Zombie Apocalypse

     The zombie epidemic seems like a far-fetched topic nowadays with all the films and books that make it unrealistic. On the contrary, with today's leading research, development, and new discoveries in virus and fungi growth, it has an increased probability of becoming an epidemic. The covid-19 epidemic showed the world how fast a virus could be spread through the air and skin-to-skin contact; the same goes for the spread of a zombie epidemic. Usually, in the movies, there is a bite or scratch from those infected, but infected people could spread the disease by drinking or eating contaminated food and or water. There are preventative solutions to the zombie epidemic, such as a survival kit, food, and water, and more long-term solutions, such as creating a utopia. 

     When in preparation for the zombie apocalypse, it is always better to be prepared for the unknown. The better prepared you are for what’s to come next, the better off you will be. Dina Abel-Fattah from the Development Gateway states “the first and most important thing to do is to stay calm. And have a plan”(Abel-Fattah). The first part of the plan is to pack a survival kit. A survival kit should include a rechargeable flashlight, cash, a few first aid kits, food and water, a radio, batteries, and a cell phone (Abdel-Fattah). A cell phone is essential to carry with you even if service is unavailable. A cell phone is also necessary because it holds important information, and if you were to get somewhere with service you could call for help. The next step in a survival plan is to make your way to a less densely populated area (Abdel-Fattah). A less populated place may be a rural town away from the busy city, with a lot lower population for an outbreak. Those who already live in the rural outskirts already have this advantage, but for those that live in the city, it is crucial to define and plan an evacuation route. As crazy and scary as leaving may be, having the right tools, information, and feeling prepared can help assist you when the circumstances do not go your way. 

     For your survival pack, the most important component is the food and drinks that you have with you. In order to have the best chance of survival, you want to get the necessities. Necessities such as purified water and clean or non-contaminated foods. Bottled water, and other preserved drinks that can be stored for long times, are the best options in the zombie epidemic. The food you consume is also important to consider because you need to be light on your feet and able to move when necessary, which requires a lot of energy.  Foods that can provide the survivor with good amounts of energy are granola bars, cereal bars, nuts, peanut butter, canned foods and vegetables, beef jerky, and dehydrated fruits (13 Foods You Need to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse). These can all be preserved for very long times. Meat such as beef jerky lasts longer because of salt. Salted meats last far longer than unsalted meats go bad and can spoil quickly. PBS recommends that all survivors stay away from spoiled, contaminated meat, cans, or bottles that have already been opened due to unknown side effects the contamination may have. Peanut butter is a great addition to the list of food items. Peanut butter is packed with protein, doesn’t have to be refrigerated, and will become more of a treat because peanut butter can be applied to most things (13 Foods You Need to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse). Candy could also be a nice little treat and an excellent way to save energy for emergencies (13 Foods You Need to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse). Do not exclude herbs and spices when packing your food supplies. They are nutritious and can be used when cooking to turn bland foods into more tasty options. Always be on the lookout for areas where you can hunt and fish. During an apocalypse, factories no longer produce canned foods and other necessities, so scavenging food and drinks may become more limited as time progresses. As a result, finding a way to have a renewable source of food and drink is vital. Hunting locations far away from cities and fishing in lakes or streams is a very beneficial way to gather food. Paul Cipriani from Wilderness Awareness School says “In the wilderness, the most practical and accessible wild animals are small game, fish, reptiles and amphibians, and invertebrates. These animals make the most sense to pursue and harvest in a survival hunting situation”(Cipriani). You’ll also need to figure out how to get purified water in your system. You can do so by boiling a pot of water, or finding a water well is a great way to gather purified water. It is essential always to be aware of how much food and water you have on hand. Ensure you keep well in stock of all drinks and food and always know where you can get more. 

     In the following months to years after the beginning of the outbreak, survivors must all come together to settle and try to reclaim lands they have lost to the epidemic. This settlement is the formation of a Utopia. Survivors must create a place where men, women, and children can all come together and begin working together for a common cause. Peace and harmony should be the backbone of a utopian society. Some people think of a utopia as a place where nothing can go wrong, a paradise of sorts. The Marium Websters dictionary even defines utopia as impractical or imaginary. However, the true goal of a utopia is a place where people can go to find shelter and safety, not a place for perfection. Bryan E. Toepfer, from the University of Massachusetts, explains the characteristics of a utopia versus a dystopia. Toepfer states a utopia includes “a council that makes decisions to benefit the community at large, strong communal bonds and identity, an enlightened society, and examination of flaws in the past serve as reminders to better themselves”(Toepfer). Toepfer also explains the characteristics of a dystopia, including, “small or limited group which maintains stability, sacrificing lives to provide for a larger amount of people, and a nostalgic yearning for simpler, less conflicted times prevents the society from truly rebuilding”(Toepfer). A utopia has the goal of rebuilding society. On the other hand, a dystopia has the goal of just surviving. There are, however, a few things in common between the two societies. Both a utopia and dystopia have goals for the greater good, both remember the past, and both possess qualities that bond the public (Toepfer). While both ideas are suitable for mankind, in reality, a utopia is what the human race should strive for in an epidemic, such as the zombie apocalypse. Bryan E. Toepfer from the University of Massachusetts said, “the mentality that a truly perfect utopian vision is in itself an impossible task, an unattainable goal”(Toepfer). Even though a utopia would allow the human race to rebuild with more structure. Creating a utopia will help humanity to thrive in a society instead of being a survival base civilization like a dystopia suggests. If mankind wants to survive for generations to come, they must seek a utopian society.

     In conclusion, the survival and the outcome of humanity in a zombie epidemic all come down to the human mindset of how prepared they are both in supplies, and how mentally prepared for this new world. Creating a survival pack containing equipment and foods and drinks that can be stored for a length of time is essential to survival. Over time, the human race must band together to create a new utopian society in order to survive for future generations. As a characteristic of a utopia suggests, the new human race must learn from the past in order to better prepare for the future. While the idea of a zombie epidemic is far-fetched, most tips and tricks can help prepare society for any event or epidemic that may be coming our way.