As has been reported in all over the news for the last few days, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in the USA has released a new document that offers suggestions on how to prepare for a zombie invasion. Here’s a nice blog summary of the CDC’s recommendations.

The recommendations are serious, even if the reason is not what the CDC is trying to do is get people to have the preparations in place for a variety of real possible disasters: destructive storms, earthquakes, floods, etc. And it turns out that the preparation for a fictional attack – could be zombies, could be space pirates – are surprisingly similar for reality disaster scenarios.

It’s a daring exercise by the CDC. I love it, but I’m already hearing pundits say, “This is what the CDC uses our tax dollars for? To be cute?” But the CDC isn’t trying to be cute; it’s trying to get the message out about disaster preparedness to people who aren’t getting traditional messages. There have been so many disasters just in the USA lately – massive flooding and highly-destructive tornadoes – not to mention the disasters overseas, and many people are becoming unconsciously resistant to calls to be prepared. 

The CDCs effort is getting huge media play, so the message is definitely reaching many more people. But is this campaign really a success? It’s a media success, certainly, but to know if this is really garnering outcomes, the CDC will have to find out if people really are better prepared for a disaster. Are more people storing the appropriate amounts of water, food, medications, tools and supplies, etc., as a result of this campaign? Have more people sat down with their families and come up with an emergency plan as a result of this campaign? Are all the people blogging and tweeting about this also making appropriate preparations? (before you ask – my husband and I have been prepared for natural disasters, zombie attacks and space pirates for many years now)

And note that the very real disaster of Joplin, Missouri is unfolding before our eyes, and as I am sitting here watching TV and writing this blog, a Joplin official is begging people NOT TO COME INTO THE CITY. Gawkers and un-prepared do-gooders are already getting in the way of rescue and relief efforts. If you don’t have training and resources to help people and animals in that area, if you aren’t prepared to be completely self-sufficient while in the area, providing for your own gas, food, shelter and safety while you are there, please stay away!

If you want to help Joplin, donate to the American Red Cross office nearest the area or to the national office. Also, look for animal shelters serving the area Joplin, Missouri area – all those that are not damaged will soon be over capacity with dogs, cats, horses and other pets and livestock from the area. They will be desperate for funds to transport animals elsewhere, provide food and medical care to the animals they have, etc.

And don’t forget Alabama: The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter is in desperate need of support, as they are completely overwhelmed with lost and abandoned pets, as is the Humane Society of West Alabama. The Greater Birmingham Humane Society will also need help with the influx of lost and abandoned pets. Making a donation will help buy food and pay for medical services. Adopting a pet from this or any nearby shelter will free up space for other animals.

Here’s advice for Volunteering To Help After Major Disasters. Please call your local American Red Cross and get training NOW for disasters LATER. They have training specifically for disaster response! Or consider volunteering with your local animal shelter NOW and build up your skills and your credibility so that you will be in a place to provide critically-need help in the future.

AND HAVE AN EVACUATION PLAN THAT INCLUDES YOUR PETS!!!