Entry 4 - Tips for the budding Zombie Apocalypse Survivor

There's currently no change in Chris, and no sign of Thomas - I'm hoping he hasn't run into trouble. So I've decided to pass the time by writing down some tips for any people in the future who might read this. Read and take heed:

CLOTHING

• Needs to be tight fitting and flexible, nothing for a Zombie to grab hold of. You should also avoid 'loud' materials on your clothes - those swishy trousers are hard to sneak around in.
• Conventional body armour is useless. However, you can protect the most vulnerable zombie bite spots: ankle, wrists, neck and shoulders. Ankles with high leather boots, preferably steel capped- Useful for those times zombies are lurking under things. Wrists with any kind of bite-resistant material, I again use a leather band that protects my entire forearm but stays flexible - a little itchy and sweaty but worth it. Thomas uses long hand wraps used for martial arts although any tough material will do in a pinch. Neck and shoulders are less easily covered, I've sown in extra material on the shoulders but neck is bare for the moment, will improvise if i find the right thing. 
• Unless you stick near a water source, such as a river or lake, you will have limited opportunities to wash your clothes. You will smell. Bad. Ideally clothes should be replaced whenever you get a chance.

WEAPONS

• As always, and not yet fully understood why, a zombie can only be killed by massive trauma to the brain. In other words, aim for the head.
• Unless you're outside the UK or live on a farm, the likelihood you have access to a gun is very limited. If you can, get hold of one. However, DO NOT fire guns unless absolutely necessary. Guns are last resort weapons used only in a pinch or if being overrun. Now society is practically gone, the world is silent. A gunshot will draw zombies for miles around, revealing your position and reducing your chances of escape. Noise tends to draw zombies together into groups. These groups then move together, making them more dangerous.
• Blunt Melee weapons (such as bats or crowbars) are first choice for single or small groups of zombies. Piercing weapons, such as axes, are also ok, but are more likely to get stuck. With melee watch out for blood splatter! Safety goggles are handy if available. 

FOOD AND WATER

• Bottled water, rain water and boiled water are ideal. Other water sources, such as streams or rivers, may be potentially contaminated from Zombies up-stream. If possible, boil water taken from rivers. In the early days, bottled water will be plentiful, once this becomes diminished switch to other methods. Luckily, Britain has a fair amount of rainfall, develop a system to use this to collect water.
• Hoard food whenever possible. Ration it, consume only as needed. Consume in order of expiry dates. Perishable goods should be eaten first, canned goods eaten last. Remember, if you get ill from expired/uncooked food, there is no doctor to help you.
• Raid empty homes for food stores. The apocalypse happened so quickly a lot of people didn't have time to store or take food with them when trying to escape. 

SHELTER

• When arriving in a new property ensure the entire house is secure.
• Temporary housing can suffice with simple hiding. Keep quiet and out of sight, block line of sight through windows and block doors. Remaining undetected is first priority. A quick escape route should be decided between survivors beforehand.
• Longer term accommodation should be secured properly. Boarding up windows, with backup measures should the zombies break through (e.g. easily blockable stairs).
• Dead bodies need to be buried to protect from disease.

GENERAL

• Remember: If you injury yourself or become ill, there is no doctor! Normal diseases or ailments we used to easily be able to cure and now life threatening.
• The key to survival is being undetected. Zombies have sheer numbers on their side, fighting will only result in drawing in further zombies.
• Travel only during the day. While the zombies are actually less active during the night, a lack of electricity means nights are now pitch black. Using a flashlight will make you a giant glowing interest for zombies. Seek shelter before night fall.

Well, that's it for now!  A snap shot of knowledge, I'll add some more in the future.

Still surviving,
Katherine