5 Survival Tips Inspired by The Walking Dead

5 Real World Survival Tips Inspired by The Walking Dead

What would you do, if the world ended tomorrow? It’s a heavy question and one that television shows like AMC’s The Walking Dead and other post-apocalyptic entertainment explore deeply.

Doesn’t sound familiar?

In case you’ve been taking a TV hiatus for 8 years, The Walking Dead follows a group of unlikely companions trying to survive a post-apocalyptic world infested with a zombie outbreak.

Okay yeah, some of the show isn’t all that realistic — after all, it’s a show about zombies. However, we can still take away some essential survival tips all while appreciating The Walking Dead for what it is, entertainment.

1. Use The Buddy System

You know the scene in every zombie movie or TV show ever where the team turns to each other with a decision to make and somebody says, “let’s split up?”

Yeah, you know the one I’m talking about. There’s something to be said about safety in numbers and having a buddy with you just in case something were to go wrong. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or doing anything adventurous, having an extra set of eyes looking out for you is always a good idea.

2. Have A Bug Out Bag

Next thing to consider is your Bug Out Bag. Don’t have one? Get one put together ASAP. Its job is to help you carry anything you might need in a hurry if you need to get away. It’s great to have around in case of natural disasters, an army of flesh-eating zombies, or just about any SHTF situation.

What you put in your bug out bag depends on you, and your environment, but a good place to start is the bag itself. It should be weatherproof, strong, and comfortable even when it’s packed full. It should have a chest strap and padded support straps, with high-quality zippers, clips, snaps, and ideally, it’ll come with lots of space to strap more gear using the MOLLE system.

Your Bug Out Bag should be full of stuff you’ll need to survive a minimum of 72 hours. That’s typically how long one could wait for help during a disaster or catastrophe event. Results may vary on the zombie apocalypse front, but it’s still a decent estimate of time.

Be prepared for just about any situation, your bug-out bag should include:

• Water & Water Purification Method
• Firemaking Tools
• Pancho/Warmth Gear
• First Aid Kit
• A tarp or other shelter equipment
• Flashlight
• A phone and 2-watt radios for communication
• Bedding
• Basic hygiene item
• A multi-tool with at least a knife and can opener
• Rope
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• A container to cook food and boil water
• Duct Tape (love this stuff)

Along with water, food is also important. Hunger can bring down morale, can sap your energy, and leave you disoriented. Great options for food to add to your Bug Out Bag include:

• Jar of peanut butter
• Protein bars
• Canned meats
• Beef jerky
• Instant rice or mashed potatoes

These are foods that are portable, small, and packed with protein and carbs for energy. If you keep them rationed, they should keep you going for a while.

And for the avid Walking Dead fan, check out this Walking Dead inspired bug out bag.

3. Fire & Water

There are two very basic and essential skills that are crucial to survival: You need to be able to make a fire and you need to be able to source clean water. It would be impossible to carry enough water bottles in your Bug Out Bag to keep you hydrated, especially if you’re not alone.

Luckily, you have several other options. Boiling water is one water purification method and all it needs is a fire and a container for the water. To save space in your bag, you may opt for iodine tablets or crystals. Iodine solutions or chlorine drops are a great option since they’re portable and easy to use but read the instructions carefully, so you don’t ingest too much.

4. Find Shelter

In a zombie infested world, you’d probably happen upon an abandoned structure like a farmhouse, warehouse, or prison that you could use as a shelter or home base. More than likely, though, you’ll have to build a shelter yourself. Carrying a tarp in your bug out bag is a great idea. It’s multipurpose, waterproof and can be made into a makeshift tent.

5. Keep Calm & Carry On

A big part of surviving any SHTF moment is psychological and keeping your head on straight. Stay calm. Panicking only makes it difficult to think and it can have an effect on your body, increasing your heart rate and making you sweat which burns through much-needed calories faster.

When you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, practice deep breathing to get your body regulated back to normal. If you’re in a group, keep in communication with each other. Having people who look out for you makes a big difference. If you find yourself alone, finding ways to keep yourself mentally occupied can make a big difference.

Although the chances of a post-apocalyptic zombie-infested world are highly unlikely (I think,) the reality is that your world could change at a moments notice and you need to be prepared for it. Have a Walking Dead survival tip of your own?

Author Bio: AJ is the chief visionary and doer of things at The Nexus Initiative, proud Eagle Scout and lover of all things Sci-Fi.