Zombie Survival Guide – Home Preparations: Author Max Brooks on House Modifications and Supplies

In the New York Times Bestseller The Zombie Survival Guide , Max Brooks informs his readers how to detect and defend against the undead. Brooks includes detailed weapons knowledge and combat techniques in order to help humanity survive the zombies' attack. This book does not teach the public to become zombie hunters, but rather how to simply survive against these "subhuman beasts."

Preparing the Home for a Zombie Attack

When an attack begins, the majority of the population will probably attempt to flee. This, however, is the wrong approach to surviving against a zombie attack. With thousands of people on the roads, those stuck in traffic will more than likely be added to the undead horde. It is the survivalists who have prepared their own residence for the occasion that will have any chance of survival.

Although it is highly unlikely that any home has been built with defending against the living dead in mind, some homes will be better suited for such an attack than others. If a home is not ready, there are certain modifications that can be made in order to fortify the structure. Stilted homes, such as ones found near the beach, and tornado-proof "safe houses" will need the least amount of modification.

Modifications for Houses Appropriate for a Zombie Attack

Security bars on windows and doors have been shown to defend against a group of zombies for an allotted amount of time. However, research proves that as few as three zombies can break through these barriers in less than twenty-four hours. Tempered glass fixed with concrete or steel frames would be a great investment if against owning a stilted or tornado-proof domiciles.

A good chain-link fence can hold dozens of zombies for weeks. However, Brooks says a "ten foot cinder-block wall, reinforced with steel rods and filled with concrete, is the safest barrier" during an outbreak. If a gate is obtained, it should be steel or wrought-iron and solid if possible.

Advantages of Living in an Apartment During an Attack

First-floor apartments are extremely accessible which makes them highly dangerous. Individuals who live in an above ground level are almost always more protected than in any type of home. Above ground levels can be effectively isolated from the undead by cutting power to escalators and destroying any stairways.

Another bonus to defending within an apartment rather than private residence is numbers. Tenants of an apartment building can help one another by providing supplies, skills, and support, whereas a homeowner might be alone to defend against the zombies. Brooks mentions that social conflict might become an issue but the reader should always choose an apartment over private home.

Supplies Needed During a Zombie Attack

Ready for Attack

Before the virus spreads and the undead walk among the living, survivalists should make appropriate home purchases and modifications in order to secure their safety. Making these changes and obtaining these supplies is necessary for anyone hoping to properly defend against zombies. Also read about the Solanum virus and weapons advice for further preparation.

Brooks, Max. The Zombie Survival Guide. THREE RIVERS PRESS New York, New York. 2003

The copyright of the article Zombie Survival Guide – Home Preparations in Sci-Fi/Fantasy Fiction is owned by Terah Talley. Permission to republish Zombie Survival Guide – Home Preparations in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Oct 21, 2009 3:30 PM

Andrew Rodgers :

Great advice throughout.
The problem with apartments however, is fire. Zombies have a nasty habit of messing with wiring and setting themselves ablaze. It's unclear as to whether they are fault finding or out to steal the copper wire but the outcome is generally the same. Zombies, cruising around, arms outstretched and engulfed in flames. Inevitably brushing against anything remotely flammable and setting buildings on fire. It's their modus operandi.
Somehow 5 fire extinguishers doesn't seem enough unless the objective is to put out the zombie.

Prisons however seem to be the perfect place for defense against the walking dead, undead or companionably challenged (whichever the politically correct term is nowadays). Prisons are easy to empty, just open the doors.
There will be plenty of food, clothing (albeit not particularly fashionable), gymnasiums, libraries, a large choice of en suite accommodation and its perfectly safe. In fact, unless zombies can fly helicopters, prison is a five star choice.

Choose life. Choose prison.