Zombie Apocalypse Vs. The Red Cross
No this isn't a fight to the death or a 'one is better than the other' situation. In fact, quite the opposite. We're going to compare the differences between what the Red Cross recommends to be prepared and what we recommend to be prepared.
Recently, our local San Antonio Red Cross chapter, had a quiz that asked, "Are You Prepared for a Disaster?"
We were intrigued and decided to take the little 6 question quiz.
And quickly failed.
We didn't fail because we aren't prepared, it's because their answers differ completely from our own. They are thinking in a disaster situation, while we're thinking apocalyptic.
Here are the questions they asked, what we chose and what's the real answer.
First question:
We chose: "Have a one-day supply of food and water." The correct answer? "Have copies of your important documents ready."
I can see where the Red Cross is coming from. In a disaster situation there are going to be government and state officials that will find those documents handy, especially if you have to leave your home. However, in a zombie apocalypse situation, food and water is a bit more important.
Second question:
We chose: "Your Closest neighbor." The correct answer? "An out-of-state friend or relative."
I can see where the Red Cross is coming from. In a disaster situation, you'll probably be wanting to get far away, possibly to another state. However, in the zombie apocalypse, having an emergency content is kind of null and void.
Third question:
We chose: "Candles" The correct answer? "Extra cash."
Ok, I can see where they're coming from. In a DISASTER scenario, extra cash could come in handy. In a zombie apocalypse situation, however, it will not come in handy at all.
Forth question:
We chose: "One Gallon Milk Jug." The correct answer? "Large soda bottles."
Since jerry can wasn't an option, we chose the milk jug since it would be sufficient. But they want us to carry around a bunch of large soda bottles, which seems counter-productive to us.
Fifth question:
We chose: "No more than 1 day." The correct answer? "At least 3 days."
I understand what they mean by this, give yourself a few days to get your stuff together again. But honestly, I'd re-stock ASAP.
Sixth question:
We chose: "Battery powered radio." The correct answer? "Battery powered radio."
This is the ONLY one we agree on. Haha.
In conclusion, the Red Cross isn't wrong. They certainly know what they're talking about. It's just interesting to see the differences between what they consider to be important for a disaster situation and what we deem important for a disaster situation.
Obviously this quiz is just to get people thinking about a survival kit and what-not, there's a lot more to it than just what was given in the this quiz.
Milk &and juice bottles have bacteria that do not clean out of plastic. The bacteria grows with water and storage. Sodas. Do not have bacteria and can be washed out.
I understand that concept, but what I was getting at is carrying multiple items instead of just one item. Again, they’re different trains of thought. It also depends on how you’re able to get around; on foot, in a car, etc. Carrying a water bottle or soda bottle is better if you’re on foot. Carrying a jerry can is better if you’re in a car. You get the idea.
My concern with the milk jug is the ability to secure the cap. A juice or soda bottle has a pretty good screw on cap, especially soda since they have to hold in the CO2. The milk jug, not so much, even with their screw on tops I’ve had them pop off if being in a bit of a rush in the morning for coffee and bang the jug on the door. Also consider durability of said bottles.
As stated, we’d rather carry a Jerry Can. But since that wasn’t on the list, Milk Jug was the option we chose since it’d be one item to carry. Milk jugs are actually pretty durable, no more less durable than any other plastic container. If you’re on the run, grabbing one item, such as the milk jug, is a tad easier than a bunch of bottles. Unless you have a bug out bag, then that’s a whole ‘nother story.
I do see the benefit of many soda bottles, don’t get me wrong, just in this case, a milk jug will carry more and is easy to carry. (like, you can latch the milk jug to your bag, with lots of soda bottles, you can’t, since they don’t have a handle like a milk jug does)
I agree Milk jug for sure. It carries more and has a handle on it. You can get the 2 liter soda bottles but they are harder to carry around with no handle. And as far as the bacteria aspect. Hot water shake it around empty and then repeat a few times. If you still get sick from some remaining bacteria you have a weak immune system and zombies prolly already ate you anyways
You got it, Max! :) Took the words right outta my mouth. Thanks for the comment!
Greetings!
I’m on the social media team at the Red Cross and we LOVED this post – so much that we decided to post it to our Facebook wall, go ahead and check it out. Thanks for the creative comparison between our preparedness and zombie preparedness!
Wow! Thank you, Kristiana! Awesome to see the responses! :)
You are most welcome – thanks for taking the preparedness quiz and the well thought out post.
Absolutely! It was a ton of fun to compare. :)
You know the American Red Cross just shared this on their facebook. Hahaha. That is great.
lol they told you before I did. :)
Haha, thanks for letting us know, though! Think it’s awesome. :) Thanks for stopping by!
