Let’s face it, there’s a pretty slim chance of the zombie apocalypse ever happening. But on that off chance that the undead do take over the earth as we know it, growing in numbers with every successful hunt for brains, then it really pays to be prepared. Or, if you would prefer to think about it another way: it pays to be prepared in any event that separates you from the conveniences of technology, transport and mass communication.
A lot of the following activities can be applied just as well to, say, an earthquake event, but they are doubly crucial for the zombie apocalypse. These activities will teach you how to nourish yourself, create a communication system, defend against brain-hungry intruders and patch yourself up in case of a medical issue. Of course, this article is just a jumping off point, and it’s up to you to seek these activities out… if you want to survive!
Foraging
Everybody needs to eat. Zombies can get by just fine on brains, but the rest of us need a bit more of a balanced diet. Thankfully, before agricultural practices turned humans sedentary, people were pretty adept at finding food in the wild, and some of those practices have been passed down. In fact, there has even been a rise in popularity recently of foraging among fine dining restaurants. Learn how to pick berries and mushrooms that will not kill you, as well as how to spot wild herbs, vegetables, roots, etc. As an added bonus, you can learn how to hunt large and small game.
Ham Radio Building
Amateur radio building has been around since the radio was invented. There are a plethora of online resources and communities online that will help you in your quest to build a radio. But since there probably won’t be the internet after the zombies take over, you might want to start learning now. Check out this video, which is a pretty solid introduction to the materials and steps required to build a radio.
Axe Throwing
You can’t rely on guns in the zombie apocalypse, so it is just going to have to be axes, but good luck trying to fend off an oncoming zombie with terrible aim. Brush up on your axe throwing before the end times hit by joining an axe throwing league. Of all the activities on the list, this one is definitely the most fun, since you get to compete by throwing axes at a wooden target, sort of like a more badass game of darts – learn more about axe throwing by following the link.
First Aid
Listen, the zombie apocalypse doesn’t need to hit for this one to be relevant. If you work a job around other people, or if you like the idea of being able to take of yourself or others in the event of an emergency, you should take a first aid course. Often, employers will even look for a first aid certificate during a hiring process.
Campfire Cooking
Don’t expect to have the modern convenience of an oven or stove when the undead take over. Instead, get more familiar with cooking over an open flame. There are a few steps to a successful campfire cook: preparing the embers; preparing and positioning the food, either by skewering or placing it over a grate; and being able to determine doneness. Even if the zombie apocalypse doesn’t happen, this is a pretty impressive skill to possess, and will win you many friends (and perhaps even snare you a partner) on your next camping trip.
Auto Maintenance
Welcome to the wide world of auto maintenance. The jury is still out whether people will still have access to automobiles during the zombie uprising, but, just in case you do, it pays to be ready. From the basics, like learning to change a tire or perform an oil change, to more complex tasks like replacing the spark plugs and engine air filters, you can learn a lot on AutoEducation, an online auto maintenance resource. Or you can enrol in a local course – car repair and maintenance is a pretty popular subject, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding a class.
Whether or not zombies really do take over and threaten civilization as we know it, these six activities are still worthwhile. They are fun, engaging and useful in a number of different contexts. It’s just an added bonus that they might help you survive an army of the undead.