Zombie Defense in Snow and ice 

As there is beginning to be a humble blanket of snow in the southeast United States, we thought it only appropriate to bring you some information regarding zombie defense… in snow and ice.

In many zombie scenarios, one can assume the weather is sunny and clear.  It is bad enough that we have to fight off the undead, let alone mother nature at the same time.  However, we must face the fact that sometimes she does not cooperate and can seriously affect our ability to survive.

It is always raining somewhere on planet Earth, and that can be a huge detriment to the ability to survive a zombie attack.  Not only does it cut down on our overall visibility, it cuts into our sense of morale.  A rainy night will darken the spirits, and keeping hope alive in a downpour is hard to do under normal circumstances.  With our ability to see clearly diminished,  knowing if a humanoid coming at us is a friend or zombie is clouded.  It is bad enough to imagine our loved ones becoming one of the undead, but accidentally disposing of them not because they are zombies but because we couldn’t tell is unthinkable.

Here are some key concerns for zombie defense in snow and ice:

  • Mobility: Not only will snow and ice hamper our movement through and toward a safe location, it can also work toward our advantage.  Zombies are clumsy and not able to navigate through snow and ice with the ease of the living.  A safe-house surrounded by a large patch of ice might work with similar effects as a mid-evil moat surrounding a castle.  Also, where would one go if they were surrounded by a winter wonderland?  Cars could be stuck, walking far would be impossible and help would be cut off.  Snow could possibly be the worst condition to be stuck in during a zombie attack.  We cannot count on mother nature being on our side during such trying times as mother nature does not care.  One always has to think about escape and survival in any condition, especially in conditions that human beings are not suitable for survival in under normal conditions.
  • Senses: While rain is bad enough, snow is worse.  Snow silences noises and can make visibility even worse.  Instead of having the warning of shambling footsteps and quiet moaning, we would have the sound of a bit of snow moving.  It would be harder to move in the snow, making escape all the more difficult.  Zombies wouldn’t have that problem because they couldn’t feel the cold against their flesh.  They would only be motivated by the taste and smell of fresh flesh.
  • The Body in the Cold: The only silver lining would be that zombies are slowed because they have no way of regulating body temperature.  The dead tissue would die at a much more rapid rate and would leave movement of the zombies hampered.   However, zombies would remain active much longer due to the fact that the cold would slow down the natural decomposing of flesh.  A zombie that would lose its ability to move because  decomposition wouldn’t have that effect in snowy climates.  While it is important to know how the cold would effect a ghoul, it is equally, if not more important to know how it would effect your own body!

So how does one stay alive under such conditions?  Almost all survival experts believe that a positive outlook is the number one key to survival in any situation.  You have to believe that you will survive if you are to have a chance at it.  More practically, one should always have an escape plan available and that escape plan should be accompanied with common sense and awareness of what the cold weather can do the human body.  If snow, ice, and other inclement weather is common in your area, this should be addressed in your Mobile Zombie Preparedness Kit as well.

Make sure that you know where your “safe” locations are.  Never rely totally on safe zones because there are very few places that are completely secure.  Your path needs to be clear to said safe zones.  In snow, you have to make sure the path is clear to your escape vehicle and make sure that the roads you are taking are clear.  Consider your plan in accordance with the seasons in your area.  Does your zombie survival plan allow for seasonal changes?  Will your survival rate change if the outbreak occurs in snow and ice?

If you do find yourself in bad weather during a zombie attack, one must not panic.  Panic only leads to mistakes and mistakes lead to zombification.  Know your plan, review it with loved ones and follow through.  You can fight zombies in any conditions as long as you are prepared.

Stay safe.  Stay informed.  Stay alive.