need simply because they can and kill anybody in there way! I recommend avoiding people when you can but if you come face to face with confrontation your pistol will be your best friend. When picking your handgun think of three things “Power” “Capacity” and “Practicality”. You want a powerful gun with a decent ammo capacity and that is lightweight and simple to reload. So I would recommend STAYING AWAY from revolvers as your go to gun (Not saying you can’t use it). From a logical standpoint a revolver is bulky, heavy, holds a low ammo capacity, and is difficult to reload quickly and efficiently. So a semi-automatic pistol is the way to go. It is lighter, easier to fire, and magazines are easy and faster when reloading. With a semi-automatic pistol you can have multiple magazines ready for a fast reload. Look for a pistol with 9 or more shots and a high caliber but at the end of the day a revolver is better than nothing for all you cowboys out there.
Once you have assembled your “Bug-Out” bag make sure you know where it is and that it is easy to get to. In an emergency you might not have time to dig it out of the shed.
Chapter 2 (Finding and building your shelter)
The first week will be the most crucial. If you live in the city you must get out immediately and find a rural area with a small population. DO NOT take the main road! Key word there “Main” which means everyone will be on them and those roads will be useless. If you have family in a rural area head that way.
Once you arrive you must decide where to build your shelter. Find a building with minimal windows and strong structure, which rules out trailers. AVOID houses with glass doors and replace doors with windows built in them. I would usually recommend staying away from retail stores but this is the exception (the reason going to stores is a bad idea is because everyone will be flooding them and the chance of infection is raised as well as hostile confrontation with others is likely). In this case if the town is small enough you should be ok. Find a harwood store because you're going to need plywood, 2x4 boards, heavy duty nails, and a few hammers, measuring tape, deadbolts, and a hand saw (also look for tin sheets or tin roofing). When you obtain these things you're ready to start building your shelter. If its getting dark you're gonna have to wait till morning (daylight will save your life). Now what you're gonna do install at least two deadbolts on all doors that lead outside. Then measure the windows and cut the plywood to fit adding 4 inches on each side. Then simply nail the plywood to the outside of the window and take the boards and lay them side by side on the window nail them on the top and bottom (about four nails a piece) and then (with the same measurements) do the same to the inside of the window with the plywood (boards are not necessary for the inside of the window). Repeat on all the windows on the first floor and windows in bodies reach of other building or anything else. Second story windows (if there are any) are your emergency get away (be careful because I assume that zombies can’t climb but you can never be too careful) but keep materials ready in the case that second story windows need to be barricaded.
Chapter 3 (Staying Alive)
Stay Quite
After your shelter is built (If you were able to build it without allot of attention) you must remain quite. Do nothing to attract attention( things like keeping the light from your flashlight low or whispering) Do not in any situation raise your voice! You don’t want to attract any undead intruders.
Before you leave your shelter
When you need to leave your shelter for any reason make sure you do it in the morning leaving you allot of daylight to work with. Also before you leave your shelter make sure you bring enough supplies just in case you can’t make it back before dark. When the sun goes down traveling would be just stupid and extremely dangerous.
Count your exits and be cautious
When entering building when scavenging or anything else you must count and be aware of your exits (just in case you need to get out in a hurry). NEVER venture into a closed space with only one entrance because that means there is only one way out. If zombies are pouring in the entrance where you gonna make your escape? You're not! You’re stuck! and you're going to die! So simply look for the back door before you even enter. Once inside be cautious of corners, cracks, and any areas that could be hiding the infected from your sight. Leave room between you and corners when making turns so you have time to react if needed.
Battling the undead
First I want to point out you should avoid the infected at all times fight only when necessary and never engage a horde unless its your only option (lets face it we're not ninjas). That being said if you find yourself cornered or any situation where you're forced to fight back use your melee weapon (Your firearm will only attract a lot of unwanted attention). Only use your handgun in a situation when otherwise you would die. Like I said before, your handgun is for your dealings with other survivors. As for technique that is up to you. I recommend practicing with your weapon constantly until it feels natural as if your weapon is a extension of your body.
Dealing with other survivors
When dealing with other survivors use extreme caution. DO NOT trust them (maybe over time you can learn to trust them but even then be careful). They are trying to survive the same as you, so that can mean obtaining your resources by any means possible. I am not saying that you should leave them to die if they're in a pinch (because that would be inhumane and immoral) but just don’t be careless in your dealings
Things To Avoid
1: Being in closed spaces with strangers
2: Being out numbered by strangers during exchanges or deals
3: Blindly trusting other survivors
Avoid big or well known stores
If a store is big that means it has a large customer base which means allot of people will be headed there and a lot of strangers is never a good idea in a outbreak. You never know if someone is infected or if anybody will be hostile and if its over supplies I can almost guarantee there will be hostile people who are looking out for themselves and will do anything for food and supplies. If you must go to stores look for smaller stores like rural gas stations or places that you wouldn't think of such as dollar stores and vending machines.
