Preps, Knowledge, and Peace of Mind During the Disaster: My tornado outbreak story from April 27, 2011

The day was April 27, 2011. We were pounded by tornado after tornado here in the south. I live in East Ridge, TN and just a few hundred yards from Rinngold, GA. Rinngold was hit hard enough to make national news and many people lost their lives that day. I was at work while Tara and the newborn were at home. At 10:00am a group of us were standing outside at work on break when the first storm hit. A small tornado came right over our building and it was over before we even had time to react. Luckily, it was very small and only knocked about a dozen trees down and we all escaped without harm. I immediately looked at the weather on my cell phone and saw that the potential for more extremely violent storms was fairly good. For the next couple of hours I kept a close eye on the situation.

At around noon I decided that work could kiss my ass. It was time to get home to protect my family. I didn't even ask the boss man permission to leave. I told him that these storms were only going to get worse and I was going to leave before that happened. I also advised him he should release everyone else to go home too before another tornado hit. I arrived home and grabbed the bug out bag; filled my 5 gallon collapsible water container and made sure the radio had a charge and placed all of that at the mouth of the basement. I have a nice little entrance there my return air goes under the house which is under ground and as soon as I go in and turn left I have a nice little "room" protected by a massive boulder. I did add a hatchet and crowbar to the stash at the last minute. The hatchet now lives in the bug out bag. I thought, if my house did get hit by a tornado at least I would have some tools to help dig ourselves out. Though I am pretty confident that my tornado safe area is safe, I cannot help what may block my exit-way in the event that a tornado takes my house.

At around 1:40 p.m., the local weather man began warning us of a potential tornado that was likely to hit near my house. We strapped the baby into his car seat for protection, grabbed his diaper bag (which we had packed with hot water and formula) and headed downstairs. I turned the TV up loud enough to hear it under the house and we all huddled up and waited out the storm. The baby seemed to think it was fun, Tara was very nervous, as any new mother with a baby would be during a possible deadly storm and as for me, I don't normally do well with storms but I knew I had to keep calm for my family which seemed to come extremely easy to me at this moment and I will explain why later. We didn't lose power during that tornado so I could still hear the TV. After about 35 minutes under the house, we could hear the weather man tell us we were safe, at least for now.

Stick suck 6-7" into ground

I knew we would probably see more tornadoes because the storm that had hit Alabama so hard was moving towards us. I put some lawn chairs in our safe zone just to add some comfort. I had left everything else in place underneath the house. At around 3:15 p.m. the local weather man was warning us to head for cover again so we went back down into our safe zone and waited out the storm. It was fairly quiet down there but I could see through the vents in my foundation and it was storming very hard. The radio station lost power. On the radio, we heard the weather man say "There is something moving right over East Ridge in the Camp Jordan area. Get-----(silence-------." The Camp Jordan area is very specific and small. My house in in it. We heard trees snapping and the power went out. That is when the charged radio went into action. The local radio stations were streaming the weather on their stations. After waiting it out until we heard it was safe we walked out to assess the damage. We had a tree down over our carport; luckily it didn't damage it. It kill get the fence though. Another massive tree fell across the road and took out the power lines. The neighbors had some trees down. I found a stick lodged about 6-7" into the ground from the high-speed tornadic winds. We were luckily. Just right down the road, across the state line, a hell had broke loose. A motel collapsed, a full fast food restaurant was demolished, homes were destroyed, the reports kept coming in and they were gruesome. We were not out of the water yet though. We went back under the house three or four more times that night. Vehicles could not make it down our road.

Big tree that knocked down our power lines. I but the trunk was 4ft in diameter.

The morning after was busy. Chainsaws were ripping and all of the men were pulling debris to the sides of the road. Neighbors came together and made our road passable. I was prepared with a generator so we could take coffee breaks and keep the bare essentials in my house running. We went only four days without electricity but some went for weeks. The whole event was a learning experience. I learned that I do have a sufficient skill set to get by in a localized disaster situation. I also realized that I needed to take my fuel stock piles more seriously. Those generators don't run on water. When I look back on that dreadful night I realize that my preps and knowledge helped me to stay calm when I knew that my house could be the next one to be thrown into the sky.

