The CDC Zombie Apocalypse Guide You Had No Idea Existed

While the predictions of 16th-century French astrologer Nostradamus haven't always hit the mark, it may be time to start taking the guy a bit more seriously. For example, he foresaw a zombie apocalypse in 2021, something which we'd have laughed off in 2019. However, after the coronavirus pandemic swept in and ruined all our plans for the third decade of the 21st century, you're probably better off heeding the wacky warning. You know, just in case.

Luckily, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are one step ahead of you. According to Yahoo! Life, the CDC has been helping people prep for flesh-eating zombies since 2011 — and interestingly, the guide was last reviewed and updated in late February, 2021. You may have been playing Resident Evil for years, and are thinking, "What else do I need to do? I'm ready!" Well, you're definitely on the right track, but it's time to get real. Let's take a look at what the CDC says you need to do in order to be ready for the looming zombie apocalypse.

First off, you can breathe a sigh of relief — because the scientists at the CDC don't actually believe that a zombie apocalypse will occur. They created the CDC Zombie Preparedness guide as a fun way to get people to pay attention to disaster preparedness. Although hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes, blizzards, and other natural disasters are a much clearer and more present danger than zombies, they're simply not as entertaining. So the CDC found that using everyone's favorite "end of the world" was a better way to get people to take action. The site includes a blog, teachers' resources, a downloadable poster, and even a graphic novel.

Under the aptly named section "Better Safe Than Sorry," the CDC blog post outlines what you'll need to survive a zombie apocalypse and/or actual natural disaster. The list includes items like non-perishable food items, bottled water, meds, tools, sanitation supplies, and a first aid kit, and adds the caveat: "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."

The CDC zombie apocalypse guide has garnered praise from public health professionals — not because they believe such an event could happen, but because it is getting people to pay attention to the issue and actually take steps to be prepared for real natural disasters. So stock up. You never know!