Brains and Berettas A Guide to Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

							                                  Brains and Berettas:
                       A Guide to Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse

        For any kind of unfortunate or dire situation that may arise, it is best to have an escape

plan formulated. Being prepared is the most useful tool in getting away safely in times of

urgency, so even though the problem may not transpire, thinking ahead is the first step in getting

out safely, or in the case of the following, alive.

        Humans have always thought themselves to be the superior species, proving their

intelligence with complex inventions and advanced accomplishments like intricate language and

mathematics. They seem to think that there is no force of nature they cannot outwit with their

ingenuity. Mother Earth, however, in the end will always reveal to them the mistake of thinking

that their arrogance has any hope of putting them beyond her reach. The medical field is a prime

example of how nature has proven its superiority over human interference. Undesired side effects

will always accompany medicine and procedure, and it is at the risk of the recipient to endure

these repercussions in order to enjoy the advantages. Although modern civilizations have proven

to be relatively successful thus far in medical technology, it would be in humanity’s best interest

not to take advantage of their having escaped any severe aftereffects. Many people have

speculated that medical malpractice will inevitably lead to an outbreak of a severely infectious,

incurable disease that could have a worldwide effect. As modern medicines and antibiotics are

only aiding in the eradication of weaker bacteria, the remaining microbes are able to multiply

and strengthen their existence, becoming resistant and even immune to human extinguishing

efforts. In case of such a situation, there are many ways to prevent oneself of becoming infected.

        Different kinds of infections have been anticipated, and, therefore, many preventive

methods have been devised. One of the most widely-recognized and expected strains of outbreak
is that of a cerebral abduction and necrotic virus in which the infected becomes an insentient,

uncoordinated being, reanimated from death and seeking the flesh of the living to remain active.

If a living being is bitten or has come in contact via open wound with one of these individuals

commonly called zombies or undead, the victim will undergo a process in which an incubation

period of one to several days, when fully developed, will kill the affected and reanimate them a

short time later as an undead. They have no interest Although, these beings are often slow

enough to escape from with little effort and rely on the senses rather than mentality and judgment

to achieve their goals, thus making them relatively easy targets to exterminate. However,

zombies are resilient to any kind of bodily attack and therefore can only be permanently

neutralized with an effective attack to the brain. With this said, there are numerous weapons for

different situations a person may encounter while under a zombie attack.

                                    General Weapon Usage

       Shotguns, handguns, submachine guns, and rifles are highly effective firearms against

attacking undead. They are the most practical weapons, though they are also the most precious.

Ammunition for these guns is not common and so should be used sparingly. Wielders should

always aim for the middle of the forehead or temple and only attack those posing as major

threats. Undead that are missing limbs or are otherwise crippled enough to delay advancement

significantly should not be targets of firearms. These enemies should be dealt with, albeit

carefully, with melee weapons such as axes, swords, baseball bats, chainsaws, or any non-

projectile extension of the hand that can cause deadly force. These weapons however, are not

effective against large numbers of attackers as they are much slower to wield than firearms and

often take both hands to use. When confronted with multiple enemies, escape should be the first

option, followed by the use of armaments or other munitions such as grenades, pipe bombs, and
other handheld explosives, though the latter should only be considered when the element of

range is available.

        Hand-made weapons are not uncommon creations during events in which survival is the

top priority. Flamethrowers composed of automotive or other mechanical components and

compressed flammable substances are of many devices created when other weapons are in short

supply. Such devices are highly effective against swarms as the effects can be transferred from

one enemy to the next in a chain reaction simply given time. Zombies lack any common sense

and conscious thought other than seeking living flesh and therefore are unable to find a way to

extinguish themselves when ignited, ultimately leaving them the only option of burning to their

final death.

                           Close-Range and Single or Few Attackers

        When confronted with one or few foes, there are several options available for survival. In

every situation, escape should be the first consideration, as it is a foolproof method of evading

any unwanted interaction without personal risk or need for engaging in self-defensive combat.

When escape is not available however, the next best method is to attack and defend. Every

surviving individual should be armed with at least one melee and ranged weapon at all times.

When attack is the only option, single or few undead should be dealt with via melee assault.