The next few nights days and nights were interesting. Most of the people living on my road were trapped on the road unless they wanted to take a very long walk. Emergency vehicles couldn't even make it down the road. Since I had a generator I could turn the TV on when the local news came on. Looters were becoming a problem in the area. I always have a firearm ready to go but I posted more up in various spots around the house. I also stayed outside a lot. That showed any potential looters that this street was not vacant even though it looked like it was by day 2. Most of the neighbors had walked out to go stay with friends or family. I think it was on night 3 that it got interesting. By then the road was passable but power was still out. A black man in his older twenties knocked on a door two houses down from me. He claimed that he had been beaten up down near the railroad tracks and walked up the road for help. The homeowner told him that he would call the police for him but he needed to stay on the porch. He called the police and by the time the man got back to the door the victim was gone. It turned out that he was a looter and knocked to make sure the house was empty.

Not all preppers are tin hat wearing, paranoid, dooms day seeking people. We are generally normal people that just understand that shit happens and it is our responsibility to take care of our selves when the it does happen. Governments on all levels do not have the man power to support everyone and most people will need help because they accept being herded through life like sheep. Everyone needs to have an emergency plan and some fundamental supplies. More importantly, everyone needs to understand how to survive. That includes knowledge, skills and metal stability; the prior two help with the latter.

ZS Recourses

• Emergency Documentation Template by ZS-If you to not have an emergency documentation package your NEED to get one. I have created this free template for you to just download and fill out.
• The Bug Out Bag-This an ever-changing list of items for your bug out bag. This is for a Large b.o.b. I will make lists for various sized bags later. The Bug Out Bag is one of the first things any survivalist should take care of.
• State by State ZS Corps-This is a list of state branches of ZS. There are many states still available and need an administrator. Let me know if you are interested. These are facebook pages that will connect ZS readers on a local level. These could be very handy in a disaster granted you have facebook access.

• Be sure to find us on facebook and follow ZS on Twitter. Just look at the top tight of this page for links

Mylar can save your life

Mylar was developed in the 1950's as part of a project for NASA. It was used to make the balloons on the Echo Satellites launched in the 1960's. While it was developed for the space program it wasn't long until people started realizing it's true potential. Mylar is one of those products that just keep saying "I would be good at this." It has too many uses to list. Have you seem Space Blankets? They are made from Mylar. Since this is a survival based blog most of those uses don't need to be mentioned anyways. Mylar film has some excellent survival attributes, among them are:
1. Reflects existing light in a room to increase the total light from the source.
2. Helps indoor plant seedlings get more light by reflecting the grow lights or low sunlight.
3. Line solar ovens for faster cooking.
4. Increases outdoor plant growth in low light situations or when temperatures are low.
5. Can scare birds away from your seedlings or berries when they see their own reflections.
6. Could increase effectiveness of a solar dehydrator.

7. Mylar bags can be used for long term food storage

8. Mylar reflects a lot of heat which makes it ideal for a survival shelter construction.

9. ....and many more

Not only is Mylar great for retaining body heat. It is also great for protecting you from the sun in the form of a lean-to shade structure. Mylar it also moisture proof. Moisture will not seep through the film. That also makes it great for collecting water and rain water. You should add 2 Mylar blankets for each person in your home to each of you vehicles, bug out bags, 72 hour kits, survival kits, etc. There is no excuse not to. Mylar blankets are cheap and very compact.

I have never seen this but I have been told that you can start a fire with Mylar. You can line a bowl with Mylar, place some kindling in the center, and point it at the most direct sun rays. Like I stated before, I have never seem it. If you have see it done be sure to leave a comment in the comment box on the bottom of this page. If you have any other survival uses for Mylar, and there are many more, be sure to comment.

Thank you for reading Zombie Splatter: Helping you stay alive because tomorrow counts. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and join our YouTube account. We will be posting some videos soon. While you at it share us with your friends too.

Zombified via Rabies

I am of firm belief that the most likely way that a zombie outbreak can actually occur is through a mutated-rabies outbreak.  If you have been a Zombie Splatter reader for very long you know that I don't think the dead will rise from their graves. Zombies will be the product of some mutated virus, fungus, or gene. Rabies is, for the most part, very much under control in the modern world but rabies is caused by the lyssa virus. Viruses often change and adapt to become stronger or more resistant to mans defenses. Especially when modified by a super-bug such as NDM-1.

