Zombie Survival

ZETA Introduction to Prepping

2013-11-01T10:58:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the 7 part series of prepping, ZETA style. This portion, part one of seven, deals with an introduction to prepping, and how to get started. This series is provided by ZETA, so any and all advice written here is coming from our experts. We recommend those serious to prepping do a wide variety of resources to fully becoming familiar with the concept. We will cover a few things in this section: What prepping is, and where to start.

What is “Prepping”?

Well, here is what the interweb says:

Prepping is a movement of individuals or groups (called survivalists or preppers) who are actively preparing for emergencies, including possible disruptions in social or political order, on scales from local to international. Preppers often acquire emergency medical and self-defense training, stockpile food and water, prepare to become self-sufficient, and build structures (e.g., a survival retreat or an underground shelter) that may help them survive a catastrophe.

Anticipated disruptions may include:

Clusters of natural disasters, patterns of apocalyptic planetary crises, or “Earth Changes” (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, blizzards, solar storms, severethunderstorms, floods, tsunamis).

Anthropogenic disasters (chemical spills, release of radioactive materials, nuclear or conventional war, oppressive governments).

The general collapse of society caused by the shortage or unavailability of resources such as electricity, fuel, food, or water.

Financial disruption or economic collapse (caused by monetary manipulation, hyperinflation, deflation, or depression).

A global pandemic.

Widespread chaos or some other unexplained apocalyptic event.

The interweb, for the most part, is right. However, the first thing you need to do is understand three basic concepts.

Concept One: Preppers and Survivalists are NOT the inbred, idiots they are made out to be in the media. There is absolutely nothing wrong with preparing for emergencies, and being prepared to overcome any number of disasters. In order to be a prepper, you must first overcome this stereotype, and understand there are millions of “normal” people who consider themselves to be preppers.

Concept Two: Prepping can be broken down – at its core – to 2 basic things. Prepping is nothing more than planning, and supplying. Really? Yes really. That is it. Two things. You start taking those two things seriously (though there is a multitude of ways) and you are a prepper.

Concept Three: BE QUIET about your preps. This is nothing to brag about to your friends and neighbors. Not because of some “big” secret or conspiracy theory, but simply because if they know you have supplies and plans, they are more likely to come looking for you to help them (or take what they want) in the event of a disaster. There is a large community of preppers world wide who are willing to help you, guide you, and do whatever they can to help you help yourself. If you want to talk – talk to them. NO ONE else needs to know what you have, and how much of it you have. Stay low key.

Got those three basic concepts? Good! That was easy, right? Well, you are well on your way to becoming a prepper. The last thing you must learn to commit to is understanding that to be a serious prepper – not a guy with a gallon of water and 5 MREs – you will have to make a lifestyle change. Things are going to be different from here on out.

So Where Do I Start?

Though this is a heavily debated topic in the prepping community, let me put forth what ZETA believes. In order to start – start small! You do not need a bunker, campsite, or 50 acres of remote wilderness to be a prepper. Start small, and build. Expand. Learn. We here at ZETA also believe that of you can prepare to survive the zombie apocalypse, you are prepared to survive anything. This is the main driving force behind what we do. But let’s break it down a little further. Let’s provide you with more than just a hodge podge of advice, and actually get you prepping!

The very first thing you need to do is start your planning. This is more than just important, is is a necessity. There is no prepping without planning. In order to aid in your planning, ZETA has provided a FREE Emergency Plan for you to download, and fill out. This will give you a great start. So let’s take a look at planning.

Planning, at its core is simple – but the fact is, in reality, it is very involved. you must plan for YOU. Take note of your environment. Consider weather patterns and the seasons, the availability of supplies, and more. As we mentioned before, we plan for a zombie apocalypse. Why? Because planning for that is planning for everything else. As with anything else though, start off simple. Your plan must be one you can execute. It does not have to involve bugging out, off road vehicles, or sniper rifles. Instead, focus on actual planning. Here are some thought provoking questions to get you started:

What would you do in the event of a disaster?

Would you stay at home (we think you should for as long as possible) or do you evacuate?

What are your evacuation plans? How would you evacuate – on foot? By car? what if the roads are jammed?

Do you have kids or anyone elderly you are planning for? How would they react?

In the event there was no power or cell service, would your family know what to do?

Do you have rally points to meet if no one can get home?

How would you get to your family if you were, say at work, and a disaster occurred?

Is your plan one you can practice and execute?

How long would it take you to evacuate?

How would you defend your home?

What about medications and pets? How do they factor in?

In an emergency situation, adrenaline is pumping high. Can your plan be executed in stressful situations?

What about injuries? How would you execute your plan with a sick or injured family member?

What if the emergency involves harmful chemicals? Marshall Law? Quarantine?

As you can see, the list goes on and on. You first need to develop a plan. Plans, by the way are written down and logged – not just thought up. Then after you create it, practice it. Refine it. Update it. Refine it more. Involve the family. Consider everything you can think of. Explore all the “what ifs” you can wrap your head around. Revisit and practice the plan OFTEN. Remember, planning is effectively one half of prepping. Without a plan – a well thought out plan – you are not really preparing for anything, except failure.

The next thing to consider is supplying. Though we will dive more in depth on this topic in later sections, let’s take a basic look at gathering supplies. To most people who contact us for advice to start prepping, most of them have no idea where to begin. A quick search online reveals references to bug out bags, bug out vehicles, storing water, massive food supplies, and more. Suppling is where the prepper lifestyle will start to take over – because regardless of what you think now, you can ever have enough supplies. We have rarely met (if ever) a prepper who considers themselves “done” prepping – instead, it is a lifestyle, a constant evolution. This is why you see countless threads and forums talking about gathering supplies, regardless of what those supplies may be.

So what exactly are “supplies”? Well, they are exactly as they sound. Usually they are divided up into four categories – Food, Water, Shelter, and Security. Most preppers will stock up on massive amounts of these items, or items needed to provide these basic needs. However, spouting out all that type of information does not give you a good starting point to start prepping. So let’s get into where to actually start.

You have a plan, or at least have started one. Now let;s get you some supplies.

According to FEMA and other resources, what you first want to do is put together an emergency kit for your home. Thats it – the simple place to start. Go out to a Walmart or local store and get yourself a hefty sized tupperware container. One of the big ones. Ignore all the crap online about bags and kits, and let’s start there. Bring that container on home.

Now that you have the container – let’s fill it with supplies.

A basic emergency supply kit could include the following recommended items:

Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation

Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food (canned goods is a good start – they last for decades despite the expiration date).

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both

Flashlight and extra batteries

First aid kit**

Whistle to signal for help

Dust mask to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place

Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation

Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities

Manual can opener for food

Local maps

Cell phone with chargers, inverter or solar charger

Some kind of tarp or tent

Candles, or alternative lighting sources

Once you have gathered the supplies for a basic emergency kit, you may want to consider adding the following items:

Prescription medications and glasses

Infant formula and diapers

Pet food and extra water for your pet

Cash or traveler’s checks and change

Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container.

Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.

Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes.

Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted, nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.

Fire extinguisher

Matches in a waterproof container

Feminine supplies and personal hygiene items

Mess kits, paper cups, plates, paper towels and plastic utensils

Paper and pencil

Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

** Knowing how to treat minor injuries can make a difference in an emergency. You may consider taking a first aid class, but simply having the following things can help you stop bleeding, prevent infection and assist in decontamination.

Two pairs of Latex or other sterile gloves if you are allergic to Latex

Sterile dressings to stop bleeding

Cleansing agent/soap and antibiotic towelettes

Antibiotic ointment

Burn ointment

Adhesive bandages in a variety of sizes

Eye wash solution to flush the eyes or as general decontaminant

Thermometer

Prescription medications you take every day such as insulin, heart medicine and asthma inhalers. You should periodically rotate medicines to account for expiration dates.

Prescribed medical supplies such as glucose and blood pressure monitoring equipment and supplies

Non-prescription drugs:

Aspirin or non-aspirin pain reliever

Anti-diarrhea medication

Antacid

Laxative

Other first aid supplies:

Scissors

Tweezers

Tube of petroleum jelly or other lubricant

So now you have an emergency kit preparing you to survive for 3 days. Is 3 days enough? Absolutely not – but its a start. This is exactly how you begin prepping. You now have a plan, and now you have an affordable, basic emergency kit. The good news? You are now more prepared that 55% of the entire population. Now all you have to do – as other preppers do whether they admit or not – is build on it. More food, more water, renewable resources like our bio sand filter, better and more medical supplies, and the simple gathering of information.

More will be provided throughout the rest of this 7 part series.

Please note that certain government resources and some in the prepping community suggest having these types of kits in various locations to aid in survival. One at the office, in the car, at home, etc. We agree – but start small.

ZETA Introduction to Prepping

ZETA Agent Weekend Warrior Program

2013-08-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

Looking to be a part of the most elite zombie eradication team on the planet, but lack to the time to train full time? Here is a look at our Weekend Warrior Program, designed to get you in top anti-zombie shape and skill without interfering with your daily life.

While we get a lot of applicants wanting to join ZETA, we often hear that a rigorous training routine is too much for potential agents to handle. While ZETA Command tends to only deploy our most elite, highly trained agents, we strongly encourage any kind of training our agents can swing. In that spirit, we have created the Weekend Warrior Program - for agents who have little time to train during the week, but still wishes to be prepared for both deployment and survival against a pending zombie apocalypse.

Below is the training program. Of course, it is completely free. We have allotted each day a total time of 1 hour for training. While we feel strongly the more you train the better you are prepared, this regiment will at least keep you frosty with a limited amount of time. To boot, all of these training exercises can be done without ever leaving the home.

