Polymnia Blues

For all you Walking Dead fans, check out my sure-fire survival guide for surviving any/all un-dead hoards.

Knowledge is Power:

• Utilize your vast knowledge gained from reading to strategize and adapt to the new world. Books on survival tactics, wilderness navigation, and first aid can be invaluable resources.
• For example….
  • Draw on your reading about survival tactics to assess the threats posed by zombies and other survivors.
    • Use your understanding of defensive strategies, camouflage techniques, and fortification principles to secure your shelter and defend against attacks.
  • Apply principles from books on survivalist techniques to efficiently manage your resources, including food, water, and ammunition.
  • Become a tactician by reading military strategy books.
    • Develop contingency plans, establish escape routes, and devise communication protocols to stay one step ahead of any undead threat.
  • Use your knowledge of map reading and navigation techniques from books on wilderness survival to travel safely through unfamiliar terrain.
    • Learn how to interpret topographic maps, identify natural landmarks, and use compasses or GPS devices to plot your course.
    • Analyze terrain and identify potential hazards or advantageous features. Understand how to navigate through forests, mountains, rivers, and urban landscapes while evading zombies and hostile survivors.
  • Draw on books about outdoor skills such as shelter construction, fire-building, and wildlife identification to thrive in the wilderness.
    • Master techniques for building shelters from natural materials, starting fires without matches, and avoiding dangerous animals or plants.
  • Study various first aid principles from books on emergency medicine to treat injuries and illnesses in a post-apocalyptic world.
    • Learn how to assess and stabilize patients, administer CPR, control bleeding, and splint fractures using improvised materials.
    • Learn how to perform triage, manage infections, suture wounds, and administer medications using basic supplies.
    • Practice techniques for treating gunshot wounds, burns, fractures, and other traumatic injuries in austere conditions.

Fortify Your Shelter:

• Seek out sturdy structures such as libraries or bookstores to fortify as your safe haven. Use bookshelves and heavy tomes to barricade entrances and windows against zombie intruders.
• Here’s how….
  • Select a shelter location away from densely populated areas, major roads, and potential zombie hotspots. Look for a building with solid construction, minimal entry points, and defensible features such as high walls or natural barriers.
  • Reinforce all entry points to your shelter, including doors, windows, and any other openings.
    • Install sturdy locks, deadbolts, and barricades to prevent unauthorized entry. Use heavy-duty materials such as metal bars, plywood, or steel shutters to fortify windows and doors.
  • Establish multiple layers of defense to deter zombies and hostile survivors from reaching your shelter. Use fencing, barricades, and traps to create a perimeter around your shelter, making it difficult for intruders to approach undetected.
    • Reinforce weak points with additional supports, braces, or materials such as concrete, metal, or sandbags. Consider installing barbed wire or razor wire along the perimeter for added security.
  • Accumulate a stockpile of essential supplies and resources to sustain yourself and your group during a prolonged siege.
    • Store food, water, medical supplies, weapons, and ammunition within your shelter, ensuring you have enough to last for an extended period.
  • Set up defensive perimeters around your shelter to detect and repel threats from all directions. Use lookout posts, surveillance cameras, motion sensors, and tripwires to monitor activity and alert you to approaching dangers.
    • Plan and prepare multiple escape routes from your shelter in case of emergencies or overrun defenses.
    • Maintain clear pathways free of debris or obstacles to facilitate rapid evacuation if necessary.
  • Collaborate with neighboring survivors to form alliances and strengthen community defense efforts. Establish communication networks, share resources, and coordinate defense strategies to protect against common threats.
  • Minimize noise, light, and other indicators that could attract zombies or draw attention to your shelter. Use blackout curtains, soundproofing materials, and low-profile lighting to maintain stealth and concealment.
  • Continuously assess and adapt your fortifications based on changing threats, resources, and circumstances.
    • Remain flexible and open to new ideas, technologies, and tactics to enhance your shelter’s resilience and longevity.

