Don't be fooled by what the news, the government and basic human logic tells you. The zombie apocalypse is upon us, and you have to be prepared.
Luckily, there are plenty of helpful DIY tips on what to do when the imminent threat arrives. From TV shows like The Walking Dead to Internet forums dedicated to zombie know-how, there are thousands of ways to fortify yourself for survival.
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Zombie prep should never be left to the last minute -- unless you happen to like the taste of brains for dinner.
Prepping Your Food
Before and after disaster strikes, you will need to make sure your food supply is non-perishable. There are plenty of ways to keep food fresh, such as dehydrating, canning and salt-curing.
1. A Beginner's Guide to Canning
You can preserve almost any fruit or vegetable for weeks or months longer than keeping them in the fridge.
2. How to Preserve Chicken With a Pressure Canner
Pressure canning is another great method for prepping food, especially meat, for long periods of time.
3. How to Dehydrate a Watermelon
Not only is dehydrating great for preserving and storing fruits like watermelon, it's practically like eating candy.
4. How to Store and Cure Garlic
Spices and food flavorings like garlic are going to be scarce in the post-zombie world. It's best to stock up now.
5. How to Dry Cure Meat
If you ever want to taste bacon again while you're dodging brain-eaters, you might want to look into dry curing your own stock.
Building Emergency Kits
When it's go-time, make sure you've got a good 72-hour emergency kit for hitting the road. Build smaller kits for when you'r fighting the zombie hoards in the wilderness.
1. How to Make a 72-Hour Emergency Kit
The best way to get yourself started on your new life is to make sure you're set for the first three days.
2. Altoids Tin Survival Kit
You'd be surprised at how many essential items you can fit in an Altoids tin.
3. Pill Bottle Survival Kit
For all those tiny objects you do not want to lose when you're really in a jam.
4. Coffee Can Survival Kit
Abandoned coffee cans can become useful storage items, especially if you're struggling to keep organized out there.
5. Baby Food Container Matchbox
Throw out your cardboard matchbox -- the last thing you need is soggy matches.
Searching for Shelter
Every single piece of zombie lore says the same thing: stay out of the cities. And while many people will assume to build fallout shelters or camp in tents, do not be swayed by this. Haven't you ever seen Night of the Living Dead? (Spoiler alert: Everyone who went into the basement died first.)
Your best option is to find a secure, mostly concrete building with few windows and doors. And perch yourself up high. For the most part, zombies are not good climbers.
Stay high, avoid this guy:
Survival Skills
In order to fight zombie hoards, you need to keep your survival skills up to snuff. This means two things: using everything in your environment to your advantage, and channeling your inner MacGyver.
1. How to Make Pine Resin Glue
When your matches run out, use the environment around you for sources of light and heat.
Just because you're out in the wilderness doesn't mean you need to skimp on hot meals.
Use the power of the sun to ensure you have clean drinking water.
Candle wax is in short supply, but you can always use what's leftover at the abandoned grocery store to light your way.
5. How to Make a Compass
Do not get lost while you're seeking shelter.
6. How to Make a Flashlight From an Altoids Tin
These tiny, strong and versatile tins will be extremely valuable in the new world.
7. How to Make Char-Cloth
Even when there's no wood to start a fire, you can still get a blaze going in no time.
8. How to Make an Emergency Heater From a Coffee Can
When the heat goes out, use your new-found MacGuyver skills to keep yourself warm.
9. DIY Fire Starters
Who's to say what your new environment will be like? Make sure you've got some emergency kindling.
10. How to Use a Lemon for Electricity
You probably won't need your smartphone in the new zombie world -- but always be prepared.
11. Open a Can Without a Can Opener
Stock up on canned foods. They're a lot easier to have around than you think.
Settling Down
Congratulations! You've found a suitable shelter for you and your party of other zombie-fighting survivors. The times are hard, but there's still more work to be done.
Chances are, your new place is in need of essential upgrades to make it more livable, and it might take a little improvising.
1. How to Build an Herb Garden
Now you've got the time, you can finally start growing all your favorite greens again.
2. How to Make a Fridge Without Electricity
Keep things cold while you're still figuring out that whole electricity thing.
3. How to collect rain for drinking water
Keep your entire party hyrated by harnessing all the gifts of Mother Nature.
4. How to Build a Solar Oven
You will taste bread again. One day.
Helpful Crafts and Skills
There's not a lot of time for leisure in this post-zombie life, but there are a few things you can do to make life a little easier.
1. How to Waterproof Your Shoes
Keep your feet high and dry while your marching through all kinds of swampy terrain.
2. Paracord Survival Bracelets
You never know when you'll need a spare piece of rope, or a trendy fashion statement.
3. How to Make Baskets From Plastic Bags
Make use of all the leftover plastic bags lying around for some handy storage.
BONUS: 10 Must-Haves for Zombie-Lovers
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