Overview

Monday - Cardio, Evacuation Drill, Sidearm Dry Fire
Tuesday - Strength Training, Emergency Plan Review, Primary Weapon Dry Fire
Wednesday - Cardio, Defensive Drill, Sidearm Dry Fire
Thursday - Crossfit Training, Gear Review, Primary Weapon Dry Fire
Friday - Strength Training, First Aid Drill, Melee/Bladed Weapon Practice
Saturday - Sunday - OFF

Descriptions

Cardio (20 mins)
Cardio includes running at a mid-level pace for 20 minutes, doing wind sprints for 20 minutes, or interval training. Interval training is a combination of sprinting, running, jogging,and walking all combined at various intervals. The point of cardio in the program is to build up stamina, improve heart conditions, and prepare yourself for the potential of foot evacuation and travel. The point is to get moving around. For an added bonus, try jogging with your bug out bag in tow.

Strength Training (20 mins)
Strength Training includes lifting with weights, medicine ball exercises, kettle ball exercises, or any other exercise involving weights or weighted things. It does NOT include Push-ups, sits ups, etc. Create yourself a 20 minute workout plan focusing on weight training for arms, chest, shoulder, back, and stomach. Legs can be incorporated too, though those will be worked out with the Cardio and the Crossfit section. Make sure you do as many sets as you can, with minimal rest between sets, for 20 minutes.

Crossfit Training (20 mins)
Crossfit, as is very popular right now, is the perfect type of exercise for this program. If there is a type of exercise in this program you want to double up on, this is it. Crossfit includes squats, push-ups, sit ups, Burpees, and much much more. The point of Crossfit (in this program) is NOT to use weights (that will differ on other internet sites mentioning crossfit) but instead to build up strength and stamina using your body weight. A great way to start this is pick three exercises - for instance push-ups, sit-ups, and Burpees. Doing 1 set of 15 reps for each exercise, how many cycles can you complete in 20 minutes?

Evacuation Drills (20 mins)
These can vary from household to household. The point to it though it quite simple - get your stuff and get out. This helps you learn how to bug out or evacuate under pressure, and practicing this routine can make a huge difference in your prep. One common goal is the 60 second drill - can you get all of your gear and get out of the home in under 60 seconds? The main goal of this is to provide muscle memory and training on what to do and how to do it if you had to leave in a pinch. Try it in a variety of settings. Take note on what worked and what didn't. Continue to improve.

Emergency Plan Review (20 mins)
Take 20 minutes each week to review your emergency plan. Verify all of the content in it is up to date, and that all your planning is bug free. Make sure you have a plan B. A plan C. Review it often. Reviewing your plan weekly will hep to verify all of the information is up to date, and also improves your memory and knowledge of the plan in general. The more you review it, the more you become familiar with it. Often times, when people evacuate, it's the plan they forget. If the plan is committed to memory and often reviewed, this is not an issue.

Defensive Drill (20 mins)
Take 20 minutes a week to determine how you would defend your residence should you have to. This includes figuring out how you would defend the home with materials (plywood, braced doors, etc) as well as defensive tactical positions you would take up in the home should you happen to need to defend against those with hostile intentions. Try navigating your home or residence in complete blackness, figure out the weak points of entry, and try to determine a plan of action and see how fast your home can be secured and defended.

Gear Review (20 mins)
Take 20 minutes a week to go through your gear. This includes weapon checks, evacuation kits, but out bags, food and water storage, etc. Make lists if areas that need improvement or gear that needs replacing. If you have gear that you do not use on a regular basis, now is the time to refine those skills by becoming more familiar with that gear. Double check and triple check everything. This will help you guarantee in the event of an emergency, when you are not thinking properly and stress is at a high level, that you know what gear you have, where it is, and how to use it. This is often overlooked, but is very important.

First Aid Drill (20 mins)
Take 20 minutes a week to determine what you would do and how you would do it with a bunch of what if scenarios. How would you fight off infection? How would you suture a wound? Practice CPR and other first aid skills once a week. In a pure survival situation, the lack of first aid knowledge will certainly kill more people than is believed. An infection could easily kill someone if it is not properly treated. Killing zombies and hostiles is far easier than healing friendlies. The knowledge of first aid truly separates the amateurs from the professionals.

Sidearm Dry Fire (20 mins)
Take 20 minutes to hone your skills with a sidearm. This includes drawing your weapon, acquiring a sight picture, proper grip, trigger control, reloading efficiently, and more. These drills are so important to weapon knowledge that some of the best shooters in the world cite dry fire as the reason they became as good as they did. Do not overlook this. Muscle memory, when it comes to handling firearms, is second to none. Though live fire is great, dry fire is very cost effective, and be done anytime you are home. You need no ammunition, or any other special gear. You can literally perform these drills with a $0 budget. Try clearing your home, room to room, engaging targets (no real ammo of course). Practice CQB.

Primary Weapon Dry Fire (20 mins)
Similar to sidearms, you need to practice with your primary weapon. Drills should include shouldering the weapon, acquiring sight picture, trigger control, reloading drills, and the like. You want to be as familiar with your weapons as possible, and again be able to rely on muscle memory should the time come. In highly stressful situations, you will react the exact way to have trained to react. If you are not familiar with your weapons systems, you are doping yourself a grave injustice.

Melee/Bladed Weapons Practice(20 mins)
You need to take 20 minutes a week to practice with these melee weapons. How many time can you swing a bat before you are tired? Do you actually know your limitations with a bladed weapon? What are the best points to strike with either type of weapon? Hand to hand combat with melee weapons is often the most overlooked area when it comes to training. Too often people assume these types of weapons do not require practice, and that is very far from the truth. You need to practice as much as possible and become familiar with various methods of using melee weapons.

Now go out there, and get after it! Become a ZETA weekend warrior!

ZETA Agent Weekend Warrior Program

Executive Order on Emergency Preparedness Communication

2013-07-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

If things get really bad, the government has a plan to communicate. Do you? Read more for the executive order issued by the president on Emergency Communication.

Executive Order -- Assignment of National Security and Emergency Preparedness Communications Functions

EXECUTIVE ORDER

- - - - - - -

ASSIGNMENT OF NATIONAL SECURITY AND

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMUNICATIONS FUNCTIONS

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. The Federal Government must have the ability to communicate at all times and under all circumstances to carry out its most critical and time sensitive missions. Survivable, resilient, enduring, and effective communications, both domestic and international, are essential to enable the executive branch to communicate within itself and with: the legislative and judicial branches; State, local, territorial, and tribal governments; private sector entities; and the public, allies, and other nations. Such communications must be possible under all circumstances to ensure national security, effectively manage emergencies, and improve national resilience. The views of all levels of government, the private and nonprofit sectors, and the public must inform the development of national security and emergency preparedness (NS/EP) communications policies, programs, and capabilities.

Sec. 2. Executive Office Responsibilities.

Sec. 2.1. Policy coordination, guidance, dispute resolution, and periodic in-progress reviews for the functions described and assigned herein shall be provided through the interagency process established in Presidential Policy Directive-1 of February 13, 2009 (Organization of the National Security Council System) (PPD-1).

Sec. 2.2. The Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) shall: (a) issue an annual memorandum to the NS/EP Communications Executive Committee (established in section 3 of this order) highlighting national priorities for Executive Committee analyses, studies, research, and development regarding NS/EP communications;

(b) advise the President on the prioritization of radio spectrum and wired communications that support NS/EP functions; and

(c) have access to all appropriate information related to the test, exercise, evaluation, and readiness of the capabilities of all existing and planned NS/EP communications systems, networks, and facilities to meet all executive branch NS/EP requirements.

Sec. 2.3. The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and the Director of OSTP shall make recommendations to the President, informed by the interagency policy process established in PPD-1, with respect to the exercise of authorities assigned to the President under section 706 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (47 U.S.C. 606). The Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and the Director of OSTP shall also jointly monitor the exercise of these authorities, in the event of any delegation, through the process established in PPD-1 or as the President otherwise may direct.

Sec. 3. The NS/EP Communications Executive Committee.

Sec. 3.1. There is established an NS/EP Communications Executive Committee (Executive Committee) to serve as a forum to address NS/EP communications matters.

Sec. 3.2. The Executive Committee shall be composed of Assistant Secretary-level or equivalent representatives designated by the heads of the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, Commerce, and Homeland Security, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI), the General Services Administration, and the Federal Communications Commission, as well as such additional agencies as the Executive Committee may designate. The designees of the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Secretary of Defense shall serve as Co-Chairs of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 3.3. The responsibilities of the Executive Committee shall be to: (a) advise and make policy recommendations to the President, through the PPD-1 process, on enhancing the survivability, resilience, and future architecture of NS/EP communications, including what should constitute NS/EP communications requirements;

(b) develop a long-term strategic vision for NS/EP communications and propose funding requirements and plans to the President and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), through the PPD-1 process, for NS/EP communications initiatives that benefit multiple agencies or other Federal entities;

(d) promote the incorporation of the optimal combination of hardness, redundancy, mobility, connectivity, interoperability, restorability, and security to obtain, to the maximum extent practicable, the survivability of NS/EP communications under all circumstances;

(e) recommend to the President, through the PPD-1 process, the regimes to test, exercise, and evaluate the capabilities of existing and planned communications systems, networks, or facilities to meet all executive branch NS/EP communications requirements, including any recommended remedial actions;

(f) provide quarterly updates to the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism and the Director of OSTP, through the Co-Chairs, on the status of Executive Committee activities and develop an annual NS/EP communications strategic agenda utilizing the PPD-1 process;

(g) enable industry input with respect to the responsibilities established in this section; and

(h) develop, approve, and maintain a charter for the Executive Committee.

Sec. 4. Executive Committee Joint Program Office.

Sec. 4.1. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall establish an Executive Committee Joint Program Office (JPO) to provide full-time, expert, and administrative support for the Executive Committee's performance of its responsibilities under section 3.3 of this order. Staff of the JPO shall include detailees, as needed and appropriate, from agencies represented on the Executive Committee. The Department of Homeland Security shall provide resources to support the JPO. The JPO shall be responsive to the guidance of the Executive Committee.

Sec. 4.2. The responsibilities of the JPO shall include: coordination of programs that support NS/EP missions, priorities, goals, and policy; and, when directed by the Executive Committee, the convening of governmental and nongovernmental groups (consistent with the Federal Advisory Committees Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.)), coordination of activities, and development of policies for senior official review and approval.