One small change in the lyssa virus's genetic code can make it resistant to rabies vaccination. And if my research is correct the lyssa virus( from here it will simply be called lyssa) is already resistant to antibiotics. So you may wonder what this means to you and how it could result in a zombie outbreak. First off, I have always stated that zombies will not be dead people rising from the ground like you see on TV. The most realistic scenario that will result in a zombie outbreak is the unleashing of an unstoppable virus that changes humans mental state. Here is a break down:

• Lyssa mutates in some sort of wildlife----->infected wildlife infects domesticated animal(s)----->domesticated animal(s) pass the modified rabies to a person/people----->we pass it among ourselves

Q: But what make rabies dangerous?

A: Rabies causes inflammation in the brain which often results in violence and increases strength and senses.        It has a similar effect as an adrenaline dump does.

The first symptoms can appear from a few days to more than a year after the bite happens. Someone infected with rabies may develop many symptoms. A few are:

· Irritability
· Excessive movements
· Confusion
· Aggressiveness
· Bizarre/abnormal thoughts
· Muscle spasms
· Abnormal postures
· Seizures
· Weakness in a part of the body
· Extreme sensitivity to bright lights, sound or touch
· Increased production of saliva or tears
· Difficulty speaking


When the infection spreads to the nervous system the symptoms can become advanced. Such symptoms are:

· Double vision
· Problems moving facial muscles
· Abnormal movements of the diaphragm and muscles that control breathing
· Difficulty swallowing and increased production of saliva, causing the “foaming at the mouth” effect.

You need to learn what type of wildlife is prone to carrying rabies in your area. They are a threat to you, your family, pets, and any other living thing they come near. Their meat is also inedible. How do you destroy a rabid raccoon? (those PETA idiots will hate this(: ) You destroy the host. Just frikin shoot it if it shows the symptoms listed above. If you are city limits you probably can't legally shoot it. Call animal control. Tell them you think you saw a rabid coon.

 

Dave Canterbury of Dual Survival and The Pathfinder School

If you have ever watched Dual Survival on the Discovery Channel then you should recognize Dave Canterbury. He, along with Cody Lundin, host the survival tv series. Mr. Canterbury is infamous in survivalist circles and he teaches survival techniques at The Pathfinder School.

Dave Canterbury has over 20 years of experience in both military and civilian training. Using his vast experience he created the Pathfinder System. This is a simplified military style training system that teaches wilderness self-reliance on a new level. It is simple to understand and is based on a 10 Block 3 Phase regimen. This system contains a wealth of outdoor knowledge that will benefit anyone who wishes to venture out into the great outdoors so that they may be confident in the natural environment.

He is well known for having posted over 300 survival videos on YouTube, a web based video forum, as a freely available teaching resource containing his knowledge and experience on survival techniques.

Dave won the Traditional Archery Nationals in the Self Bow class in 2006, and is an avid bowhunter and sportsman. Passing these traditions and lessons along to the next generation are at the core of his philosophies.

He also sponsors the Pathfinder Youth Program, a non-profit organization that was created to help youth groups in local ministries to enjoy the outdoors and receive training on the invaluable skills taught in the Pathfinder System.

Dave is currently filming the survival series called "Dual Survival" for the Discovery Network that is scheduled to air in June 2010.

Dave Canterbury is available for all aspects of training from group team building at the corporate level to Scout troop outings. He is also available as a guest speaker upon request. He is knowledgeable in both Film work and Television, and is also available as a consultant. See Bio Page for further info.

You can visit the Pathfinder School webpage at http://www.thepathfinderschoolllc.com

 

Survivology 101: The science of fire

Survivology 101: The science of fire:

The science of fire

Many of you are aware of the fire triangle and the fire pyramid (yes they are different) but how many of you REALLY understand the science behind these catchy terms?

A quick review: The fire triangle is heat, fuel, and oxygen or sometimes referred to as air. Picture a triangle and if you remove any one of the sides the triangle loses support and collapses. Remove any piece of the fire triangle and the fire goes out. This is a fortunate effect as you will understand soon, if you don't already.


And the fire pyramid which is tinder, kindling, and fuel not to be confused with the pyrimid fire that is unrelated to this article. A pyrimid is unlike a triangle in that it is built on a stable platform and can support itself.

Fire is a chemical process known as oxidation:
In this process oxygen combines with hydrogen and carbon, together the atoms rearrange and form water and carbon dioxide. This energy causes heat, the same process takes place when metal rusts but the apparent lack of heat is due to a much lengthier time involved.