Making sure there is a clear line of sight from all angles as to avoid ambush, the defender should

make sure the zombie or zombies are positioned so that each is in sight and not able to escape or

come in from a different angle.

        Bladed and pointed weapons have a tendency to become lodged into flesh and bone and

in such cases are difficult to retrieve, so they should be used only when there is distance between

enemies to atone for time lost between assaults. Blunt objects cause just as much, if not more
damage than those that slice or pierce, so those looking for an effective weapon should not

overlook the most simple of items, such as a brick, pipe, or board.

                                    Multiple Attackers and Swarms

       When confronted with multiple undead and escape is not an option, engaging in ranged

armed combat is the most effective technique. Semiautomatic weapons, when swept at head level

can take out many targets in a short amount of time and are useful for clearing a path if the

survivor is still set on breaking free. However, the defender should not try to run through a

massive swarm of undead, as there is little chance of successful escape. This technique should

only be used if the line of enemies is thin and there is a clear area of exit beyond them.

Munitions should not be used in open areas where it can attract the attention of swarms, unless

the intention is to lead them into a trap nearby. Sounds, smells, and light attract zombies, so

when moving amongst them, stay quiet and take alternate routes to avoid being seen or smelled.

If moving among them is absolutely necessary, cover all exposed flesh with additional clothing

and coat this layer with the blood and entrails of a zombie killed prior. This will mask the scent

of any living tissue and should not tempt any unwanted attention. The wearer should make note

to mimic the awkward, staggering gait of the enemy as to not be conspicuous in any way.

       Survivors should seek elevation when surrounded, such as the roof of a building, as

zombies are unable to climb long distances. Staying atop a roof for extended periods will cause

the less eager of the attackers to eventually wander off in search of easier prey, lessening the

horde to a more manageable quantity. These smaller groups, if it is imperative to eliminate them,

can be dealt with by being doused with flammable substances and having a lit, flammable object

dropped among them. This technique should only be used for small clusters of undead, as

prolonged open flame attracts others that may escape the spreading flame. Rifles can also be
used in this situation to eliminate individual threats, though the concern of excessive noise and

futile expense of ammunition still remains.

                                          Shelter and Provisions

       Seeking a safe, warm, dry area in which to retreat is a necessity during a zombie

outbreak. Nearly every building will have been abandoned by this time, leaving them all

available for the inhabitation of wandering survivors. Those taking refuge within them, however,

should make a point to board and bar all windows and exits. One rear exit should be barred with

blockades removable from the inside to allow the residents one sure exit in case of emergency or

to scavenge for provisions when the surroundings are clear. Sound and light within buildings

should still always remain low, as any undead passing nearby may be able to pick up the signs of

life inside and attempt to break entry.

       Food, water, and other necessities should always be kept in good supply, though not in

excess. Survivors should seek non-perishable and slow-perishing foods such as canned and dried

goods, keeping the supply of fresh meat and dairy at a minimum. Depending on how long the

area has been infected, electricity may or may not still be available. This resource is a luxury and

should mostly be used to maintain electronics such as radios, small lights, and other essential

low-powered devices. However, operational appliances such as stoves and refrigerators are

acceptable to use, as they are undetectable from outside when in use and are important in

keeping food fresh. Appliances that are able to run on batteries such as flashlights, hand-held

radios, and GPS units should have a steady supply of power, but must also be used sparingly.

Consumable water in many areas will most likely still be accessible, though survivors should be

wary of public sources. If water purity testing supplies are not available, any water gathered

should be distilled to ensure no contamination is ingested in case the infection is able to be
carried through it. This includes tap water, as purification plants will no longer be operated, and

therefore cannot be relied on to decontaminate. Bottled water will also be in abundance, though

only if used rationally. Food and supplies will be plentiful in nearby grocery stores and in other

homes, however much may have been taken from them if any evacuations had taken place.

However, no place should be a permanent home, so survivors should stock only enough supplies

to be transportable in a vehicle such as a camper van or another automobile that has ample cargo

space.