Sec. 5. Specific Department and Agency Responsibilities.

Sec. 5.1. The Secretary of Defense shall: (a) oversee the development, testing, implementation, and sustainment of NS/EP communications that are directly responsive to the national security needs of the President, Vice President, and senior national leadership, including: communications with or among the President, Vice President, White House staff, heads of state and government, and Nuclear Command and Control leadership; Continuity of Government communications; and communications among the executive, judicial, and legislative branches to support Enduring Constitutional Government;

(b) incorporate, integrate, and ensure interoperability and the optimal combination of hardness, redundancy, mobility, connectivity, interoperability, restorability, and security to obtain, to the maximum extent practicable, the survivability of NS/EP communications defined in section 5.1(a) of this order under all circumstances, including conditions of crisis or emergency;

(c) provide to the Executive Committee the technical support necessary to develop and maintain plans adequate to provide for the security and protection of NS/EP communications; and

(d) provide, operate, and maintain communication services and facilities adequate to execute responsibilities consistent with Executive Order 12333 of December 4, 1981, as amended.

Sec. 5.2. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall: (a) oversee the development, testing, implementation, and sustainment of NS/EP communications, including: communications that support Continuity of Government; Federal, State, local, territorial, and tribal emergency preparedness and response communications; non-military executive branch communications systems; critical infrastructure protection networks; and non-military communications networks, particularly with respect to prioritization and restoration;

(b) incorporate, integrate, and ensure interoperability and the necessary combination of hardness, redundancy, mobility, connectivity, interoperability, restorability, and security to obtain, to the maximum extent practicable, the survivability of NS/EP communications defined in section 5.2(a) of this order under all circumstances, including conditions of crisis or emergency;

(c) provide to the Executive Committee the technical support necessary to develop and maintain plans adequate to provide for the security and protection of NS/EP communications;

(d) receive, integrate, and disseminate NS/EP communications information to the Federal Government and State, local, territorial, and tribal governments, as appropriate, to establish situational awareness, priority setting recommendations, and a common operating picture for NS/EP communications information;

(e) satisfy priority communications requirements through the use of commercial, Government, and privately owned communications resources, when appropriate;

(f) maintain a joint industry-Government center that is capable of assisting in the initiation, coordination, restoration, and reconstitution of NS/EP communications services or facilities under all conditions of emerging threats, crisis, or emergency;

(g) serve as the Federal lead for the prioritized restoration of communications infrastructure and coordinate the prioritization and restoration of communications, including resolution of any conflicts in or among priorities, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense when activities referenced in section 5.1(a) of this order are impacted, consistent with the National Response Framework. If conflicts in or among priorities cannot be resolved between the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, they shall be referred for resolution in accordance with section 2.1 of this order; and

(h) within 60 days of the date of this order, in consultation with the Executive Committee where appropriate, develop and submit to the President, through the Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, a detailed plan that describes the Department of Homeland

Security's organization and management structure for its NS/EP communications functions, including the Government Emergency Telecommunications Service, Wireless Priority Service, Telecommunications Service Priority program, Next Generation Network Priority program, the Executive Committee JPO, and relevant supporting entities.

Sec. 5.3. The Secretary of Commerce shall: (a) provide advice and guidance to the Executive Committee on the use of technical standards and metrics to support execution of NS/EP communications;

(b) identify for the Executive Committee requirements for additional technical standards and metrics to enhance NS/EP communications;

(c) engage with relevant standards development organizations to develop appropriate technical standards and metrics to enhance NS/EP communications;

(d) develop plans and procedures concerning radio spectrum allocations, assignments, and priorities for use by agencies and executive offices;

(e) develop, maintain, and publish policies, plans, and procedures for the management and use of radio frequency assignments, including the authority to amend, modify, or revoke such assignments, in those parts of the electromagnetic spectrum assigned to the Federal Government; and

(f) administer a system of radio spectrum priorities for those spectrum-dependent telecommunications resources belonging to and operated by the Federal Government and certify or approve such radio spectrum priorities, including the resolution of conflicts in or among such radio spectrum priorities during a crisis or emergency.

Sec. 5.4. The Administrator of General Services shall provide and maintain a common Federal acquisition approach that allows for the efficient centralized purchasing of equipment and services that meet NS/EP communications requirements. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect the procurement authorities granted by law to an agency or the head thereof.

Sec. 5.5. With respect to the Intelligence Community, the DNI, after consultation with the heads of affected agencies, may issue such policy directives and guidance as the DNI deems necessary to implement this order. Procedures or other guidance issued by the heads of elements of the Intelligence Community shall be in accordance with such policy directives or guidelines issued by the DNI.

Sec. 5.6. The Federal Communications Commission performs such functions as are required by law, including: (a) with respect to all entities licensed or regulated by the Federal Communications Commission: the extension, discontinuance, or reduction of common carrier facilities or services; the control of common carrier rates, charges, practices, and classifications; the construction, authorization, activation, deactivation, or closing of radio stations, services, and facilities; the assignment of radio frequencies to Federal Communications Commission licensees; the investigation of violations of pertinent law; and the assessment of communications service provider emergency needs and resources; and

(b) supporting the continuous operation and restoration of critical communications systems and services by assisting the Secretary of Homeland Security with infrastructure damage assessment and restoration, and by providing the Secretary of Homeland Security with information collected by the Federal Communications Commission on communications infrastructure, service outages, and restoration, as appropriate.

Sec. 6. General Agency Responsibilities. All agencies, to the extent consistent with law, shall: (a) determine the scope of their NS/EP communications requirements, and provide information regarding such requirements to the Executive Committee;

(b) prepare policies, plans, and procedures concerning communications facilities, services, or equipment under their management or operational control to maximize their capability to respond to the NS/EP needs of the Federal Government;

(d) administer programs that support broad NS/EP communications goals and policies;

(e) submit reports annually, or as otherwise requested, to the Executive Committee, regarding agency NS/EP communications activities;

(f) devise internal acquisition strategies in support of the centralized acquisition approach provided by the General Services Administration pursuant to section 5.4 of this order; and

(g) provide the Secretary of Homeland Security with timely reporting on NS/EP communications status to inform the common operating picture required under 6 U.S.C. 321(d).

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) For the purposes of this order, the word "agency" shall have the meaning set forth in section 6.1(b) of Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009.

(b) Executive Order 12472 of April 3, 1984, as amended, is hereby revoked.

(c) Executive Order 12382 of September 13, 1982, as amended, is further amended by striking the following language from section 2(e): "in his capacity as Executive Agent for the National Communications System".

(d) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the OMB relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(e) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(f) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

BARACK OBAMA

Executive Order on Emergency Preparedness Communication

Still Doubting a Zombie Apocalypse?

2013-07-01T06:56:00.001-07:00

Often times, we here at ZETA are asked if we really believe a zombie pandemic, or apocalyptic situation is a viable threat. We truly feel that it is. Why? Because it has happened before.

Depending on your definition of a "zombie", viral plagues have happened in recent history that have significantly challenged the worldwide population. In modern times, we have biological weapons being developed; we have strange designer street drugs causing violent behavior; We have new strands of both nature-made and man-made viruses; We constantly see viral outbreaks kill people regardless of modern medicine; and, perhaps most importantly, we have seen pandemics and apocalyptic scenarios in recent history.

So what do you call a situation where a viral outbreak sweeps though the world uninhibited, killing more than 200 million people, kills off 60% of Europe's population, and it takes the world over 150 years to recover? An apocalypse.

Or, The Black Death.

1348 - 1350 marked an incredible time in the world. And during that time, a plague, or "Black Death" struck the population of the world killing off up to 200 million people. It is estimated this plague killed 60% of Europe's total population. This disease spread like wild fire throughout the entire continent, and is spared no one. Poor people, the wealthy, the rich - it didn't matter. From rural areas to large cities, the BlackDeath spared no one. And remarkably, there was nothing that could be done to stop it.

One of the most fascinating things about this is, scientists STILL do not know the cause of the plague. The popular theory of the day is that the Yersinia pestis bacterium was responsible for causing the mass pandemic. A simple, little bacterium carries on asian flees and spread via rats, textiles, and more, effectively killing off millions of people. The only problem is, that theory doesn't hold any water.
Even though DNA evidence from mass graves supports this theory, there are several holes in it. For one, the Black Death spread far to fast and efficiently to follow patterns of a plague. Secondly, there would have been large populations of rats dying off during this time for obvious reasons - yet none were ever reported or noted. Not to mention, the rat population was not large enough to spread the disease this rapidly, and, the colder climates of norther Europe did not hinder the spread of the disease. Make no mistake, this Black Death was spread person to person. This "bacterium" had gone viral. Some scientists blame Anthrax. Some Ebola. Regardless, history cannot be changed, and the Black Death is a pandemic worth looking at.

Keep in mind, this all occurred without the global network we have today. With trains, airplanes, boats, and fast and frequent travel, how much of the population would be effected today? Sure, today we have modern medicine and the CDC. What good would that do anyone? Modern Medicine still cannot figure out the cause of the Black Death and quarantining patients - as the CDC would surely do - did not work when they attempted that method during the Black Death Apocalypse. So if something like that happened again, how would it be stopped?

Some of the symtoms of the Black Death were hideous. At first, the infected had no idea they were infected. This helped to spread the disease. Soon, they would get large swelling and blackening of lymph nodes that wold open and ooze puss. Then, an acute fever, followed by the vomiting of blood. Two to seven days after infection - death. One description of a doctor of the time stated:

"In men and women alike it first betrayed itself by the emergence of certain tumours in the groin or armpits, some of which grew as large as a common apple, others as an egg...From the two said parts of the body this deadly gavocciolo soon began to propagate and spread itself in all directions indifferently; after which the form of the malady began to change, black spots or livid making their appearance in many cases on the arm or the thigh or elsewhere, now few and large, now minute and numerous. As the gavocciolo had been and still was an infallible token of approaching death, such also were these spots on whomsoever they showed themselves."