Improvised Weapons:

• Get creative with your weaponry by repurposing books into effective tools for defense. Thick hardcovers make excellent bludgeoning weapons, while sharpened book spines can be used for stabbing.
• Consider this….
  • Look around your immediate surroundings and identify objects that can be repurposed as weapons. Common items such as pipes, baseball bats, crowbars, and gardening tools can all be effective makeshift weapons.
    • Select objects that are sturdy, durable, and well-balanced to maximize their effectiveness as weapons. Avoid items that are too heavy or cumbersome to wield effectively in combat.
    • Find objects that can be easily wielded as blunt weapons to incapacitate or deter zombies. Examples include baseball bats, tire irons, wooden planks, and metal pipes. Ensure that the weapon is long enough to keep zombies at a safe distance.
  • Sharpen or reinforce improvised weapons to increase their effectiveness and durability in combat. Add nails, screws, or shards of glass to baseball bats or wooden clubs to create makeshift spiked weapons. Wrap handles with duct tape or cloth to improve grip and reduce hand fatigue.
    • Re-purpose objects that can be thrown or launched as makeshift projectile weapons to attack zombies from a distance. Rocks, bricks, bottles, and cans can all be thrown with enough force to distract or incapacitate approaching zombies.
  • Set up traps using everyday objects to ensnare or incapacitate zombies.
    • Create tripwires with fishing line or rope attached to noisy objects like cans or bells to alert you to approaching threats.
    • Use makeshift pits or barricades to funnel zombies into confined spaces where they can be more easily dispatched.
  • Adapt your improvised weapons based on your environment and available resources.
    • For example, in urban areas, use debris from collapsed buildings or construction sites as weapons. In rural areas, utilize farming tools, agricultural equipment, or natural materials such as branches or rocks.
  • Choose weapons that allow for quick and agile movements to evade zombies and navigate through crowded or confined spaces. Lightweight and handheld weapons such as knives, machetes, or improvised spears are ideal for close-quarters combat.

Mental Escape:

• In moments of stress or downtime, immerse yourself in the pages of a good book to escape the harsh realities of the apocalypse. Let your imagination transport you to worlds far away from the chaos around you.
• Take a breath….
  • Designate a quiet and comfortable area within your shelter where you can retreat to immerse yourself in a book without distraction. Arrange cushions, blankets, and a cozy reading nook to make your reading space inviting and conducive to relaxation.
  • Select books that transport you to different worlds, inspire hope, and uplift your spirits during challenging times.
    • Choose genres that resonate with you, whether it’s fantasy, adventure, romance, or science fiction, and prioritize books with uplifting themes and positive messages.
    • Expand your reading horizons by exploring a variety of genres and authors to keep your reading experience fresh and engaging. Mix fiction and non-fiction books to satisfy different interests and cater to varying moods and preferences.
  • Establish a daily or weekly reading ritual to incorporate into your routine, providing a consistent opportunity for mental escape and relaxation.
    • Set aside dedicated time for reading, whether it’s in the morning before starting your day or in the evening before bedtime.
  • Incorporate mindfulness and relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation before or after reading to enhance your mental escape experience. Cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace that complements your reading journey.
    • Make time for self-care activities that complement your reading practice, such as taking walks in nature, practicing creative hobbies, or spending quality time with loved ones.
  • Connect with fellow survivors by joining or starting a book club within your community, providing an opportunity to share and discuss books, exchange recommendations, and foster a sense of camaraderie through a shared love of reading.

Strategic Retreats:

• Plan strategic retreats to secluded locations where you can regroup and resupply without attracting the attention of zombies. Bring along a stash of your favorite books to keep morale high during downtime.
• Adapt like a pro….
  • Continuously monitor the evolving threat of the zombie outbreak and assess the risks and vulnerabilities of your current location.
    • Consider factors such as the proximity of zombies, availability of resources, and the condition of your shelter.
  • Research and identify potential retreat locations that offer better security, access to resources, and strategic advantages for survival. Look for remote areas with natural barriers, defensible structures, and minimal zombie presence.
  • Map out multiple escape routes from your current location to your chosen retreat destinations. Identify primary and alternative routes that avoid densely populated areas, potential hazards, and zombie hotspots.
    • Gather intelligence about the terrain, environment, and potential threats along your escape routes. Use scouting missions, reconnaissance patrols, and surveillance equipment to gather information and assess the viability of your retreat plan.
  • Secure reliable transportation vehicles such as cars, trucks, or motorcycles to facilitate your retreat. Ensure vehicles are well-maintained, fueled, and stocked with emergency supplies for the journey.
    • Pack essential supplies and equipment for the retreat, including food, water, medical supplies, weapons, tools, and survival gear. Prioritize lightweight and portable items that provide maximum utility and versatility.
  • Establish communication protocols and contingency plans to maintain contact with your group members during the retreat. Use two-way radios, hand signals, or designated rendezvous points to stay connected and coordinate movements.
    • Avoid drawing attention to your retreat operation through excessive noise, light, or conspicuous behavior.
    • Remain vigilant, adaptable, and decisive as you navigate through potential obstacles, threats, and challenges along the way.