Remember that water is heavy, so if you are sheltering in place you can store a good amount, but if you are evacuating, you will need to know how to obtain safe supplies of additional water in your evacuation location. The Red Cross can provide information on how to safely store and obtain drinking water in a disaster, or a zombie apocalypse. Go to coloradoredcross.org for more information.
Keep up the good work!
Together we’ll be able to provide enough information for basic survival in our respective areas to those who are willing to listen. Thanks for the comment!
The first question’s answers are tricky. Really, you should have three to five days worth of food on hand. Documents are important too but…I agree, food is more important!
I agree, Lynn, it could go either way. But in reality, we could have both documents and food. However, in a survival situation, food & water are definitely more important. Thanks for the comment!
I think the main difference between the two scenarios is the extent we believe they will happen. A zombie apoc always means we are on our own and thus preparing for a worst case scenario. A “normal” disaster people expect outside aid to come and might only have to hang on a couple days. If the “normal” disaster would take those external factors away the awnsers would be exactly the same
Absolutely agree! I think no matter what sort of scenario it is, you should always be prepared for the unexpected. Whether that be from a tornado, flood, earthquake, apocalypse, etc; be as prepared as possible for the inevitable.
Thank you for the comment!
#1 a pair of ear plugs for every person in your party. It doesnt help to be alive if you are mentally insane due to the constant cries and screams of the zombie apocalypse…
#2 Large amounts of MRE’s
#3 A close water source or rain buckets and a way to boil water
#4 Search for sharp bladed objects like a machete, samurai swords, spartan swords. Yes they require you to get down and dirty but they do not need ammo and under the hands of a skilled swordsman it is just as deadly
#5 Everyone wants to go heavy duty with guns but a simple ruger 10/22 or a 4-10 shotgun will do, keep your ammo light because you will need to stockpile large amounts and luggning around 500 rounds of 12ga wouldnt be an easy task even for a fireman like me
#6 A Two way VHF/Ham radio to allow communication from longer distances by bouncing off towers alowing miles of range.
#7 A heavy duty vehicle, Not your prius. A Fire truck would be the perfect convoy transport vehicle, large interior, large 500 gallon water supply, Hazmat suits, A huge bumper for plowing down the undead. But with a Fire truck comes a problem and my next number on the list.
#8 Diesel fuel and LARGE quantities, Fire trucks, and Semi trucks are the safest trucks BUT they are Diesel HOGS. If possible remove the hose from the back of a fire truck and replace it with portable fuel tanks.
#9 Local places like walmart and winn dixie will be the first to be raided due to large quantaties of needed items, Look for small gas stations in desolate places and if the owner is still there offer them a safe place in return fill up every square inch of that truck with food but nothing that will go bad
#10 Keep on the lookout for a convoy to join, large groups of large trucks, power comes in numbers
#11 Keep well rested, every chance you get work on your cardio and muscle building, stay limber and flexible. If you are looking for me my convoy will already be on our way to KEY WEST
Yes it is highly populated but my crew will take care of that. Once the islands are clear and safe we will blow up the 7 mile bridge and there you go your own personal island free of the undead infection. I apologize if you do not make it there in time and if so there are many boats in key west and if you get a two way radio you can contact me on the VHF/UHF frequencies and i will arrange for a boat to pick you up immediatly.
Got some good ideas there. Except one small thing, I wouldn’t look for big huge numbers to join, the bigger the numbers, the more trouble there is. Stay in a small group of individuals that you would trust you absolute life with.
Thanks for commenting!
Q1: The 1-day supply is not enough, so that one is wrong. And the next-door neighbor is wrong because whatever happens to you will most certainly happen to him/her (same goes for Q2- use someone as far away from the mess as possible). Q3: Candles are useless outdoors, fresh fruit rots, and lighter fluid, while good for starting the zombie-q, doesn’t have many other uses. Cash is the answer because the ATMs and credit card processors won’t be working. Q4: Water weighs a pound per pint; carrying a 2 liter soda bottle is half the weight of a gallon and can more easily be stowed in a backpack. Q5: Minimum 3 days; a week is a better answer, especially out of urban areas. Q6: Battery powered radios will be the only things working in that list. And Thomas’ item 11 is right on the money- get to a secluded island and hole up.
And how long will you be able to survive on that island? You got a way to get off the island? How about the people that are on the island with you? Do you trust them? Are you sure they won’t go stark craving mad and try to kill everyone?
An island might be a really great place, but you must make absolutely sure that you’re with people that you absolutely trust with you life and that you have enough supplies to not only live on but to defend yourself with for at LEAST 3 months.
Thanks for commenting!
Q1.Out of the answers given 1day food supply is right. Unless you are in a safe area and you don’t have to be on the move that much you would stock up obviously.
