Zombie Apocalypse Survival: Building Your Team

In the increasing likely event that we will someday (soon?) experience a Zombie Apocalypse I think it’s important that we take time out occasionally to prepare, mentally and physically.

But mostly mentally.

Here’s the thing. It’s going to be crazy, hectic, troubled world out there and it’s going to be important to have a “team” that you can trust and count on to help you survive.

RESOURCES: You’re going to need someone who is resourceful to make sure that your team has food, water, weapons, ammunition and shelter. The basics of survival will be the same as they were during war times 150 years ago, before electricity, television, internet, plumbing, etc. You need to have someone with you who can navigate this world right away and help bring the rest of you up to speed with the new order. Whether your resource specialist can farm, hunt, steal, pillage or create from thin air – it doesn’t matter. They just need to make it happen so you can live.

HEALTH CARE: Also, very importantly, you’re going to want someone with some sort of first aid or medical training. Unfortunately, basic CPR isn’t going to cut it here. Hopefully you’ll have someone who can deal with deep cuts (stitches), broken bones (setting and splinting) and, if you’re lucky, natural medicines. It would be a bonus if they also had some massage or pressure point experience to get those small issues taken care of before they become larger issues that can slow you all down.

SMART GUY: You’ll also want a geek. A nerd. Someone who’s really smart. Especially when it comes to maths and sciences. Who knows what you’re going to be able to learn about Zombies as you continue on with your new life. And, you’re going to need them to help you get out of some tough situations. They will also be helpful when it comes to finding safe shelter. This isn’t a world with jocks and nerds anymore… but if it were ain’t nobody getting bullied – unless you wanna die by Zombie bite!

COMBAT: Having someone with weapons or combat experience will also be a HUGE plus for your group. Knowing more than just how to fire a gun is needed to win the battles that will continue to grant you survival. You need someone who understands attacks and retreats and strategy and the general (and advanced) in-and-outs of fighting. It’s the awful truth that at some point you’re going to have to spend some significant time killing/eliminating/handling Zombies. It’s going to suck, but you’re going to need to do it and do it well. Good luck.

BONUS SPOT: You want someone in your team that can make you laugh. I know it sounds stupid at first. And it’s not a traditional survival skill. But having someone that can make you laugh could just save a whole lot of lives. The stress levels during the Zombie Apocalypse will be through the roof. And with very good reason. But while stress can bring on a sense of urgency that is needed to get things done, it can also make you snap. Snapping will not help your cause. In fact, it can and will lead to in-fighting, reckless behaviour and who knows what else. Having someone in the group that can tell stories and remember the funny things in life and help lighten the mood (when appropriate – that’s a very key point) could prove to be an invaluable asset.

Hopefully there will be more of you than just 5. Ideally you’d have more than one person who fits nicely into some of these categories. It would be even better if you were one of them.

But perhaps most importantly, everyone on your team needs to have the will it will take to survive, to never give up, to live through hell. Because it will be hard and dirty and people will die.

I wish you luck.