Chapter 4 (Traveling)
If you are unable to find a permanent shelter or have decided to be on a constant move (for any reason you decide to do this). Your safety will always be in jeopardy (especially when sleeping). So the safest thing you can do is to find places that are out of reach from the ground to sleep on such tree limbs (If you can without falling out) rooftops or anything you have to steep climb to get to.
If you are traveling by foot you must be cautious because this is the most dangerous way to travel. The undead are just as fast as you! So make sure you're not walking around a corner into a horde or in front of any zombie for that matter. Also be cautious of thieves or marauders, for they will rob you of your gear leaving you essentially naked and stranded (Zombie chow). So I recommend a motor vehicle if you can obtain gasoline.
Always know where you're going, why you're going, what you will do once you arrive, and your next move after you obtain your objectives. Also double up on every scenario just in case your plans get broken or altered. Also make sure you have the right equipment for any alteration you plan out if the original plan is compromised. For example.
Plan
Where: Next town over in the old lumber yard on pine street
Why: To gather resources
What: Any useable wood, power tools, and possible generator
Next move: Load up what we found then head back to camp
(Bring 5 gallons of extra gas in cantine for emergency planning)
Alternative Plan
Where Alternative: Hardware store on maples street
Why Alternative: Lumberyard was clean out must salvage something
What Alternative: Some useable wood (if any), tools (power and manual), any metal
Next move: Head back before it gets dark
The Road Less Traveled
When traveling also think of what route you're taking! Stay away from highways (Unless you're traveling by car over long distances). Highways will be a traffic spot with abandon cars and walkers wandering so it's best to use back roads. Find roads less travelled like dirt roads or back country roads. Also when walking or on a bicycle take paths or roads with low traffic and population such as bike trails or anything that seems a less convenient. Catching on yet?
In the end it will be your call just make sure you not taking roads or trails that are popular because that means other people would think of those roads/trails. But do not take trails with high brush level in which you can’t see through (You will essentially be a sandwich for a walker). Also do not make unnecessary stops or detours stick to your plan! Changing the plan without reason of emergency will get you lost or get you dead.
This road less travelled rule also applies to the places you intend to go! Think of places that are less popular or not well known (Less chance of a encounter may it be human or zombie). Also the well know places will most likely be cleaned out or housing hostels. So for example forgett going to Walmart and go for the small town pharmacy.
Intro:
Hello my name is Caleb Caridnell and I have written this book to increase your chances of survival in a undead apocalyptic situation. You can never be to careful when dealing with the infection of the zombie plague. So take my tips and advice into consideration but in the end it will be up to you to survive. So here is my survival guide to the apocalypse, I hope you find this helpful and/or entertaining. Enjoy!
Things you need to know
What is a zombie?
My Definition:
A cannibalistic person who has lost all cognitive thinking (loss of the frontal lobe) and is completely primal do to a infection that is spread through blood and saliva. Animals can also be infected.
Are zombies fast or slow?
I believe zombies would be able to move similar to the way they did when they human, therefore I believe that zombies can sprint if necessary. I apologize to classic zombie fans but if you look at it logically it makes sense.
How to kill a zombie?
The classic way is to destroy the brain or decapitating the head all together and that is the most effective way to kill a zombie but there are other methods such as stopping the heart (may that be removing it or destroying it). That being said the brain is still the best method (easiest way is straight through the eye). I recommend a weapon that keeps you out of arms reach which I will explain in more later.
Chapter 1 (Before the disease strikes)
Being prepared will save your life! Having the basic supplies, tools, and a durable weapon from the get go will go along way. Here is a list of things you need for a proper “Zombie Bug-Out Bag”
Things you will need
1: A strong but light hiking backpack (remember you have to carry it around)
2: A durable weapon (machete, axe, baseball bat etc.)
3: A handgun and ammo (for protection against other survivors)
4: Non perishable food (as much as you can carry comfortably)
5: Water in canteens or bottles (as much as you can carry comfortably)
6: A utility knife (for projects such as shelter, traps, ect.)
