Andrew Lincoln in a scene from 'The Walking Dead', the popular TV show set in the aftermath of a zombie invasion. AMC
Andrew Lincoln in a scene from 'The Walking Dead', the popular TV show set in the aftermath of a zombie invasion. AMC
Andrew Lincoln in a scene from 'The Walking Dead', the popular TV show set in the aftermath of a zombie invasion. AMC
Andrew Lincoln in a scene from 'The Walking Dead', the popular TV show set in the aftermath of a zombie invasion. AMC

How to survive a zombie apocalypse: Centres for Disease Control and Prevention shares practical tips


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If 2020 has taught us one lesson, it’s that anything can happen — even the entire world grinding to a halt.

This is why some experts believe that people around the world need to be prepared for something much worse than a pandemic, such as a zombie apocalypse.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in the US has updated its guide to surviving a zombie invasion. It might be a tongue-in-cheek campaign, but it's full of practical tips on how to survive a real emergency.

“The rise of zombies in pop culture has given credence to the idea that a zombie apocalypse could happen. In such a scenario, zombies would take over entire countries, roaming city streets, eating anything living that got in their way,” the health authority writes in a blog post.

“You may laugh now, but when it happens, you’ll be happy you read this, and hey, maybe you’ll even learn a thing or two about how to prepare for a real emergency.”

First things first 

A sample emergency kit, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Courtesy CDC
A sample emergency kit, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Courtesy CDC

The first thing you need to do to prepare for a zombie invasion is to have an emergency kit to hand, according to the CDC.

“This includes things like water, food and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp (or in the event of a natural disaster, it will buy you some time until you are able to make your way to an evacuation shelter or utility lines are restored),” it writes.

The must-have items in your kit are:

  • Water (about four litres per person per day)
  • Food (non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
  • Medications (prescription and non-prescription)
  • Tools and supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc)
  • Sanitation and hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, etc)
  • Clothing and bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
  • Important documents (copies of your driver's licence, passport and birth certificate etc)
  • First aid supplies

"Although you're a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use first aid supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get during a tornado or hurricane," the CDC clarifies.

Plan your escape 

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in 'The Walking Dead'. Courtesy Gene Page/AMC
Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon in 'The Walking Dead'. Courtesy Gene Page/AMC

Once you’ve made your emergency kit, you should sit down with your family and come up with an emergency plan, the CDC writes. “This includes where you would go and who you would call if zombies started appearing outside your doorstep. You can also implement this plan if there is a flood, earthquake or other emergency.”

The step-by-step guide on how to execute an emergency plan includes firstly identifying the types of emergencies that are possible in your area. “Besides a zombie apocalypse, this may include floods, tornadoes or earthquakes," it advises.

Next, pick a meeting place for your family to regroup. "Pick one place right outside your home for sudden emergencies and one place outside your neighbourhood in case you are unable to return home right away."

Also, identify emergency contacts.

“Make a list of local contacts like the police, fire department and your local zombie response team. Also identify an out-of-state contact that you can call during an emergency to let the rest of your family know you are OK,” says the CDC.

Finally, plan an evacuation route.

“When zombies are hungry they won’t stop until they get food, which means you need to get out of town fast,” the CDC points out.

“Plan where you would go and multiple routes you would take ahead of time so that the flesh eaters don’t have a chance. This is also helpful when natural disasters strike and you have to take shelter fast.”

A graphic novel published by the CDC, which it says 'demonstrates the importance of being prepared in an entertaining way that people of all ages will enjoy'. Courtesy CDC
A graphic novel published by the CDC, which it says 'demonstrates the importance of being prepared in an entertaining way that people of all ages will enjoy'. Courtesy CDC

The health authority is also urging educators to teach schoolchildren the basics of emergency preparedness and response. Its online resource features a list of activities, simulations and lessons on how to teach students to make decisions when facing unexpected events.

It's even published a graphic novel, Preparedness 101: Zombie Pandemic, which it says "demonstrates the importance of being prepared in an entertaining way that people of all ages will enjoy".

Included in the novel is a preparedness checklist so that readers can get their family, workplace or school ready before disaster strikes.

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Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
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Tips for newlyweds to better manage finances

All couples are unique and have to create a financial blueprint that is most suitable for their relationship, says Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer at Century Financial. He offers his top five tips for couples to better manage their finances.

Discuss your assets and debts: When married, it’s important to understand each other’s personal financial situation. It’s necessary to know upfront what each party brings to the table, as debts and assets affect spending habits and joint loan qualifications. Discussing all aspects of their finances as a couple prevents anyone from being blindsided later.

Decide on the financial/saving goals: Spouses should independently list their top goals and share their lists with one another to shape a joint plan. Writing down clear goals will help them determine how much to save each month, how much to put aside for short-term goals, and how they will reach their long-term financial goals.

Set a budget: A budget can keep the couple be mindful of their income and expenses. With a monthly budget, couples will know exactly how much they can spend in a category each month, how much they have to work with and what spending areas need to be evaluated.

Decide who manages what: When it comes to handling finances, it’s a good idea to decide who manages what. For example, one person might take on the day-to-day bills, while the other tackles long-term investments and retirement plans.

Money date nights: Talking about money should be a healthy, ongoing conversation and couples should not wait for something to go wrong. They should set time aside every month to talk about future financial decisions and see the progress they’ve made together towards accomplishing their goals.

2019 ASIA CUP POTS

Pot 1
UAE, Iran, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia

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China, Syria, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Qatar, Thailand

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Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Palestine, Oman, India, Vietnam

Pot 4
North Korea, Philippines, Bahrain, Jordan, Yemen, Turkmenistan

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Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

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Dos

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  • Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work 
  • Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester

Don’ts 

  • Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal 
  • Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

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Where to buy

Limited-edition art prints of The Sofa Series: Sultani can be acquired from Reem El Mutwalli at www.reemelmutwalli.com

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1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes 306
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4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull 192
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari 148
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8. Esteban Ocon, Force India 65
9. Carlos Sainz Jr, Toro Rosso 48
10. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault 34

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