Symtoms and the spreading of infection this quickly and silently could simply not be stopped. Not then, and not now.

In short, there are many valid reasons to prepare for a zombie apocalypse. Biological warfare, mutated viruses, and more. However, history must also be given consideration. A Black Death that still has more questions than answers, and that actually occurred is reason enough to prepare. If something like this was to occur, would you be ready?

Still Doubting a Zombie Apocalypse?

A Complete Zombie Kit?

2013-06-21T07:03:00.001-07:00

What if you could go and get all of the top gear you need for zombie preparation with just a few clicks (minus the firearms)? Would that be of value? Well, Optic Planet Has just that.

For the low price of $24,000 you too can get equipped with all you need to face the impending apocalypse. Here is an excerpt from their site:

Imagine: You half-hear a low, guttural sound from outside as you lay sleeping. You figure it's just your stomach after too much delicious Mexican food... but a sudden thud on the outside wall of the house shakes you from a peaceful slumber. Deep within the primal centers of your brain, you realize the dead have risen to claim our once-peaceful realm. What do you do? What do you need? The dead have risen, and they've returned as something different. Those you were once closest to now hunger for your flesh, and possibly the Mexican food you had for dinner.

There is no room for error when dealing with the undead. Our Z.E.R.O. (Zombie Extermination, Research and Operations) Kit takes into account all the different aspects of surviving the looming zombie apocalypse. When the undead hordes rise from their shallow graves to wreak havoc on all decent civilization, you'll need to both fight back (Extermination), and find a cure (Research).

Always be prepared. In the new zombie world you can be king of the hill, or the tastiest treat in town.

Sure, there is a little humor spun into the whole thing. I mean, zombies aren't real right? Well, at least not right now. But let me be clear about this: There is absolutely no humor in the gear included in this package. This gear is all serious tactical ready, top-of-the-line gear. They literally spared no expense. Here is a list of the gear included with this package:

Package Contents:

Z.E.R.O. (Zombie Extermination, Research and Operations) Kit by OpticsPlanet includes:

Weapon Accessories

OPMOD PVS-14 Monocular Gen 3 PINNACLE Night Vision Scope 64 lp/mm GNVPVS14-OPMOD

Thermal Eye X50 100x800px Waterproof Thermal Imaging Camera, PAL - 1000380-0002

Surefire 6V LED Shotgun Forend Weaponlight for Benelli M1-M2 617LM

Weaver KASPA-Z Tactical Zombie Scope 1.56-6x32mm Z-CIRT Reticle Black 849843

Plano Moulding Zombie Ammo Can

Champion Zombie Target 6-Pack, Attack

Streamlight TLR-1 HP Long Range Rail Mounted Flashlight, Standard Switch w/ Rail Locating Keys for Glock Style,1913 Picatinny, S&W 99/TSW & Beretta 90two & Lithium Batteries, Box 69217

Safariland 6305 ALS Tactical Holster w/ Quick Release Leg Harness - STX TAC Black, Right Hand, Hood Guard Sentry Protection 6305-7742-131-SH

New, Steiner 10x50 Military Binoculars Laser Rangefinder

Leupold Mark 4 20-60x80mm, Black Spotting Scope, TMR Reticle 110826

Laser Devices DBAL-I2 Dual Beam Laser, Visible Green Laser

Mako Group Fab Defense Handguard w/Rails For Remington Model 870 PR870

Trijicon ACOG 6x48 Dual Ill Riflescope w/Mount, Green Chevron .308 Reticle

Vero Vellini Premium Padded Leather Rifle Sling, Brown V17228

Viridian Universal Fullsize Green Laser Sight with Tactical Light - Zombie Edition

Eotech Zombie Stopper Red Dot Holographic Sight

Knives

Browning Zombie Apocalypse Knife 322870

SOG Recon Bowie 2.0 Knife SRB01-L

Cases and Backpacks

Eberlestock G4 Operator Pack, Multicam G4MM

OPMOD Professional Range Bag, Pull Out & Brass - Black OPMOD-SVDFBG3POPMDBLK01

OPMOD Floating MSR Extreme Gun Case - 43in OPMOD-FMSREX43

Camelbak BFM Hydration Pack - 100 oz/3.0L MultiCam 61763

Reloading and Gunsmithing Equipment

Otis Technology Zombie Gun Cleaning System FG-753-Z

RCBS Pro-Melt Furnace, 240 V-ac Europe - 81200

RCBS Pro 2000 Progressive Press - 88875

Lyman Gen 5 Digital Powder System 115/230V 7750600

Tools

Pelican 0450 Mobile Tool Chest with Drawers

SUREFIRE SF123A BULK BOX, 400 EA. 3 VOLT LITHIUM BATTERIES

Brunton Solaris USB Foldable Solar Panel, 3100 mA Output F-SOLARIS62

Leatherman MUT Black Multi Tool w/ Black Molle Sheath 850122

Night Armor Tactical Pen w/FREE 1AA CREE Flashlight NA800CBO

OPMOD Battle Mug - WITH carry handle BM002

Suunto KB-14 Compasses w/ Anti Static Treatment

5.11 Tactical Field Ops Waterproof Uni-Directional Bezel Watch, Black 59245-019

Streamlight E-Spot FireBox LED Lantern, Light Only w/ No Charger, Orange 45882

Protective Gear

Tactical Assault Gear Rampage Releasable Armor Carrier, Small/Medium, Ranger Green 812451

Tactical Assault Gear Intrepid Chest Rig w/Grenade & Mag Pouches - Multicam 812496

Oakley Commit SQ Sunglasses, Brown Sugar Frame, VR28 Black Irid Lens 03-786

Stanley Large First Aid Kit RST-60001

Blackhawk S.O.L.A.G. HD with Kevlar, Color - Black, Size - Medium, 8151MDBK

ESS Profile TurboFan Military/Tactical Goggles - Black Frame, Clear & Smoke Gray Lenses

Specter Gear M-2 Mk-3 Rapid Reload Chest Carrier for AK-47 Magazines - MultiCam 595 MULT

Laboratory Equipment

Qorpak Bottle Beakers, Medium Rounds, Wide Mouth, Qorpak 7550 With Pulp/Vinyl-Lined Black Phenolic Cap

Labnet Labpette R Repeating Pipette P3000

Samco Disposable Transfer Pipets, Fine Tip, Samco Scientific 234 Fine Tip, Large Bulb, Case

UNICO Shake-It Pipette Shaker, for 6 pipettes, 15 min. timer, 110 V L-P600T

Celestron Professional Compound Microscope, 1500x, Halogen Lamp - 44108

For more information, or to purchase this, go here.

All you need are the firearms (and your normal prep inventory) and you are ready to roll.

A Complete Zombie Kit?

Zombie-Proof Your Home: Part 2

2013-04-18T10:48:00.001-07:00

In the first part of our installment, we discussed fortifying your home by closing off the entrances and building crow's nests to keep watch. Now ZETA takes it a step further and details how we take a fortified home as described in section 1, and really turn into a zombie defense station.

So assuming you read the first part of this series, we are now going to take your fortified home and turn it into a great defensive position. This is something we teach clients during some of our consulting exercises, and has proven very valuable.

Similar to what you may here from other sources, in the event of a full on zombie outbreak, you will need to not only fear the zombies themselves, but the mass amounts of people looking for food, water, supplies, and safety. This is very importnat during the initial 30 days of the infection, when mobs of scared people coupled with those looking to loot and pillage are out and about. As the outbreak spreads and claims more victims, protection from the living may decrease. In this article, however, we are going to make your home impossible for zombies or the living.

Step 1: Build the Prepper's Doormat.

The Prepper's Doormat is an easy thing to build, install, and works wonders. Designed specifically for keeping the living away from your front door, this defensive weapons outright prohibits your front door from being crowded or kicked in.

To create a Prepper's Doormat, which you would need to do in advance, first measure the width of your door frame. This should include any side panels or windows. Next, add 8 inches onto the total width you measured. Head on over to your local hardware store, and purchase a piece of plywood. The plywood should be 3/4" thick, and pressure treated to allow for stability in all kinds of weather. Also pick up some water seal, usually designed for wooden decks. You will also need a box of Grip Rite #8 x 3 in Drywall Screws - 5 pound box. You will most likely also need concrete nails/screws, specifically designed for fastening to concrete.

Take the materials home. The plywood length should be cut to the width you measured equal to your doorway plus the 8 inches we added. Example: 36" (doorframe) + 8" = 44". The width of the plywood should remain uncut. Take the screws you purchased and screw them into the plywood. Do not put screws in the four corners, and leave a 1 inch diameter in the middle without a screw(s). Coat the nail-driven plywood with the water seal, on all sides and allow to dry. You should now have a board with hundreds of drywall screws serving as spikes.

When the times come for use, simply place the plywood in front of your front door, with the screws facing up. Use the concrete nails/screws to fasten the board to the concrete slab in front of the door. Apply one to each corner, and one in the center. If needed, continue fastening the board to the slab until it cannot be removed without tools.

The sharp drywall screws make it very hard for anyone to get close to your door without hurting themselves in the process. This design can be modified with a 1 x 4 to be used on window sills to protect window openings, and can be used on back doors or other entry ways. In some extreme cases, it can also be applied to the driveway to prevent a vehicular approach as well.

Step 2: Razor Wire.

Razor wire, in a time like these, becomes your best friend Not only will it stop the living from coming after you and your supplies, it also serves as a great way to tangle zombies and prevent them from going further. The best way to apply razor wire is with a fence.

If you have a fence

If you have a fence, applying the razor wire is easy. ZETA suggests weaving the razor wire along to top of your fence line for starters. Then, unroll a "coil" of razor wire inside your fence line around the entire perimeter. If someone - or something - attempts to jump the fence, etc - they would only land in more razor wire. It may sound...weird, but this method is ised by prisons to prevent escape.