7: A folding knife (ONLY for food prep)
8: 550 paracord (200-300 ft)
9: Matches and/or lighters (waterproof matches prefered)
10: Waterproof two way radio set (2 or more)
11: Waterproof bags (for items that shouldn’t get wet)
12: Batteries (put in waterproof bags)
13: A flashlight (for obvious reasons)
14: Extra cloths such as sweaters and under pants (put in waterproof bags)
15: Something sentimental (something that has meaning to you can help keep your sanity)
Choosing a good melee weapon
Choosing a good weapon can be difficult. The first thing you want to ask yourself is do you want a bladed weapon (such as a machete) or a bludgeon weapon (such as a baseball bat)
Bladed Weapon
Pros
1: The ability to cut, stab, and slash
2: Light weight
3: Harder to defend against
4: The ability to decapitate
5: Generally faster then a bludgeon weapon
Cons
1: Have to sharpen constantly
2: Chance of bending
3: Can get caught in flesh
4: Need sheath to carry safely
5: Requires some skill
Bludgeon Weapon
Pros
1: Almost no maintenance required
2: Allot more durable (for the most part)
3: Bending or light damage does not affect its effectiveness
4: Easy to carry safely
5: Requires no skill to swing
Cons
1: Requires more weight to be effective
2: Easy to counter
3: Nearly impossible to decapitate with
4: Takes more effort to use
5: Less precision and much louder
Choosing your weapon
If you're looking for a bladed weapon with a long blade you MUST buy CARBON STEEL! Stainless steel is great for small knives but long bladed weapons such as swords and machetes should never be made from stainless steel because they would easily bend! Also a affective edge for fighting the undead should be close to 20 degrees but most machetes come at 50 degrees which will work but will take more force (Investing in a sharpening stone will save your life) If you're looking for weapons such as a axe or spear the edge is not as important as long as its sharp the force with be great enough for a kill but these weapons are not effective against multiple attackers or opponents because the recovery time is great
If you're looking for a bludgeon weapon like a bat, crowbar, or club IT MUST NOT be made of WOOD! Wood breaks and in a fight a broken weapon means death! If its a bat MUST BE aluminum (Cold Steel makes a indestructible polypropylene bat but that's the only exception). As far as other bludgeon weapons, just make sure its made from a strong metal or a good high impact material like polypropylene. STAY AWAY from heavy weapons like sledge hammers and other “One Hit Wonders” because the recovery time is too great
STAY AWAY from electric or gas powered weapons like chainsaws! They easily snag on clothing (this is not bath salts, these zombies will be clothed for the most part), the chain falls off, they require lots of maintenance, the blood splatter is ridiculous, they need gas or electricity to run, and they easily stall.
Choosing a handgun
Choosing the right hand gun is important. It will be your main protection against other survivors and marauders (if you believe that everybody will be honest and friendly in a apocalyptic world then you probably won’t survive). Once the government goes so will the order and people will start taking the things they want and need simply because they can and kill anybody in there way! I recommend avoiding people when you can but if you come face to face with confrontation your pistol will be your best friend. When picking your handgun think of three things “Power” “Capacity” and “Practicality”. You want a powerful gun with a decent ammo capacity and that is lightweight and simple to reload. So I would recommend STAYING AWAY from revolvers as your go to gun (Not saying you can’t use it). From a logical standpoint a revolver is bulky, heavy, holds a low ammo capacity, and is difficult to reload quickly and efficiently. So a semi-automatic pistol is the way to go. It is lighter, easier to fire, and magazines are easy and faster when reloading. With a semi-automatic pistol you can have multiple magazines ready for a fast reload. Look for a pistol with 9 or more shots and a high caliber but at the end of the day a revolver is better than nothing for all you cowboys out there.
Once you have assembled your “Bug-Out” bag make sure you know where it is and that it is easy to get to. In an emergency you might not have time to dig it out of the shed.
Chapter 2 (Finding and building your shelter)
The first week will be the most crucial. If you live in the city you must get out immediately and find a rural area with a small population. DO NOT take the main road! Key word there “Main” which means everyone will be on them and those roads will be useless. If you have family in a rural area head that way.
Once you arrive you must decide where to build your shelter. Find a building with minimal windows and strong structure, which rules out trailers. AVOID houses with glass doors and replace doors with windows built in them. I would usually recommend staying away from retail stores but this is the exception (the reason going to stores is a bad idea is because everyone will be flooding them and the chance of infection is raised as well as hostile confrontation with others is likely). In this case if the town is small enough you should be ok. Find a harwood store because you're going to need plywood, 2x4 boards, heavy duty nails, and a few hammers, measuring tape, deadbolts, and a hand saw (also look for tin sheets or tin roofing). When you obtain these things you're ready to start building your shelter. If its getting dark you're gonna have to wait till morning (daylight will save your life). Now what you're gonna do install at least two deadbolts on all doors that lead outside. Then measure the windows and cut the plywood to fit adding 4 inches on each side. Then simply nail the plywood to the outside of the window and take the boards and lay them side by side on the window nail them on the top and bottom (about four nails a piece) and then (with the same measurements) do the same to the inside of the window with the plywood (boards are not necessary for the inside of the window). Repeat on all the windows on the first floor and windows in bodies reach of other building or anything else. Second story windows (if there are any) are your emergency get away (be careful because I assume that zombies can’t climb but you can never be too careful) but keep materials ready in the case that second story windows need to be barricaded.