                                      Transportation and Traveling

         Other than survival itself, escape from infected areas and toward living human colonies is

the top priority in a catastrophe such as a zombie apocalypse. A reliable vehicle is a necessity for

transportation, as walking or biking can be hazardous and can endanger individuals. Although

people may be tempted to abscond with cars equipped with high-powered engines, these will

prove of little use during times of emergency. Vans, campers, and trucks are the most valuable

automobiles as they are designed for transporting supplies and multiple people, as well as being

able to double as temporary homes when buildings are not readily available. They are reliable,

safe, and enduring, and components with which to repair them are in good supply. During crises,

a vehicle is just as important as a comrade. Keeping it maintained is like keeping your party

well-fed and safe. Overexertion of the automobile should be avoided, and care must be taken not

to stress the components by driving carelessly, as parts such as the steering column, axles, and

many engine units can be extremely difficult to mend or replace, taking time away from survival

and escape and put toward repairs.

         Survivors should always be in search of other living human colonies, and should only

stop when necessary to rest in remote and open areas near water when available. A secluded area
is less likely to be invaded by undead, and, in case of such occasion, open land allows for a wider

angle of view, lessening the possibility of ambush. Sleeping areas should be on elevated ground

whenever possible and be comprised of few, closely-packed tents so that each individual is able

to clearly hear one another. Both melee and ranged weapons must be kept within reach at all

times, and every person must have a lantern or flashlight on hand. Each tent should be housed

with the maximum comfortable capacity of people for safety, as individuals are more prone to

attack and are less efficient in defending during unexpected attacks.

       Groups should be migratory whenever possible, always heading away from infected areas

and toward other known or possible survivors. An ample supply of fuel and other automotive

liquids must be on hand as to keep the vehicle or vehicles in proper working order, and drivers

should alternate, allowing each to have rest and food while one keeps the group in motion. Maps

and GPS units are vital resources and must always be kept convenient. Important locations

should be marked on maps to inform the group of destinations, and which areas to avoid.

Patterns of areas of infection, or lack thereof can be located this way if any exist, allowing the

group to be able to assume which areas are best to pursue, and which to steer clear of.

                                         Other Important Notes

       To locate other survivors, it is helpful to send a message over open radio stations in

consistent daily intervals. Contact, travel, and hospitality information can be given during these

broadcasts to inform any possible listeners to locate the group. The more members there are in a

single traveling party, the greater each person’s chance of survival will be, and the greater the

chance that a successful repopulating colony can be created.

       There should always be a zero infection tolerance. If any person within the group has

been bitten or left with an open wound inflicted by undead and it is evident they will not survive,
the individual must be dealt with either by the group, or under their own responsibility. The most

humane method in handling such a situation would be to discharge a single bullet into the head

of the infected, as the brain is unable to return once neutralized. However, if the person does not

show any signs of illness, fever, or other sickness-related symptoms in any given period of time,

it may be possible that they have not been infected, and therefore should be specially nursed and

tended to until restored to health.

       While exterminating attackers, behavioral patterns should be noted, as the more is known

about the enemy, the easier it will be to escape from and dispose of them. Weaknesses and

inclinations can be recognized and dealt with accordingly, and precautions can be made to

preemptively act on future attacks.

       Keeping physically fit is very important in situations where a great deal of energy is

required on a daily basis. When a group is not traveling by vehicle, running and handling

weighted equipment will be

a frequent exercise. Daily practice of wielding melee weapons to keep skills sharp and
conditioning to

keep the body in shape is required to maintain fitness for any physically demanding situation that
may

arise. Zombies are indefatigable beings, no longer relying on oxygen and other forms of bodily

energy to remain active. They do not tire through excessive physical strain, and thus can and will

pursue their prey until the latter is exhausted. Being well-conditioned allows survivors to

outmaneuver and escape from the enemy much more efficiently.

       It is imperative to know the proper procedures to follow during a crisis such as a zombie

apocalypse. Understanding responsibilities and requirements in difficult situations can mean the

difference between survival and death. They will help the few that survive prevail over
outnumbering odds and keep a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Maintaining composure during

stress and fear can be accomplished simply by knowing how to confront challenges and execute

the proper techniques as they emerge. These tactics only cover some of the basic elements of

survival in expected situations. It is up to the follower to use them to conform to the situations

that he or she encounters and apply the concepts to other, unlisted predicaments. They are meant

to be guidelines to refer to in times of need and advice to aid during urgent circumstances. Some

situations may or may not apply, thus the reader or readers should take this advice accordingly.

Good luck.