But who cares about that nerd stuff here is some more nerd stuff to ponder!

Wood gas is a syngas, also known as producer gas, which is produced by thermal gasification of biomass or other carbon-containing materials such as coal in a gasifier or wood gas generator. It is the result of two high-temperature reactions (above 700 °C (1,292 °F)): an exothermic reaction where carbon burns to CO2 but is then reduced partially back to CO (endothermic); and an endothermic reaction where carbon reacts with steam, producing carbon monoxide (CO), molecular hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2).

In several gasifiers, the actual gasification process is preceded by pyrolysis, where the biomass or coal turns into char, releasing methane (CH4) and tar rich in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Other gasifiers are fed with previously pyrolysed char. Wood gas is flammable because of the carbon monoxide, hydrogen, and methane content. According to Wikipedia...I love Wikipedia.

Now for the important parts...When heat is applied to carbon fuel IE: wood, it immediately begins to break it down to the pyrolysis process (char) which brakes down further as described above, releasing wood gas that is ignited by the extreme heat. When we interrupt this process such as when making char cloth we create a fuel that requires very little energy from heat to initiate the rest of the process because it does not have to first dry out the fuel and then break it down, it is already there.

NOTE: Remember that the process of breaking down carbon releases basically water and carbon dioxide, this will be revisited when we talk about food and the survival diet.

So when we use a small heat source on a small fuel IE: tinder it will be sufficient to complete the process were it is insufficient on larger materials. This why we use tinder, then kindling, and lastly larger fuel wood in a gentle slow progress that supports itself and allows the fire to grow. This is exactly why you cannot light a log with a little match. This is important to us because in order to BUILD a fire for survival we have to understand where we can take shortcuts and where physics will simply not allow short cuts no matter how cold or in need you are. Fire does not respond to tantrums and believe me I have seen some tantrums.

In a friction fire, material selection aside we have to be able to create sufficient tinder (the char) heat from friction and air flow based on the size of the char particles and the arrangement that they fall in (the lay). When you practice friction fire and find success pay close attention to the char particles shape size and lay. That is what you are trying to reproduce time and time again. It is the most under studied portion of the friction fire process and in my opinion the most important.

So heat oxidized the carbon eventually releasing woodgas that is ignited by the heat creating more heat. the greater heat is capable of braking down larger fuel etc. etc.

Have you ever noticed that when a fire is burning it appears to dance on top of the log not actually touching it. That is the wood gas escaping the biomas (fuel) and carborizing (mixing with oxygen) to allow combustion. sometime you may even see a gas pocket burn out of the side of the fuel like a little torch, that is because it is escaping the fuel under pressure, just like turning up the bellows fan on a forge. If you can crank up the airflow you increase the heat, you can even increase the heat to forging temperature if you are clever. Of course this will also increase the fuel consumption and reduce the waste IE: less smoke.

There is an equal amount of science involved in controlling the smoke on the fire to create more or less as your needs change. I may visit that topic in the future. And of course there are more factors to consider when using chemical fuels to generate a fire but these are the basics and are true in all carbon fuel cases. Honestly it is amazing to me that a cigarette tossed carelessly out of a car window can create such large wildfires if you think about all the factors that you must consider in order to light a campfire.

HAVE FUN WITH IT, BE SAFE AND RESPONSIBLE.

The next time that you are sitting around watching the woodsman's TV. Pay close attention to all the little chemical processes that are happening in all the stages. It is more educational than the Discovery Channel.

Norseman

The Bug Out Bag

 This is a copy of the Zombie Splatter BOB page. The page will be updated periodically.

Here is a list of supplies that should be included in you Bug Out Bag (from here known as BOB). You don't need the exact items listed, just something similar. A BOB, if your don't know, is a single bag with the items you need to survive for three days. A BOB should be very unique to the individual in whom it is designed to support. If a disaster strikes and you are going to a farm owned by the family a few hours away then you don't need to add the extra weight and bulk of some of the camping type items. My BOB has lots of camping type items since my plan includes a camp out in a mountain location until the "smoke clears." The contents of your bag greatly depends on you skill set. When designing you bag keep weight in mind!

The items listed below are linked to Amazon.com. They are my preferred items. If you have suggestions or comments please use the comment box at the bottom of this page to speak up.