If you don't have a fence

Uncoil the razor wire around the perimeter of the property (not the home). You can purchase what are called "lawn stakes" at a local hardware store. Use the stakes every 2.5 feet to secure the razor wire to the ground. After you have done the entire perimeter, do the same thing again inside the previous roll of razor wire. Make sure the second pass of razor wire touches the first pass you did. In other words, the two rolls around your perimeter should be touching, or interwoven. This will prevent people from attempting to jump over a single roll of wire.

Make sure you wear nice thick gloves when laying razor wire. Razor wire is extremely sharp and dangerous and it will cut you.

Step 3: What NOT to do

Now you've got your home secured. If you follow the first process, and now part two, all your entrances (except 2nd story windows) are secure. This includes doors and windows. You have crows nests built on the top of the home to survey threats and the landscape/surroundings. There are defensive measures taken by doors and windows to strongly discourage the living from looting, or attempting break in. The perimeter of the property is secured with razor wire. The home pretty much looks like a guarded, boarded up small prison by now. Coupling this "fortress" of a home with a regular "patrol" or watch duty, and your defenses are in place!

What you don't want to do is try to hide, and place trash in your yard and such to make it look like the house is abandoned and already looted. This simply will not stop desperate and starving people. Showing the property properly fortified and protected is one thing. "Pretending" no one is home is another. It is dangerous, and generally a terrible idea.

You also may see some signs people spray paint on their home or garage that reads "looters will be shot." This is also not the best idea - because if the home looks un-guarded, or if you are alone, you have now broadcasted to the world there are guns in the home. It is best not to show your weapons until needed.

Any other advice you might get about "tricking" people or "making them think" something is a bad idea. Your best bet for survival is to actually fortify your house, showing and telling others you are here you care, and you will protect what is yours. If that message is not strong enough to deter all, the appropriate actions must be taken.

Thanks, and be safe out there.

Zombie-Proof Your Home: Part 2

Notice: ZETA Raises Alert Level

2013-04-16T07:12:00.001-07:00

In light of all of the recent events including the Boston Bombings, Bird Flue epidemics in China, Earthquakes in Oklahoma, North Korea threats and more, the Zombie Emergency Tactical Agency has raised its alert level from black (low) to yellow (moderate-low). This means new training regiments have begun, and new directives are being issues to agents concerning daily carry items and more.

As our hearts and thoughts go out to the victims in the Boston Bombing tragedy, ZETA is officially releasing a new training regiment for its agents to begin immediately, as well as alterations to the daily carry items. Due to known and unknown threats to public health and safety, ZETA feels it is necessary to make these changes. All senior agents have already taken this directive, and we implore our volunteers and other agents to do the same.

New Training Regiment

M - F
Morning PT: 4 mile run

Evening PT: Medball 400 (details here)

Saturday
Morning: 2 hours Range Time/Action Shooting/Weapons Training

Evening: Medball 400

Sunday

Distance Run - 12 miles

We also highly suggest you get more range time and weapons training in throughout the week. However, for a skilled shooter, once a week will keep your skills sharp.

Daily Carry

As far as daily carry items go, ZETA already has a list here. In addition to that, we strongly recommend carrying a blood stopping or field medical trauma kit with you or near you at all times. Not to mention, new ZETA protocol recommends you choose a "rally point" with your group, spouse, or family whenever leaving your home or safe area. If chosen and discussed ahead of time, in the event of an emergency (cell service shut down/locked up) your family/group will know where to meet.

Good luck out there. And if you have any questions, please post them in the comments section below.

Notice: ZETA Raises Alert Level

Possible Zombie Outbreak: China

2013-04-03T07:17:00.001-07:00

For those of you living in CHina, all agents in the immediate area are to go on ready stand by. An unknown strain of the Bird Flu is on the prowl, and the media is only reporting some of the facts. Stay alert, stay safe, and remember your training. The following is an article posted by CNN on 4/3/2013.

Hong Kong (CNN) -- Four more people in China have fallen ill from a strain of avian flu not previously detected in humans, the Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua reported, as authorities ramped up efforts to monitor the virus.

The four latest victims, from four different cities in the east coast province of Jiangsu, are in a critical condition and receiving emergency treatment, the provincial health bureau said Tuesday,according to Xinhua.

The disclosure of new infections comes only days after authorities announced the first three known cases of humans infected with the H7N9 bird flu virus on Sunday, two of whom died.

The two men who died lived in Shanghai, which is next to Jiangsu. The other early victim, a woman who is in a critical condition, is from nearby Anhui province.

Chinese authorities are trying to find the source of the human infections. They have so far said there are no signs of transmission of the H7N9 virus between any of the victims or people they have come into close contact with, suggesting the virus isn't highly contagious among humans.

They have also dismissed suggestions linking the infections with the discovery of thousands of pig carcasses from the Huangpu River that runs through Shanghai.

The Shanghai Animal Disease Prevention and Control Center on Monday tested 34 samples of pig carcasses pulled from the river and found no bird flu viruses, Xinhua reported.

The four latest cases are a 45-year-old woman from Nanjing, a 48-year-old woman from Suqian, an 83-year-old man from Suzhou, and a 32-year-old woman from Wuxi, the provincial health bureau said.

The Nanjing woman worked culling poultry, it said.

Malik Peiris, a professor at Hong Kong University's School of Public Health, said Monday that the H7N9 strain of avian flu, already known to exist in wild birds, had probably been transmitted to poultry, from where it infected the humans.

"It's really important to understand where this virus is coming from," he said.

Authorities in Shanghai are gathering daily data on cases of pneumonia resulting from unknown causes and will set up a team of experts to assess the "severity and risk" of H7N9, Xinhua reported Tuesday.

Since the transmission of these types of virus from animals to humans is usually "extremely inefficient," there are often tens of thousands of infected birds for every human case, according to Peiris.

As a result, "it is very likely that there is a quite widespread outbreak happening" among the animals from which it came, he said, underscoring the urgent need to track down the source.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said Monday it was "in contact with the national authorities and is following the event closely."

Because there are so few cases of H7N9 detected so far, little research has been carried out on it, according to Xinhua. There are no known vaccines against this virus, it said.

But Peiris said it was likely that existing anti-flu drugs, such as Tamiflu, are likely to work against the H7N9 strain. He also noted that the WHO has identified the H7 virus family as a potential threat and earmarked possible vaccine candidates.

He said other strains from the H7 family had caused previous outbreaks in poultry in countries including the Netherlands, Britain, Canada, the United States and Mexico. Human infection was documented in all of those cases except the Mexican one.

The outbreak of the H7N7 strain in the Netherlands in 2003 infected 89 people, one of whom died, according to Peiris.

The better known H5N1 avian flu virus has infected more than 600 people since 2003, of which 371 have died, according to the WHO.

In February, China reported two new human cases of H5N1 in the southern province of Guizhou, both of whom were in a critical condition, the WHO said.

A spike in H5N1 deaths, many of them children, has been reported in Cambodia, prompting concern among health authorities.

Possible Zombie Outbreak: China

Body. Mind. Spirit. Weapon.

2013-03-18T05:21:00.003-07:00

Body. Mind. Spirit. Weapon. This is the ZETA creed. Adhering to this creed and living it will keep you on the proper edge to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies. And if you take the creed seriously, as other agents have, and prepare fo the worst, anything less is like a walk in the park.

Body.

As we have stated before, keeping in shape is paramount. If you are a couch potato and love lying around, we got some bad news fo you come the zombie apocalypse. You at least need to have to cardio right. If you can barely run 5 miles now, how will you be able to do so with 20 pounds of gear on your back? Carrying a family member? In a stressful situation? Hungry and tired? The answer: you won't. All studies show that physically fit individuals have a much higher chance of survival come the time. So why wait? Get in shape today. You can even use our ZETA Fitness Plan, which is FREE, and will whoop you into shape in no time. We also have a Diet Plan.

Mind.

You have to keep a sharp mind. That means not only using it to think, but training you mind to stay calm, think clearly, and improvise when needed. In most survival and emergency situations, one panic sits in, the mind is the first thing to go. As a ZETA agent, chances are high that you will be caring for or protecting someone who essentially has a breakdown due to the stress. This means you will be carrying your own mental baggage and stress, and helping others deal with theirs. Sharpen your mind now.

Spirit.

In any stressful situation, the spirit is the first thing to go. Stay on top of things, stay positive, and never give up. Giving up is easy. Don't let your spirit beak, and you will see how quickly those around you will look to you for leadership. The secret is to have the spirit of a warrior. Sure it sounds cheesy, but in an emergency situation, knowing you have high spirits and expect the best can be the difference between life and death.

Weapon.

Oh yes, the trusty weapon. The Agency doesn't cae what weapon it is. Blade, rifle, pistol, blunt... it makes no diference to us (though we have preferences . Our creed merely suggests that you know you weapon as well as you know your other tools. Because at the end of the day, that is all it is - a tool. Practice with it, train with it, learn it inside and out. If the zombie apocalypse hits, and you don't know how to use your weapon, or worse, have no weapon at all, your chances of survival fall dramatically.

Good luck out there agents. Prepare now to survive later.

Body. Mind. Spirit. Weapon.

2013-03-18T05:21:00.001-07:00

Body.

Mind.

Spirit.

Weapon.

Good luck out there agents. Prepare now to survive later.

Body. Mind. Spirit. Weapon.

Building the ZETA Bug Out Vehicle

2013-01-28T10:58:00.001-08:00

ZETA, for the first time, is releasing a rough plan on how they construct their bug out vehicles that agents use in the field. Due to some overseas deployments to some obscure areas to deal with zombie threats, the vehicles are constructed out of easy to find materials available almost anywhere. Here is a rough outline of how these vehicles are built.

Of course, the first thing to have to consider for a bug out vehicle is the vehicle itself. For this, ZETA uses a very common vehicle – a white Ford Econoline van. The vehicles are easy to find, are inexpensive, and typically run a long time.

To complete the outside of the vehicle, a few measures are taken. The front of the vehicle is fitted with a bush guard, one with flood lights if possible. In some areas, black pipe is welded on in its place if a guard cannot be found. The roof of the van ius fitted with a roof rack. In that rack 2 spare tires are kept, along with various other gear. It is important to note here that no precious materials – weapons, ammo, fuel, etc – are kept in the rack. All highly valuable assets are kept inside the vehicle.