Code of Conduct:

• Establish a code of conduct within your group that values intelligence, resourcefulness, and cooperation. Use literary references and wisdom gleaned from books to inspire and guide your fellow survivors.
• Unite as one….
  • Gather your fellow survivors for a group meeting to discuss the importance of establishing a code of conduct and the values it should encompass. Emphasize the need for unity, trust, and mutual respect in order to overcome challenges together.
    • Collaboratively define the core values that will guide your group’s behavior and decision-making process. Emphasize values such as intelligence, resourcefulness, courage, empathy, and selflessness as essential traits for survival and cooperation.
  • Draw inspiration from literary examples of teamwork, leadership, and resilience to illustrate the importance of working together towards a common goal.
    • Reference characters and stories from books such as “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, or “The Martian” by Andy Weir to highlight the power of cooperation and ingenuity in overcoming obstacles.
  • Write down the group’s code of conduct in a clear and concise manner, outlining the expectations and responsibilities of each member. Incorporate literary references and quotes to inspire and reinforce the values outlined in the code.
    • Lead by example and demonstrate the values outlined in the code through your own actions and behavior. Show empathy, respect, and integrity in your interactions with others, and encourage others to do the same.
    • Foster open communication and collaboration within the group, encouraging members to share ideas, concerns, and feedback freely. Create a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard.
  • Assign roles and responsibilities based on each member’s strengths, skills, and expertise. Empower individuals to contribute to the group’s success and encourage collaboration across different tasks and projects.
    • Emphasize the importance of continuous learning and personal growth, encouraging members to expand their knowledge, develop new skills, and adapt to changing circumstances. Create opportunities for training, education, and skill-building within the group.
  • Regularly review and revise the group’s code of conduct based on feedback, experiences, and changing dynamics within the group. Adapt the code as needed to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and reflective of the group’s values and goals.

Scavenging Expeditions:

• Venture out on carefully planned scavenging expeditions to gather essential supplies, including food, water, and medical supplies. Bring along a backpack filled with survival manuals and field guides to aid in your quest.
• Be stealthy….
  • Before embarking on a scavenging expedition, assess your group’s immediate needs and prioritize essential supplies such as food, water, medical supplies, weapons, and shelter materials. Determine which locations are most likely to contain the items you require.
  • Plan your scavenging route carefully, taking into account factors such as distance, terrain, and potential hazards. Use maps, satellite imagery, and reconnaissance missions to identify promising locations and determine the safest and most efficient route to reach them.
  • Gather intelligence about the locations you plan to scavenge, including the presence of zombies, potential dangers, and the likelihood of encountering other survivors.
    • Use scouting missions, surveillance equipment, and communication networks to gather information and assess the situation.
    • Assemble a scavenging team consisting of capable and trustworthy individuals with diverse skills and expertise. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each team member, such as navigation, reconnaissance, security, and logistics.
  • Equip yourself with appropriate gear and equipment for the scavenging expedition, including weapons for self-defense, backpacks for carrying supplies, communication devices for staying in contact with your team, and tools for accessing and transporting items.
    • Exercise caution and situational awareness at all times during the scavenging expedition, remaining alert for signs of danger, including zombies, traps, and hostile survivors. Use stealth, camouflage, and evasion tactics to avoid detection and minimize risk.
  • Scavenge strategically, focusing on locations that are likely to contain valuable resources while minimizing exposure to danger.
    • Prioritize areas such as abandoned buildings, stores, warehouses, and vehicles that are likely to have been overlooked by other survivors.
    • Collect and transport supplies methodically, gathering items that are lightweight, durable, and essential for survival. Look for non-perishable food, bottled water, medical supplies, batteries, ammunition, and tools that can be easily carried and distributed among the group.

---