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In the 16th century, French astrologer Nostradamus predicted that there would be a zombie apocalypse in 2021. And now it’s Actually 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention wants to make sure you’re ready… just in case.
The CDC recently updated the Zombie Preparedness section on its website – yes, that’s one thing. While the section is not new – it was originally launched in 2011 – it is interesting timing given that it was updated in the midst of a global pandemic that is occurring in just this year. ‘a predicted zombie apocalypse.
The CDC is making it clear online that this is a joke, even though it contains a serious message about the importance of disaster preparedness. “I wonder why zombies, zombie apocalypse, and zombie prep keep living or dying dead on a CDC website?” the landing page reads. “It turns out that what started as a tongue-in-cheek campaign to engage new audiences with readiness messages has proven to be a very effective platform. We continue to reach and engage a wide range of audiences on the all-risk preparedness via ‘zombie readiness.’ “
The CDC has lesson plans for teachers on how to prepare for the zombie apocalypse, a downloadable poster that reads, “Get a kit.” Make a plan. Be Prepared, ”next to a zombie face, and general disaster preparedness information.
In a related but not zombie section on preparation, the CDC talks about the importance of having certain tools around the house, like food, water, and medical supplies to last at least 72 hours. emergency supplies, medical records and an emergency supply of prescription drugs.
But the CDC also ties the zombie advice with a blog post that lists exactly what you must have been hiding in your home, in the event of a zombie apocalypse – it could help with other disasters, too. In addition to a gallon of water per person per day, the CDC recommends having first aid supplies available, noting, “Although you are a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat the basic cuts and lacerations you might have during a tornado or hurricane. “
The CDC did not respond to Yahoo Life’s request for comment.
Disaster preparedness experts and doctors seem to think the campaign is smart enough.
“I think it’s great,” John Sellick, professor at the Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of Buffalo, told Yahoo Life. “As we have seen with the coronavirus, disaster preparedness is crucial.”
Cheryl Nelson, FEMA Certified Natural Disaster Preparedness Instructor, Founder of Prepare with Cher, agrees. “I think it’s great,” she told Yahoo Life. “It’s definitely a source of attention and it makes prep fun. The more creatively we can get the message of prep, the better.”
The CDC “is just trying to make disaster preparedness accessible to different populations,” Mitchel A. Rosen, associate professor in the Department of Urban and Global Public Health at the Rutgers School of Public Health, told Yahoo Life. And, he says, framing the topic around a zombie apocalypse “makes it fun to learn about disaster preparedness.”
Lee Clarke, professor of sociology at Rutgers, State University of New Jersey, tells Yahoo Life that while zombie prep may seem “mundane, trivial, and fun on the surface,” he points out that “all the messages are there.” . “They just replace ‘zombie’ with ‘flood’ or ‘hurricane’,” he says. “Zombies are just more interesting, and that attracts people.”
While the packaging is original, Sellick stresses that the underlying message – prepare for the unexpected – is important and incredibly relevant at the moment. “Bottled water, flour, disinfectant spray, toilet paper… a year ago, it didn’t matter how much money you had. You couldn’t get your hands on certain things, ”he says. “Having a stock at home could have helped some of us. Obviously, most of us didn’t have enough of it.”
A lot of people have joked about a zombie apocalypse happening, but “2020 made something like this no longer seem so impossible,” Nelson says, adding, “It creates the state of mind:” Well, that go. If a global pandemic does occur, what’s next – zombies ?! Maybe I should prepare myself. ‘”
Although the zombie apocalypse is unlikely Actually happen, Nelson says families should consider their own disaster preparedness plan. “Have you ever thought that a global pandemic would happen in our lifetime? Wouldn’t you have wished you had a disaster preparedness kit with items like hand sanitizer, wipes, masks and toilet paper still needed when the pandemic struck? she said. “Take some time and prepare now. If you don’t want to prepare for yourself, prepare for your loved ones. Do it for them. They will thank you. “
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