Chicken wire – usually painted black, is attached internally on all of the windows, including the windshield. In some highly populated areas, additional black pipe is welded on the outside of the side and rear windows as well. This would conclude the alterations of the outside of the vehicle. For good measure, if our deployment is authorized by the local government we throw a ZETA seal vinyl logo on the sides to denote it as a ZETA vehicle.

On the inside of the van, a number of alterations are made. For one, all of the seating except for the front 2 seats are removed entirely. If you were to open the rear of the vehicle and look into the back, this is what you would see.

On the left, you would see one bunk composed of plywood connects to the wall by chain. This allows for the bunks to be folded up if needed. Though the vehicle is designed for two people, there is only one bunk, as the agent NOT resting must stand guard. When the bunk is folded up, on its underside is a net used for storage. Mostly this is fitted with medical supplies.

In front of the bunk, closest to the driver side of the vehicle, is a weapons locker loaded with 5 rifles. Usually the rigging is 2 shotguns, 2 AR-15s, and 1 sniper rifle. Above the weapons locker is storage for all of the ammo, consisting of about 1000 round per rifle. This storage is nothing more than plastic bins set on a shelf made of plywood. On the back opf the drivers seat there is a small amount of storage where extra gear for the weapons is kept – slings, holsters, rigs, etc.

Opposite of the bunk is a makeshift closet of sorts. It has room to hang 4 outfits, with 3 drawers under the hanging portion,. What hangs there is two complete uniforms – including pants, undershirts, shirts, tactical vests, gloves, had, and shemog. The other two hanging suits are chemical suits complete with gas masks. In the drawers below, there are a variety of shirts, pants, socks, underwear,and various clothes.

Next to the closet is a shelf used to store the extra fuel. There is 3 5 gallon containers below the shelf, and another 3 on the shelf. These are banded to the wall with industrial bands to prevent spilling. This provides an extra 30 gallons of fuel if needed. Above the fuel is a second shelf that holds a pistol locker with 2 hand guns in it, as well as storage for 2000 rounds of pistol ammo (usually the vehicle is equipped with 9mm).

In front of the fuel storage area is a divider. On the other side of the divider, right behind the front passenger seat is the food water storage. On the floor is the water tank holding roughly 20 gallons of water. Above the water tank is the dry food storage, which is filled with high protein foods, canned goods, dried goods, etc.

All in all there is enough room in the entire vehicle for 2 people. There are some other “goodies” built in – for instance, a bio-sand water filter is built into the console between the two front seats. Also, there is a lawn chair on the roof rack to allow for the guard to sit up there while standing watch. All things aside though, this is the general vehicle used by ZETA.

If you remove the roof rack bush guard and wire from the windshield it is a non-descript vehicle that can be used without drawing unwanted attention. Usually, after a deployment the vehicle is stripped and the parts sold off (other than the weapons and ammo). In some rare cases, where ZETA agents are to stay for a duration, the vehicles are kept.

For a small investment and some handywork, almost anyone can build this bug out vehicle. Depending on the year and the quality of the van you start with, the vehicle can be made, customized, and ready to go for about $9000. Remember, you will need extra cash for the weapons, ammo, food, gear, etc.

Building the ZETA Bug Out Vehicle

Pellet Rifles in the Zombie Apocalypse?

2013-01-14T10:44:00.001-08:00

Every self-proclaimed expert out there has an opinion on weapons, especially as it pertains to self-protection, and destroying the undead. However, what is more commonly overlooked is the skills associated with survival - including hunting, trapping, and fishing. A lot of gun toting preppers claim they can hunt with their trusty weapons. But with ammo running scarce and their weapons attracting the attention of the undead, what should they hunt with? Air rifles. Little press, great solution.

Those who have given the topic of air rifles due diligence has more than likely realized these things are not toys. In fact, there is a whole community of air rifle hunters out there who take down some larger game using nothing but expensive, high powered air rifles. In the wake of the zombie apocalypse this might ne a little extreme or unrealistic. Arguing over whether or not an air rifle can dispose of a zombie is also something we will not engage in.

When it comes to disposing of zombies with guns, superior firepower always wins.

However, using an air rifle and pellets to hunt small game, including river and stream fish, is not a bad idea. Air rifles are smaller, easier to carry, and far more silent than a regular gun. The ammunition is easy to make yourself it need be, with a simple cast. Something of important note: If need be, every bird in the US is edible. Killing small birds with a pellet rifle is something most people can accomplish.

There are a ton of ways to hunt - without a traditional gun – that should not be overlooked. Sling shots, slings, rabbit sticks, and more can all be used to hunt small game. However, when considering purchasing a weapon exclusively for hunting, ZETA believes giving the air rifle a serious consideration is more than justified. It never hurts to buy a mid-grade pellet rifle and a bucket of pellets. Doing so may provide you with a fast, effective way to hunt without wasting precious ammo.

If you want more specifics, ZETA recommends looking for something that fires roughly 1000 FPS. You can go higher, maybe even a little lower. Look for a decent scope, and at least a 22 caliber round. If you are looking for something right now, with no time to shop around – we sugest starting here. While ZETA has no affiliation with this company, the rifle shown has everything you would need to hunt small game during the Zombie Apocalypse. This includes the scope, a noise reducer, and a whole lot more.

Good luck out there. Remember – the harder you train and prepare today the easier it will be tomorrow.

Pellet Rifles in the Zombie Apocalypse?

A martial art dedicated to hand-to-hand combat with Zombies? Oh yeah - we got it. Zom Biga.

2013-01-11T09:14:00.001-08:00

Zom Biga is a new type of hand-to-hand combat being developed. This new “martial art” is designed to assist the living in the fight against the undead. Taking its cues from Krav Maga and other well developed methods, Zom Biga is designed to help the living dispose of the walking dead through attack and counter-attack methods.

Ian Blenfield, who first began developing this new system of defense, thought it was a “must have tool” in the arsenal of any zombie survivor. As he says “Learning to fight against the undead without the use of weapons should be on the forefront of any zombie survivor’s mind. The thought that weapons will always be on hand during a zombie apocalypse is simply an unprepared way of thinking.

While Ian has been hired by ZETA to further study and perfect his system, he has indeed agreed to share some of the basic concepts of Zom Biga with other ZETA agents – and indeed the public – until the full system can be perfected.

Movement

The first principle of Zom Biga is movement. This is because zombies – or the undead – tend to come towards you in a straight fashion. That is to say, since their only thought is to feed on human flesh and brains, they do not contemplate hunting or attacking techniques. Instead, they charge their targets head on, at full speed.

In Zom Biga, movement is preached almost religiously. Side stepping a zombie while it comes in for the attack can expose the neck or base of the skull to a quick attack. Moving to the side while sweeping clear an outstretched arm can provide you with time to disable the arm permanently, or deliver a fatal blow to the neck or temple. Constant movement can not only assist in counter attacks, but can also keep you clear of other threats. Movement also has been shown to slightly confuse some of the slower types of zombies if done efficiently.

Soft Targets

The Zom Biga the principle of soft targets deals with the fact that the only way to destroy a zombie is to destroy its brain. In Zom Biga, as you are unarmed, you must learn to make your feet and hands weapons to deliver the fatal blow. Learning the soft spots of the human skull, and therefore the zombie skull, will provide you with the knowledge of where to focus these strikes.

For instance, as Ian tells us, ramming the nose upward with the palm of the hand can deliver a fatal blow to the brain if done right. Using two fingers to strike under the ear in an upward motion can easily destroy a zombie. Using elbows and fists to strike both temples and the top of the head can work in needed. Using hands and feet to attack the base of the neck and head can render a zombie useless. And – as Ian points out – never forget the eye sockets. They provide easy and quick access to the brain.

Awareness

Another key element to Zom Biga is learning to keep your awareness while dealing with a zombie. Just like in the movies, a lot of deaths can occur while one zombie occupies your time, another can move in for the kill. You must train to stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

This will not only keep you in tune with other zombies that may be around you, but will keep you looking for escape routes, ways out of your situation, objects that can be used as weapons, other agents or survivors than can provide assistance and more. Awareness is a key skill set in any situation, and is among one of the founding principles of Zom Biga.

Buying Time

Another method mentioned in Zom Biga is known as the buying time principle This method refers to using things like shoves and push kicks to back a zombie away from you, and provide you with additional time to either examine the threat or escape the attack.

In some training exercises, a series of buying time techniques were used in rapid succession allowing an agent to reach a club to use as a weapon. The agent never had to deal a hand-to-hand fatal bow to the undead as he was able to use a melee weapon. This is one of the reasons it fits so well with Zom Biga. It should also be noted that this method is of great advantage when dealing with multiple zombie attacks.

FYI – an introductory course on Zom Biga is included in the Zombie Survival Courses offered by ZETA.

Zom Biga: Zombie Self Defense

Make Your Own Pepper Spray

2013-01-09T05:22:00.001-08:00

In the wake of the zombie apocalypse, finding weapons and defense items at the local Wal-mart will be a thing of the past. Instead, you will need to learn to improvise and build your own weapons. Today, ZETA shares it’s own recipe and instructions for making fast-acting home made pepper spray.

Sometimes, ingredients are easier to find than the items themselves. This is truly the case when it comes to something like pepper spray. In the wake of any kind of emergency situation that leaves the shelves bare, or any kind of emergency that ensues riots and large roaming posses, pepper spray, like everything else, will disappear off the shelves.

However, you can quickly and easily learn to make your own version of pepper spray at home. Now, there are already countless articles out there on the internet about this topic, will relatively easy methods to making your own pepper spray to put into a spray bottle. However, in the article, ZETA shares its weapon grade recipe with the public domain. You will not find a stronger, faster acting, better equipped home-made pepper spray recipe than this.

First, you will need a few things. Here is a list of ingredients and supplies.

