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Zombies: killing and/or surviving them
Overview

Zombies, which are typically re-animated corpses, come in many different varieties and thus have many ways in which they can be killed. These varieties are a result of myth, folklore and mass media. George A. Romero, a famous director of zombie movies said "It’s [zombies are] an easily identifiable monster" [5]. Their definability is due in large part to his effort in zombie genre films, but also due to the efforts of other directors. There are slow walking zombies of old horror films (Romero's) as well as fast running zombies of modern Hollywood movies. Zombies are usually paired with a worldwide apocalypse, with most zombie films and zombie literature being based on the human race attempting to survive a zombie epidemic. As mentioned above, the numerous types of zombies have many ways in which they can be killed, such as with guns and fire. If you cannot kill them, then the best thing you can do is survive.

Classic Zombies
Classic zombies are re-animated corpses and Ghoul-zombies. These zombies are the typical zombies made famous by George Romero’s zombie films such as his 1968 pictureDawn of the Dead [4]. These zombies are typically portrayed as slow and nintelligent but appear in mass quantities. They can sustain vast amounts of damage. They also use sheer force to overwhelm their victims.

Re-animated corpse zombies are more intelligent than their counter parts because they still retain memories from their former lives. They are best depicted in The Return of the Living Dead film series (I, II and III), which were all filmed by various directors [4]. The best way to dispose of a re-animated corpse is through fire. Fire should completely destroy their bodies to prevent any of them coming back to you. Re-animated corpse zombies must be completely destroyed lest the pieces of the zombie continue following you (not limited to arms, legs and hands), hence the use of fire[3].

Ghoul-zombies are much less intelligent and easier to dispose of. Unlike re-animated corpse zombies, ghoul-zombies can be decapitated. Other well known ways of disposing of these zombies inclide "a bullet to the head [which]normally kills them" but it is also noted that they are relativley "easy to burn and possibly kill with fire" works on them as well[3].

Modern Zombies
Modern zombies cover many ranges. From fast moving classic zombies (not to be confused with classic zombies) to rage infected hordes, these zombies must be dealt with differently.

Fast moving classic zombies are seen in the remake of Dawn of the Dead (2004) by Zack Snyder [4]. These zombies can be killed all the same ways a ghoul-zombie can be destroyed. Destroying the brain or removing the head is the preferred method (decapitation). Take caution, as these zombies are fast and limber unlike their hobbling counterparts (eHow).

Rage zombies are an entirely new class of zombies inspired in the movies 28 Days Later (2002) by Danny Boyle and I Am Legend (2007) by Francis Lawrence [4]. These zombies are considered by some to not even be zombies. This is because they are not undead. They are essentially infected with the “rage virus” which basically makes them rabid. These zombies are extremely strong and fast. You can kill a rage zombie the same way you would kill any normal human. A shot to the head causes instant death, but these zombies will eventually bleed out from wounds or starve[3].

How to survive a zombie apocalypse
All of these zombies have one thing in common. They spread their infection via bodily fluids. This is achieved through blood, saliva or any other bodily fluid. The infection could spread through biting, scratching or open wounds. There are no known ways to stop an infection, except for death of the infected [2].

Surviving a zombie apocalypse is much like surviving a nuclear war or natural disaster. Ample shelter, food and water cover all the basics of surviving. Wilson says "if possible, retreat to a shopping mall, general retail store or other location where you'll have easy access to food and supplies" [2]. However, a zombie apocalypse can last years, so staying in one location is not always possible or advisable. The number one method to survive is not panicking: panic leads to poor decisions which can endanger yourself and the entire group [2].

Zombies typically use sheer force to overwhelm their victims. They are mostly unintelligent and cannot plot against their victims. Use that to your advantage. Do not ever back yourself into a corner you cannot escape. Nullify the zombie’s numbers by using force multipliers like terrain advantage and choke points and barricades to funnel zombies into a killing zone. Formerly the best way to get away from zombies is to run. However with the advent of fast zombies, this isn’t always the best option but an option of last resort. Malls and retail stores have tons of supplies for the long run but these places are very vulnerable to attack [2].

Typical Mistakes and Suggestions
Mistakes


 * Going into a vehicle you do not have the keys to
 * Retreating to an area with no escape route
 * Trusting strangers with valuable commodities and weapons [2].

Suggestions


 * Improvise: everything in the environment can be used as a weapon, including everyday objects. Do not try to rely on firearms.
 * There is limited ammo and too many zombies: a shovel or baseball never runs out of ammo.
 * Run away if the above options do not work [2].