Did you know...the U.S. CDC believes in Zombies?

Mooney, A. (2012, June 21). Surviving a zombie apocalypse. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from The Chronicle: http://bigblog.dukechronicle.com/news/surviving-a-zombie-apocalypse/

      I have begun to research outside of "The Walking Dead" show about zombies and I came across some interesting information...the U.S. CDC uses zombie apocalyptic scenarios to teach the American public about how to prepare for disasters. They have a site Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse (Khan, 2011) explaining why they use zombies, gives a history of zombies, they even have a blog where they have used the TV Series "The Walking Dead" for teachable moments during a zombie apocalypse! (Silver, 2012) Much like the TV Series portrayed the CDC would be involved in trying to find how the zombie infection started, is spread and how to contain it...like stated in this quote:

 "If zombies did start roaming the streets, CDC would conduct an investigation much like any other disease outbreak. CDC would provide technical assistance to cities, states, or international partners dealing with a zombie infestation. This assistance might include consultation, lab testing and analysis, patient management and care, tracking of contacts, and infection control (including isolation and quarantine). It’s likely that an investigation of this scenario would seek to accomplish several goals: determine the cause of the illness, the source of the infection/virus/toxin, learn how it is transmitted and how readily it is spread, how to break the cycle of transmission and thus prevent further cases, and how patients can best be treated. Not only would scientists be working to identify the cause and cure of the zombie outbreak, but CDC and other federal agencies would send medical teams and first responders to help those in affected areas" (Khan, 2011)

Prevention, C. f. (2012, June 14). Publications Order Forms. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/phpr.aspx

     The CDC also gives helpful tips for disasters rather real like hurricanes, tornadoes, or fictional like the zombie apocalypse, on how to survive. Some tips are to stock pile enough of these materials to last at least a few days:

• Water (1 gallon per person per day)
• Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
• Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
• Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
• Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc.)
• Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
• Important documents (copies of your driver’s license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few)
• First Aid supplies (although you’re a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane)
• Develop an emergency plan with your family. This includes where you would go and who you would call. (Khan, 2011)

      The U.S. Army has even credited the zombie apocalypse for helping prepare the youth of today for disasters. (Dehart, 2013) (Click on the U.S. Army link to see the article) Leave it up to the U.S. Government to use such a cool way to educate the public!  Hey, maybe Area 51 is to teach us about Astrology, you think?

Check out the CDC website!

Works Cited

Khan, A. S. (2011, May 16). Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from    
            Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2011/05
            /preparedness-101-zombie-apocalypse/

Silver, M. (2012, February 7). Teachable Moments – Courtesy of The Walking Dead on AMC. 
            Retrieved May 1, 2013, from Center for Disease Control and Prevention: http://blogs.cdc.gov
            /publichealthmatters/2012/02/thewalkingdead/  

Sgt. 1st Class Christopher Dehart, U. (2012, April 11). Hurrican 'Z' makes landfall; Max Brooks joins
           Army North's hurricane rehearsal. Retrieved May 1, 2013, from WWW.ARMY.MIL:    
           http://www.army.mil/article/100871
           /Hurricane_Z_makes_landfall_Max_Brooks_joins_Army_North_s_hurrican_rehersal/