The Bag

• Canvas Military Duffle Bag Olive Drab 25 X 42

First Aid

• First Aid Only Outdoor First Aid Kit, Soft Case, 205-Piece Kit
• Quikclot Sport Brand Advanced Clotting Sponge ,Stop Bleeding Fast, 50 Gram Package
• C-A-T Combat Application Tourniquet - Black
• Neosporin Original First Aid Antibiotic Ointment, 1-Ounce Tube

Books

• US Army Survival Manual: FM 21-76
• When All Hell Breaks Loose: Stuff You Need To Survive When Disaster Strikes

Clothing

• Boots, socks, underwear, pants, socks, hat, poncho, etc

Cutting Tools

• KA-BAR Full Size US Marine Corp Fighting Knife, Serrated
• Gerber 31-000758 Gator Machete with Sheath
• Gerber 45905 Camp Axe With Sheath

Water Containers

• Reliance Products 5 Gallon Poly-Bagged Fold-A-Carrier Collapsible Water Carrier
• 512 G.I. Type Stainless Steel Canteen Cup
• Rothco 422 G.I. Style Aluminum Canteen and Cover, 1 Quart

W

Water Purification

• SteriPEN Adventurer Opti Handheld UV Water Purifier
• Polar Pure Water Disinfectant With Iodine Crystals
• Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

Camp Shovel

• Gerber 22-41578 Gorge Folding Shovel

Radio

• Etón American Red Cross ARCFR160R Microlink Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger (Red)

Flahlight

• Rayovac SELUX2AA3W-B Sportsman Xtreme 3-Watt Luxeon LED Flashlight With Batteries

Fire Starting

• BIC Disposable Classic Lighter With Child Guard. Sold As A SIX Pack
• Scout Fire Piston
• 900 AURORA FIRE STARTER

Multi-tool

• Leatherman 74208003K Juice CS4-Pocket Multi-Tool, Storm Gray
• Leatherman Surge Multitool - Model# 830161

Navigation

• Brunton Classic Compass
• U.S. Issue Mil-Spec Tritium Illuminated Aluminum Military Lensatic Marching Compass
• Magellan Triton 400 Waterproof Hiking GPS
• maps

Cordage

• Rothco 550lb. Type III Paracord, 100 Feet - Black
• Rothco 550lb. Type III Paracord, 100 Feet - ACU Digital Camouflage 
• 194 CORD 550LB NYLON 100 FT / SAFETY ORANGE 

Documents and CASH

• Emergency Documentation Package
• and some cash of course

Communication

• Motorola MR355R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)
• Cobra 19DXIV 40-Channel CB Radio

Emergency Food

• 3600 Calorie ER Bar - Emergency Food Ration
• 9217 SurePak 12 MRE's- Meals ready to eat.
• Hammer Gel Single Serve Raspberry 12 Pack

Shelter

• Emergency Shelter Tent, Reflective Tube Tent, Cold Weather Emergency Shelter
• Emergency Sleeping Bag, Survival Bag, Emergency Zone® Brand, Reflective Blanket
• Wenzel Starlight 2-Person Hiker/Biker Tent
• Emergency Thermal Blankets (4 Pack)

Hygiene

• You preffered soap
• This bag is intended for short term use, don't get shampoo. Just use soap for your hair.
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Use the travel sized hygiene products, i don't have to list the items you need to stay clean.

Misc.

• Fishing Gear
• Medication
• Signaling Devices
• Solar Charger
• REAL Duct Tape
• Multivitamins
• Firearm and ammunition
• Feminine and baby products if necessary

WEAPONS: Handguns

Handguns are an essential component in any armament. A side-arm is invaluable is close quarters and when the ammo in the long-gun runs out. It is important to keep in mind that a pistol is not a substitute for a rifle in a battle situation. The average person that owns a pistol, has zero training, and only makes it to the range two to three times a year is not going to be very effective under the stresses of battle.

There are hundreds of options  when it comes to choosing what type of pistol if for you. I see no purpose other than nostalgia for something like a Desert Eagle .50AE. Many prefer .45 ACP over all other calibers but I am a 9mm guy. Most modern calibers a highly effective against human sized targets. I am also a fan of polymer guns. My carry pistol is a 4" Springfield XD9. I have owned Glock's and revolvers. I have shot Sig's, 1911's, a USP, and plenty more hand gun variants but really took to my XD. Finding which gun is right for you is very important. Make sure magazines are readily available for your selection. It is also a good idea to shell out the extra cash for premium mags. A $2000 custom 1911 is worthless without quality mags to run it with. Bad mags cause jams and miss feeds.