1 mason jar, or quart container (resealable)
1 mixing bowl
2 tablespoons Capsaicin (Pure) Peppers
1 tablespoon diced Habanero Peppers
2 cups (approx) Rubbing Alcohol
1 ounce Baby Oil
Fine cloth
Delivery Method
Rubber gloves

So, in acquiring the ingredients, it is best to try to get some of this stuff ahead of time, if you can. The Capsaicin Peppers can be hard to find, but these are the most important ingredient. Why? because of how hot they are. I am sure most people have heard of the Ghost Pepper. Child’s play compared to the Capsaicin pepper. In fact, U.S. Grade Pepper Spray carried by law enforcement rates about 5 million on the Scoville Scale. This recipe – and the Capsaicin Pepper – rates over 15 million on the same scale. In other words, this recipe yields a pepper spray 3 times more powerful than U.S. grade pepper spray. So where can you get this ingredient Try here, or here. You can also learn to extract your own Capsaicin from various peppers if you have the time.

A quick note on this stuff:

“Pure capsaicin is so powerful that chemists who handle the crystalline powder must work in a filtered “tox room” in full body protection. The suit has a closed hood to prevent inhaling the powder. Said pharmaceutical chemist Lloyd Matheson of the University of Iowa, who once inhaled some capsaicin accidentally: “It?s not toxic, but you wish you were dead if you inhale it.” “One milligram of pure capsaicin placed on your hand would feel like a red-hot poker and would surely blister the skin,” said capsaicin expert Marlin Bensinger.” In other words, this stuff is HOT.

** If needed you can also substitute the Capsaicin for Ghost Peppers which can be bought online easily.

Once you haver acquired the right pepper, the rest is easy. With your gloves on grind the peppers (capsaicin or otherwise) into a fine powder. Place it into the bottom of the mixing bowl. Cover the pepper mixture with the rubbing alcohol. The alcohol should be about 2cm above the pepper mixture when you stop pouring. Mix together for 5 minutes. Add in the baby oil, and mix for another 3 minutes. Let this mixture sit, covered, in the bowl for 30 minutes.

After 30 minutes, uncover the bowl. Re-stir for 5 minutes. Place the fine cloth over the top of your opened mason jar. Slowly pour your pepper mixture from the bowl into the mason jar. The cloth should catch all the large pieces of pepper from the mixture. Once it is all poured, re-seal the mason jar with its lid. This mixture is the pepper spray.

While most other articles recommend using some kind of spray bottle, we here at ZETA recommend using a better delivery method. Of course, if you plan on using this on a day to day basis for defense, a small spray bottle may work well for you. But here at ZETA, we go big or go home. We recommend using a Super Soaker. Choose your model, fill it up, and you have a nice range and distance you can reach with your pepper spray.

Also it should be noted that you should NEVER add water to this mixture to “spread” it out. Water will ruin it – the fact that this mixture is not water based is what makes it effective. Water breaks down the peppers too much and too quickly.

A quick tip: The hotter your base pepper, the more effective the spray.

Also, please be careful making this stuff. As mentioned above, the Capsaicin can actually blister your skin. That stuff is hot – but yet, not fatal if inhaled.

You assume all risks in making this stuff. Don’t blame us if you pepper spray yourself, or get hurt in the creation process. Good luck!

Make Your Own Pepper Spray

Armor for the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-12-17T10:17:00.001-08:00

As zombie fanatics, preppers, and survivalists all check their gear twice and three times over, often times what to wear under your gear is overlooked. Sure, a good pair of boots and gloves is great to think of – but everyone preparing for any type of emergency should always go one step further. It’s time to outfit yourself for the zombie apocalypse.

The reality of the situation that most preppers, zombie lovers, and survivalists all prepare to survive uncertain times with the clothes they have on. This is important – you never know when something major is going to happen – you certainly cannot walk around all day in riot gear. This makes perfect sense. Of course, assuming you survive the first waves of madness, you might have some time to change into something a little more… practical.

Chemical and bio-hazard suits have been popular with preppers for years. ZETA is not suggesting abandoning the suits for those who believe a chemical attack is imminent - instead, we suggest a little more – outerwear. In incertain times with uncertain threats, it is best to be prepared for anything. Knee pads and elbow pads are a great starting point, but sometimes, it is best to go all out. We here at ZETA recommend a variety of items to out agents. We are now passing along that information to you, all in one place for one easy transaction. Amazon. This is also a great time to note that ZETA does NOT have any affiliation with Amazon, any of the products recommended, or anything else. We are merely making a suggestion.

Amazon may have everything you need. ordering online provides a great “one stop shop” where you can get everything you need, often at the best price around. We here at ZETA have put together a few options using nothing other than Amazon. That’s right – we did the shopping for you. All you have to do is choose what to buy, and which look to go for.

The first “outfitting” we recommend is very similar to police riot gear. You will be fully covered – and fully ready – wearing this gear. Every bit of you will be protected, and the undead will no longer be much of a concern. The second “outfitting” option we recommend is a more laid back, comfortable style. It involves kevlar woven jeans and an armor enforced motorcycle jacket. Whichever style you choose, make sure you choose something.

Though neither option listed below includes weapons, holsters, or any kind of rig, it does include two fairly light weight options for what to wear during the zombie apocalypse. It should also be noted that these options should be considered for a wide variety of emergencies. These outfitting options do not provide for protection against chemical attacks.

Enjoy – and be safe!

Armor for the Zombie Apocalypse

Counter-zombie Tactics

2012-12-14T07:39:00.001-08:00

As you are already aware, the United States, United Nations, and a variety of other countries around the world spend a lot of time and energy researching and developing Counterterrorist Tactics. Yet, there is only one organization operating behind the scenes researching and developing Counter-zombie Tactics – the Zombie Emergency Tactical Agency (ZETA). Here is our first release to the public on the topic of Counter-zombie Tactics.

In combating zombie attacks and outbreaks, there are four main components that should be utilized in addressing and eliminating the threat; Intelligence, Anti-zombie Tactics, Counter-zombie Tactics, and Consequence Management.

Intelligence

Intelligence-gathering is critical in combating any criminal activity, terrorism activity, zombie outbreaks, or otherwise. The gathering of information, on some occasions, may come up against privacy and other civil liberty concerns, particularly in protecting innocent parties. Major components of intelligence are collection, analysis,and dissemination to relevant parties. Intelligence can be collected in diverse ways, from old-fashioned legwork to sophisticated electronic voice and data capture. The use of human operatives is irreplaceable, and unlike the CIA limitations in 1995, during the zombie apocalypse, you will have no limitations. Operating in an era or time when the very fabric of society has been ripped to shreds, such as a zombie apocalypse, intel will be completely up to you and your group of agents. Sending out scouts, tracking zombie movements, estimating numbers, establishing danger zones and kill zones are all examples of intel that should be collected. Gather all the intel you can – share with other groups – give it to all your team members – and your survival will be that much more possible.

Anti-zombie Tactics

Anti-zombie Tactics involves programs, missions, or operations aimed at deterring potential zombie activity by addressing security awareness, enhancing physical security, and actively pursuing smaller hordes of the undead. Measures adopted to protect, or “harden,” potential targets, is an effective step in deterring attack. Cooperation between survival groups or anti-zombie organizations is another component of Anti-zombie Tactics. Though most law enforcement agencies have some sort of contingency plan, remember that Anti-zombie Tactics will be an individual effort, up to you and your group to implement, execute, and apply.

Counter-zombie Tactics

Counter-zombie Tactics have been enhanced in recent years at all levels of government. This is particularly true where there are professionally trained units dealing with biological threats, outbreak containment, and full-blown military policing of areas. In the case of the military, the United States maintains the vaunted and secretive Delta Force based at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. In almost all domestic zombie incidents, local law enforcement personnel will be ﬁrst on the scene. Federal responder teams are at minimum a couple of hours away. However, in a full outbreak of a zombie-like virus, it will be up to you and your group to eliminate the undead. Do not count on Delta Force and other agencies to help you on a personal level. Instead, you need to be prepared to battle the zombies as they are discovered. Areas will be easily overrun, the government stretched thin, and you will find yourself alone. For this reason, develop Counter-zombie Tactics such as formations, patrol tactics, elimination tactics, strongholds, and more.

Consequence Management

Consequence Management is something executed at the fundamental level of every government agency, military division, local agencies, and more. The thought behind it is to estimate and understand the consequences of any and all combat actions taken. In the case of zombie outbreaks and a full blown apocalypse, it will be up to you to determine your own consequence management. Of course, the consequences should be more focused on the risk and loss of group members, the use of valuable resources, the destruction of possible renewable resources, and more. While collateral damage to zombies is of little concern, it is important to think about your groups needs, and the consequences of actions and operations that may effect you or another group of survivors – both positive and negative.

While this article is a little out there, and may not apply to any and all emergencies, it does help to outline one important factor – how involved is your emergency plan? Do you take these items into consideration? Even in the event of a hurricane, using these four tactics is important. It can be applied to all topics of emergency response (with a little creativity). The only thing that may change, is the type of threat.

Refine your plans to account for the unaccountable, try to predict the unpredictable, and take into consideration all of the various possibilites and forward thinking when developing your plans.

Counter-zombie Tactics

Urban Survival Post Apocalypse

2012-12-12T05:54:00.001-08:00

The zombie apocalypse breaks out, and you do everything you have trained for. You are ready. You bust out of your city apartment and help a team of local city boys rid the area of zombies. It takes weeks, and as you look around you, you realize there has been a total collapse of society. Things are not going back to normal. This is it. Is it possible for you to survive in an urban area post apocalypse?

Some people think that escaping the city in a worse-case scenario is the best option. Others think to bug in works best. However, even more people will be trapped in the large cities and metropolitan areas they live in regardless of their planning and preparing. So the question remains – is survival possible in a densely populated urban area?

It certainly is, kind of, but there is a whole new bag of issues you will need to take into consideration.