Q2. You would use your neighbor because he is easiest to get a hold of and can immediately help out. What good is it getting a hold of somewhere far away because the apocalypse is happening everywhere.
Q3. It’s not always windy out doors. Lots of candles all you have to do is dig some wax out of the jar cut the rope and the rest of the jar will help protect the flame. Cash would be useless in a zombie apocalypse because everything would be looted or stolen not bought. Or things would be traded. Lighter fluid would be good because you can refill your lighter and it will help start a fire.. You need warmth to survive.
Q4.Really depends on your situation.
Q5. A week is a better answer except you prolly will only have a day to prepare.
Q6. Internet will actually be a really good source. You can log on from most cells and the internet isnt going to shut down right away. But.. I do agree the radio would be the best choice.
Great answers! I can see what you mean by the internet not going out. Cell phone reception probably wouldn’t go out for a while, either. But just to be safe, it’s always nice to have a ham radio as a backup to all those sources, just in case.
Thanks again for the comment!
One of the most important parts of any survival kit is the knowlege and planning that go with it. I’m in the military and every mission we do we also do a rehearsal prior… its for a reason.
Thomas b star has actually told everyone the number one thing to not do in a zombie apoc. Seclusion is your greatest weapon in the zombie war ad should be listed right under the nessecities to live. People attract problems
Survival guides can be your best friend here people… there’s even a couple apps if you don’t wantto buy the books. A small container for water is fine depending on the climate and the terrain type. every region has a way for you to harvest food and water from nature (even the desert can be managable with enough know how) and never hurts to know. Next time your bored go look up some survival techniques for your area, some places even have survival retreats that are pretty awesome.
You must also keep in mind that their quiz and this post was made to educate people on a basic 3 day survival plan. Going beyond that is a whole ‘nother story and a lot more complicated than the post above.
And you’re absolutely right about seclusion, if you’re going to be with people, be in a very small group of individuals that you trust with your heart and soul. Either that or be by yourself. Large groups will most definitely get you killed a lot quicker than if you were by yourself or in a small group.
Thanks for the comments!
this is hilarious. love it. my chapter is actually working on a zombie disaster plan. will share with you whenever its done
Not sure it was meant to be funny, but thanks! ;) Definitely share it when you get it done! Thanks for the comment.
I really liked the post, and it seems to me like you have the zombie apocalypse figured out. I’d come with you if I had the chance in that situation. I have a question though, I was thinking about a permanent solution to a zombie apocalypse. Is there any way to survive if you were the last “living” person on earth? I was thinking about different things that would ensure a steady supply of food and water.
Ex.
Wells
Garden
Indoor Garden
Generator
LED Grow Lights
Radio
Chargeable Batteries
A Crank Up Flashlight
But most people who actually BELIEVE that the zombie apocalypse is coming, don’t think about food or water or survival. They Just think about the amount of guns and ammo it would take for them to get to a gun store for even more guns and ammo. Do you know how to grow plants efficiently and get a steady amount of food? I also want to know what your plan for a zombie apocalypse is and how you would survive it. Thanks for reading this.
Hey Ace,
There’s absolutely a way to survive if you’re the last living person on Earth. There would be no change than if you were surviving with other people. For the zombie apocalypse you want to be prepared to be totally self-sustaining. Chances are you’ll be in a group so everyone will be working together to creating that sustainability. However, if you’re alone, you’d obviously be doing all that yourself. One thing to keep in mind about your list is, HOW are you going to charge the batteries? HOW are you going to keep that generator going? Solar power? Alternative fuel? Wind power? You’ll need additional, alternative resources in order to keep yourself sustained.
We’re in the process of putting together an eBook of sorts explaining our exact survival plan for SA and beyond. Everyone has their own opinions and ours will be mixed with other people’s views as well.
We do know how to grow plants and it’s our mission to help train others on those very survival tactics.
Thanks so much for the comment!
I was wondering, do you watch the series The Walking Dead, because if you do, I was wondering whether you think that the zombies would be more like that or sort of like just mindless things walking around and if they get shot anywhere, they would bleed out and won’t get blood to the brain and die.
Man that was a long sentence
Yes we do. If you’re apart of our social networks, we have a discussion about the show on a semi-weekly basis.
I like the zombies in The Walking Dead. They ARE mindless. They kind of jog a little, and only sometimes, but they don’t run, which I also like. They do exactly what they are supposed to do: feed on flesh. When they are not feeding on flesh, they are looking for flesh. That is their sole purpose in life, to feed on flesh.
Since they’re dead, their blood isn’t pulsing, so the blood would not rush to their brain when shot, it would just sort of splatter like it does in the show.