Chapter 3 (Staying Alive)
Stay Quite
After your shelter is built (If you were able to build it without allot of attention) you must remain quite. Do nothing to attract attention( things like keeping the light from your flashlight low or whispering) Do not in any situation raise your voice! You don’t want to attract any undead intruders.
Before you leave your shelter
When you need to leave your shelter for any reason make sure you do it in the morning leaving you allot of daylight to work with. Also before you leave your shelter make sure you bring enough supplies just in case you can’t make it back before dark. When the sun goes down traveling would be just stupid and extremely dangerous.
Count your exits and be cautious
When entering building when scavenging or anything else you must count and be aware of your exits (just in case you need to get out in a hurry). NEVER venture into a closed space with only one entrance because that means there is only one way out. If zombies are pouring in the entrance where you gonna make your escape? You're not! You’re stuck! and you're going to die! So simply look for the back door before you even enter. Once inside be cautious of corners, cracks, and any areas that could be hiding the infected from your sight. Leave room between you and corners when making turns so you have time to react if needed.
Battling the undead
First I want to point out you should avoid the infected at all times fight only when necessary and never engage a horde unless its your only option (lets face it we're not ninjas). That being said if you find yourself cornered or any situation where you're forced to fight back use your melee weapon (Your firearm will only attract a lot of unwanted attention). Only use your handgun in a situation when otherwise you would die. Like I said before, your handgun is for your dealings with other survivors. As for technique that is up to you. I recommend practicing with your weapon constantly until it feels natural as if your weapon is a extension of your body.
Dealing with other survivors
When dealing with other survivors use extreme caution. DO NOT trust them (maybe over time you can learn to trust them but even then be careful). They are trying to survive the same as you, so that can mean obtaining your resources by any means possible. I am not saying that you should leave them to die if they're in a pinch (because that would be inhumane and immoral) but just don’t be careless in your dealings
Things To Avoid
1: Being in closed spaces with strangers
2: Being out numbered by strangers during exchanges or deals
3: Blindly trusting other survivors
Avoid big or well known stores
If a store is big that means it has a large customer base which means allot of people will be headed there and a lot of strangers is never a good idea in a outbreak. You never know if someone is infected or if anybody will be hostile and if its over supplies I can almost guarantee there will be hostile people who are looking out for themselves and will do anything for food and supplies. If you must go to stores look for smaller stores like rural gas stations or places that you wouldn't think of such as dollar stores and vending machines.
Chapter 4 (Traveling)
If you are unable to find a permanent shelter or have decided to be on a constant move (for any reason you decide to do this). Your safety will always be in jeopardy (especially when sleeping). So the safest thing you can do is to find places that are out of reach from the ground to sleep on such tree limbs (If you can without falling out) rooftops or anything you have to steep climb to get to.
If you are traveling by foot you must be cautious because this is the most dangerous way to travel. The undead are just as fast as you! So make sure you're not walking around a corner into a horde or in front of any zombie for that matter. Also be cautious of thieves or marauders, for they will rob you of your gear leaving you essentially naked and stranded (Zombie chow). So I recommend a motor vehicle if you can obtain gasoline.
Always know where you're going, why you're going, what you will do once you arrive, and your next move after you obtain your objectives. Also double up on every scenario just in case your plans get broken or altered. Also make sure you have the right equipment for any alteration you plan out if the original plan is compromised. For example.
Plan
Where: Next town over in the old lumber yard on pine street
Why: To gather resources
What: Any useable wood, power tools, and possible generator
Next move: Load up what we found then head back to camp
(Bring 5 gallons of extra gas in cantine for emergency planning)
Alternative Plan
Where Alternative: Hardware store on maples street
Why Alternative: Lumberyard was clean out must salvage something
What Alternative: Some useable wood (if any), tools (power and manual), any metal
Next move: Head back before it gets dark
The Road Less Traveled
When traveling also think of what route you're taking! Stay away from highways (Unless you're traveling by car over long distances). Highways will be a traffic spot with abandon cars and walkers wandering so it's best to use back roads. Find roads less travelled like dirt roads or back country roads. Also when walking or on a bicycle take paths or roads with low traffic and population such as bike trails or anything that seems a less convenient. Catching on yet?
In the end it will be your call just make sure you not taking roads or trails that are popular because that means other people would think of those roads/trails. But do not take trails with high brush level in which you can’t see through (You will essentially be a sandwich for a walker). Also do not make unnecessary stops or detours stick to your plan! Changing the plan without reason of emergency will get you lost or get you dead.
This road less travelled rule also applies to the places you intend to go! Think of places that are less popular or not well known (Less chance of a encounter may it be human or zombie). Also the well know places will most likely be cleaned out or housing hostels. So for example forgett going to Walmart and go for the small town pharmacy.
More Coming Soon