The single most important thing about hand guns is to actually have one. After that, the next most important thing is training. Take a course. Go to the range often. You don't need to become a SEAL Team 6 caliber shooter. You must need to be proficient with YOUR firearm.

That is all for handguns FOR NOW, expect lots more as I can write and talk about guns all day :)

FREE Emergency Documentation Template by ZS

Here is a free download for the Emergency Documentation Template that I have made for you guys. Just fill it out and print as many copies as you need. The is some sensitive information in there such as bank account numbers. Fill those areas out by hand. Don't type it. Also, decide on an encryption method for that tybe of information. For example, a +2 encryption will add 2 to each digit in a number:

2567756 will become 4789978

For a more complex encryption you can use a +2-1+2. What that mean is the first digit will be increases by 2, the middle digits will be decreased by 1, and the last digit increases by 2. For example:

2567756 will become 4456648

You can be creative with your encryption but you need to remember your method. If you forget your encryption the numbers will be useless. I suggest encrypting all account numbers and social security numbers. If it is important enough for you to encrypt it should probably hand write it in.

You can directly download the template from HERE.

If you are afraid to download directly form the ZS blog you can visit the host page HERE.

 

GEAR: 550 Para-cord, Why you need it and it's uses

Cordage is one of the most important items to include in you survival preps. It is listed as one of Dave Canterbury's 5C's of Survivability. There is literally too many uses for cordage to list. (don't worry, I will name some of them) Para-cord, aka 550 cord, is the most practical and useful cordage variant. I suggest adding some fishing line too but para-cord is where it is at. Simple 3-strand 165 lb test crodage is handy too. What can I use para-cord for?

• Pace counter (when threaded with beads)
• Sewing thread
• Fishing line
• Stitching cord
• Tarp set up
• Floss
• Shoe laces
• Bow string
• Hanging food out of bear’s reach
• Clothesline
• Snares
• Splints
• Binding
• Twine
• Anchor line
• Barter item
• Fishing net
• Knife handle wrap
• Zipper pulls
• Hatband
• Gun sling
• Watch band
• Luggage tags
• Fire bow cord
• Trip wire
• Rifle sling
• Whip
• Necklace
• Dog leash
• Trail marker
• Tent repair
  
  

The Bushcraft Wife Project: First Aid Myths

The Bushcraft Wife Project: First Aid Myths: "In a previous post I mentioned keeping up with first aid techniques, as some that I learned when I was younger are no longer recommended and..."

20 Things You Need to Know to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse

Last I posted about Outbreak Omega. Here is a condensed version of a pretty cool write-up about the event and 20 things learned about fighting off the zeds. You can fing the actual article HERE.

In recent years zombies have invaded our culture, and the shooting world is no exception. Need proof? Last weekend DPMS hosted its 4th annual Outbreak Omega zombie shootout in Minnesota and more than 1,000 people turned out. The shoot actually started as a joke "It was always an inside joke, people would ask us 'why do you need an AR?' and we'd say 'to kill zombies with,'" said Adam Ballard, project manager of DPMS.

But now it's turned in a bona fide event that draws sponsors and shooters from all over the country.

To celebrate this new subculture of shooting, we put together a tounge-in-cheek gallery explaining the 20 shooting tips you need to know to survive the zombie apocalypse.

Lesson 1: Head Shots Only
The only way to stop a zombie with a gun is by shooting it in the head. The average size of a zombie skull is about 22 inches tall by 18 inches wide so that calls for some accurate shooting. Conveniently, this is about the same size as steel targets used in shooting tournaments. Hope you've been putting in time at the range.

Lesson 2: Roll Heavy
The more guns the better. A zombie attack will offer targets from 1 yard to 100 yards in a variety of shooting environments and situations. So, you’re going to want at least a rifle, shotgun and a pistol. To carry all of these guns you're going to have to get creative, like converting a baby stroller into a gun carriage.

Lesson 3: Shoot Fast
If you want to live you’re going to have to shoot quickly. Think light-kicking semi-autos here. One of the biggest factors in shooting quickly and accurately is being able to manage recoil, so leave your high-powered bolt guns at home.

Lesson 4: Engage Multiple Targets
Zombies travel in hordes, which means multiple targets. Take out the targets closest to you first (because they pose the most immediate threat) and then work your way back.

