The Department of Homeland Security warns America to be prepared for the zombie apocalypse. Why? According to the government the same precaution an individual would take to prepare for an apocalypse can be executed for national disasters.

In honor of National Preparedness Month, everyone should take a pledge to be prepared for when a disaster strikes. The Federal Emergency Management Agency hosted an online seminar for its Citizen Corps organization.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention this tongue and cheek campaign was launched to engage new audiences with the message to be prepared, which has proven to be an effective campaign.

Dr. Ali Khan, U.S. Assistant Surgeon General and director of the Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, stated on the CDC's website, "If you are generally well equipped to deal with a zombie apocalypse you will be prepared for a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake, or terrorist attack."

Better To Be Prepared Than Sorry

In an event a zombie apocalypse occurs or maybe something more common such as a natural disaster here are items you will need to survive until you can find alternative shelter.

  • Water (1 gallon per person per day)
  • Food (stock up on non-perishable items that you eat regularly)
  • Medications (this includes prescription and non-prescription meds)
  • Tools and Supplies (utility knife, duct tape, battery powered radio, etc.)
  • Sanitation and Hygiene (household bleach, soap, towels, sanitizers, tissue)
  • Clothing and Bedding (a change of clothes for each family member and blankets)
  • Important documents (copies of your driver's license, passport, and birth certificate to name a few)
  • First Aid supplies (although you're a goner if a zombie bites you, you can use these supplies to treat basic cuts and lacerations that you might get you through a tornado or hurricane).

The CDC also suggests devising an emergency plan with your family, friends and loved ones. This plan will indicate where you would go and who you would contact if zombies appeared at your front door or if there is a flood earthquake or any other emergency.

Visit the Department of Homeland Security, the Centers for Disease and Prevention or Federal Emergency Management Agency for further information on ways to be prepared.