Lesson 5: Ammo Up
Each zombie slayer at this event sends about 300 rounds down range in a day. You need to be able to keep all those shells organized and accessible. Tactical vests and extra magazines are good, but a modified wheelchair works too (more on this later). Some guys simply wheel their ammo around in a big cooler.

Lesson 6: Hunt in a Pack
Join your fellow zombie killers to increase your odds of survival. Communication is key here. Designate which targets you’re going to engage and which ones your partner is going to engage. Or team up with a spotter to take out zombies at long range. Wearing matching uniforms like this crew isn't necessary, but it will make you look cooler.

Lesson 7: Master the Scatter Gun
When the zombies close in on you, you're going to need a tactical shotgun with a short barrel and large magazine. The old standby Remington 870 Tactical works, but a semi-auto like the Benelli Tactical (shown here) is faster.

Lesson 8: Keep Your Form
It’s easy to let your form slip after a couple hours of shooting. Don’t. The first thing that usually starts to go when you get tired is your concentration, so stay focused.

Lesson 9: Identify Your Targets
Is that a zombie or just an old guy with a limp? You need to be able to acquire your targets extremely quickly in a zombie attack, which means low-power optics, red dots and open sights. If you're shooting with a scope, leave it on low power in case you're ambushed at close range. You can always crank it up for longer shots.

Lesson 10: Go Light
The walking dead don’t have very thick skulls (after all, they're made out of rotting flesh and bones) so you don’t need a .50 cal to bring them down. A .243, .223 or .22 is perfect. The lighter rounds will allow you to shoot longer, faster and cut down on flinching as you send hundreds of bullets down range.

Lesson 11: Get an AR
Why an AR is the perfect zombie gun:
1) Extremely versatile and easy to modify
2) High ammo capacity
3) Easy to shoot
4) Light recoil
5) Durable

Lesson 12: Save Your Empties
When the dead rise from their graves, ammo companies won't last very long. You're not going to be able to just stroll into Wal-Mart and pick up a case of shotgun shells. So save your empty shell casings and stockpile as much gun powder as you can. It's time to get resourceful.

Lesson 13: Modify Your Gun
If you're going to go down in a blaze of glory, do it in style. Check out the safety selector on this 5.56, it apparently belongs to a zombie-killing pirate. Beware the Jolly Roger! Cool gun modifications are the name of the game in a zombie outbreak.

 Lesson 14: Bring Your Armor
An assault from a zombie is going to be pretty straightforward: it's going to try to maul you, usually in the face, neck and chest. Some light body armor will help, but even a minor bite on the wrist can turn you from a good guy into a walking dead guy. So, it's nice to have a machete on hand too.

Lesson 15: Don't Shoot The Friendlies
The only way to stop more zombies from popping up is to save the friendlies. Your shotgun isn't going to do you much good in this zombie hostage situation. Time to draw the pistol and make one good shot.

Lesson 16: Fight'em Everywhere
Basic zombie biology tells us that zombies are already dead, kind of, so they don't need oxygen. This means you might have to fight them from a tippy old john boat.

Lesson 17: Have a Close Quarters Weapon
When the flesh eaters close in and all hope seems lost, go to your ace in the hole, the Black and Decker Tactical Chainsaw. Make sure you include the splash plate to keep the zombie fluids from getting into your eyes nose or mouth.

Lesson 18: Defend the Base
If you are able to escape the hordes for long enough, eventually you'll find a survivors' encampment. The hideout will probably be a decrepit old cabin tucked away in the wilderness, but if you're lucky,  you'll find a nice, family-friendly campsite on a freshly cut lawn, complete with camp chairs, Igloo coolers and a standing fire pit.

Lesson 19: There Will Be (Fake) Blood
Even though zombies are dried up corpses, they still manage to bleed … a lot. (The targets for this tournament were donated by Champion, Birchwood Casey and Zombie Ammo. The Zombie Ammo targets came with pink mist bladders, which are an ink bladders you put behind a regular paper target. They spray on impact).

Lesson 20: It's All in Good Fun
This grizzled old Cowboy Action shooter/Zombie killer gets it: The point of a zombie shootout is to have a good time. Almost more people come to this event as spectators than as shooters. Why? Because it's fun to watch. It's like Halloween, but with guns.

"This is about having fun … You just can't take zombie shooting seriously," said Adam Ballard, Product Manager for DPMS.