Problem:
First of all, as our friends at Off the Grid Survival pointed out, sanitation will become a huge issue and liability. Imagine water stops flowing, sewer lines back up, and now there is the risk of infection and disease everywhere. As people begin to urinate and defecate in the streets, and in abandoned buildings, the living conditions of these cities will turn almost unbearable. Couple the threat of disease with the foul odors and unsanitary conditions, and you have a huge problem on your hands. Staying disease free, infection free, and avoiding waste will have to become a top priority.

Possible Solution:
Learn to dispose of waste, stick to high rises and top floors where only the “fit” would take the stairs to avoid pollution and disease, make sure to treat any and all water you intent to consume, and clean any cut or scrape immediately and throughly. This will at least give you a fighting chance.

Problem:
Secondly, you will have to rethink your whole “weapons” theory. There will most certainly be gangs of people very well armed out for supplies and other things – and they will be willing to kill to survive. Sure, you may have a gun or two, and a huge stockpile of ammo. But truth be told, you are not Rambo. The chances of you being able to eliminate all threats that came your way before they eliminated you – especially in a populated urban area – is highly unlikely. Truth be told, you will almost certainly be killed at one point or another – and probably won’t even see it coming.

Possible Solution:
You can stick to the shadows of night for concealment while moving, avoid flashlights and fires at night, use silent weapons to eliminate threats and/or hunt, and trust absolutely no one. This will give you a shot at survival – but your chances are still small.

Problem:
Next you have to worry about the sustainability of survival. This is a hot topic among preppers and survivalists, and is even featured on TV. Your tv dinners and canned goods will eventually run out. Your supplies will deplete. You will left with a very difficult task – finding food, proteins, carbs, medical supplies, and other items. The simple truth is, it is hard to create a sustainable survival situation in a big city. You simply can’t raise livestock and grow a garden in your one bedroom apartment overlooking LA. It just won’t happen. This leaves us to believe that you will eventually have to flee the city in search if a more simple means of survival, and learn to live off the land.

Possible Solution:
You can start rooftop gardens, even some pigeon coops, chicken coops, and other small livestock cages on the roofs of high rises. Build water filters (Bio Sand Filter) to make almost all water drinkable, learn the art of taking supplements, making your own medications from plants and herbs, get inventive with supplies (maxi pads make great bandages) and try to hold our longer than everybody else.

The simple fact is, leaving the city might be your best bet. However, that is more than likely the same theory everyone in the city is going to abide by. Truth be told, if you can sustain yourself in the city for a few months, possibly even a year, you may have abetter chance than running out of the city with the masses. Stay put, do what you can to stay safe, and flee later after the panic has died down.

Urban Survival Post Apocalypse

Choosing Evacuation Routes in the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-12-10T08:47:00.001-08:00

Here at ZETA, this topic always tends to be a hot one of discussion. The Zombie Apocalypse is here. You’re trained, you’re ready. Your Bug Out Bag and equipment are all packed up, and it’s time to hit the road. You run out to your garage, and throw your gear in you bug out vehicle Time to move! With your destination in mind, your start the engine to head on down the road. But now what?

Though many survivalists and zombie enthusiasts always seem to have a plan of action, most of them always discuss bugging out as one of their options. The truth is, bugging out may be an option, but doing it incorrectly will get you killed.

In talking and discussing this points with many experts, you run into quite a few problems trying to evacuate. The most common unaccounted for problem, however, is your evacuation route. Most people believe they can simply hop into their trusty old Chevy and cruise right on out of town to their bug out location, or whatever their destination may be. However, those people couldn’t be more wrong.

Highways, Interstates, and roadways are designed to handle a certain amount of traffic at certain times on certain days. In an end of the world scenario, say for instance, a zombie apocalypse, the chances of the roadways and surrounding infrastructure remaining passable is 0%. Once an emergency of that magnitude hits, a mass exodus will occur, without a doubt. This influx of cars and vehicles will congest roadways for miles. And not just the roadways. The shoulders will be blocked off, the side streets riddled with vehicles. Every possible route will be clogged, because most people will be fleeing in panic, with no destination even in mind.

Even if you had some means of busting through miles of traffic, you have the angry mobs of people on these roadways to contend with. The simple fact is, fleeing your location by car, truck, van, RV, or other similar type vehicle is not going to happen. Assuming you do not have a helicopter at your disposal, there are a few methods to make it out alive.

It’s always good to be in shape…..

If you have followed the guidance of ZETA, you know by now how important physical fitness is to your survival. One of the best means of evacuation in the end of the world type of scenario is simply walking out on foot. Of course, to truly get out of dodge, you will have to be in good enough shape to carry your bug out bag over long distances, including walking, jogging, jumping, and more. Of course, this means you won’t be carrying all your gear – so pack your BOB accordingly. However, traveling on foot does allow you to stay close to the roads, and use them as navigation. This will increase the chances of you reaching your destination. You can travel close to the road – in the line of sight – and still avoid the mobs of people, the traffic, and other deterrents.

Smaller is sometimes better…..

Not satisfied with a foot escape? You could always try using a dirt bike of mountain bike. This tii is a difficult task, and sometimes can require more effort than walking. It does allow you to use the roads as a guide, and possibly skirt around traffic and mobs of people. However, it has its dangers too. A vehicle appearing to give you the upper hand might quickly become of interest to mobs of desperate people. Plus, using these methods does not allow you to get too creative with your evacuation routes – eventually, the vehicle will hit an obstacle that you will not be able to pass.

The truth is, creativity wins.

As crazy as it may sound, the more creative your evacuation route and method, the better off you will be. Avoiding roads, and using sewer lines, hiking trails, and other paths will far better serve you than sticking to the roads. That expensive bug out vehicle of yours may not get you very far. Instead, look for fleeing the area by boat, on foot, within sewers, or other places the mobs of people won’t be. The more creative you can get with your evacuation route means that it is less likely you will encounter other travelers along the same route. In an end of the world scenario, avoiding people is the safest bet. Stay low, stay safe, and stay off the beaten path. Avoid crowded areas, avoid common methods of travel, avoid needing to stop for supplies or other items. Instead, be adventurous, take the long road, never travel in a straight line if it can be helped, and avoid being seen. Chances are ,you will last a lot longer.

Good luck out there!

Choosing Evacuation Routes in the Zombie Apocalypse

Eating Food While Bugging Out

2012-12-07T08:34:00.001-08:00

As the zombie apocalypse hits, you realize you and your group need to bug out. Time to hit the road. You take what you can, but know you will need to find food along the way in order to survive. So what exactly can you eat while living in the wild? Of course, you can hunt, trap, etc. But eating wild plants can sometimes be a better option.

When in the wild, and on the run trying to survive, there is a very simple formula to food intake. You need carbs, protein and vitamins in order to make it. If you expend a tremendous amount of energy in order to find or catch dinner, the results are often subpar. Instead, look to compliment these skills with learning what you can and cannot eat in the wild.

According to most experts, there is a simple formula to see if a plant is editable or not. Following these instructions on what NOT to eat is a good start. First of all, know what to avoid.

Avoid plants with a white umbrella shaped pod of flowers. Not just white flowers – but white umbrella shaped. These plants are Hemlock – and are extremely deadly. If you pull a Hemlock up, it has a carrot like vegetable on the root. It looks, and smells like a carrot – but it WILL kill you. Socrates used this plant to kill himself.
Avoid plants with milky, or white sap. A clear sap is safer – Milky and white sap is deadly to humans. Don’t eat it.
Avoid all plants with thorns, spikes, spines, fine hairs, and more. If it doesn’t look tasty, it probably isn’t. Also avoid plants with a waxy feeling or texture on the leaves.
Avoid plants with beans, seeds, or bulbs inside pods. These are all deadly plants. Pods is the key to this. Some plants with visible seeds – think Dandelion – are edible.
Avoid bitter, or soapy tasting plants. It’s disgusting for a reason. Don’t eat it. Some of these plants will make you sick, some will kill you.
Avoid plants with dill, carrot, parsnip, or parsley-like foliage. These are deadly.
Avoid plants with “almond” scent in the woody parts and leaves. These plants are meant to attract with their odor, and can kill a human.
Avoid plants with grain heads with pink, purplish, or black spurs. Spurs is the key word here. Some plants with purple flowers are edible.
Avoid plants with a three-leaved growth pattern. If it has that type of pattern, like poison ivy, avoid it – do not eat it.

After all these observational tests, what now? How do you know if the plant is edible? There is more you can do to test the potential food source, but it takess some time.

You start by breaking the leaf apart, and rubbing the open part of the leaf on your skin. See if there is any kind of reaction. If there is no reaction, the plant is now safer to eat. Not quite there yet though. Make sure you give it a good 10 minutes to test for a reaction.

Next, if no reaction on the skin, rub the leaf on your lips, or hold a tiny portion in your mouth for a few minutes. Wait to see if there is a reaction of any kind. If there is no reaction, the plant is now looking a little safer to eat.

The next step is where it gets risky. Eat a tablespoon portion of it, and wait a few hours to see if you get ill. Some plants will make you sick to your stomach, but are still edible. Give it a go. If you don’t get ill, eat a little more – and wait. Continue until you are sure the food is not having a bad reaction, and you are good to go!

Of course, there is any easier way than all of this. Simply learn ahead of time which plants are safe to eat in your region.

Here is a list of 15 plants you can find in North America that you can eat on the go. Grab it up and get after it! This list was compiled and first published on The Art of Manliness Website. Check them out too!

Amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus and other species)

Native to the Americas but found on most continents, amaranth is an edible weed. You can eat all parts of the plant, but be on the look out for spines that appear on some of the leaves. While not poisonous, amaranth leaves do contain oxalic acid and may contain large amounts of nitrates if grown in nitrate-rich soil. It’s recommended that you boil the leaves to remove the oxalic acid and nitrates. Don’t drink the water after you boil the plant. With that said, you can eat the plant raw if worse comes to worst.

Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis)

The vegetable that makes your pee smell funny grows in the wild in most of Europe and parts of North Africa, West Asia, and North America. Wild asparagus has a much thinner stalk than the grocery-store variety. It’s a great source of source of vitamin C, thiamine, potassium and vitamin B6. Eat it raw or boil it like you would your asparagus at home.

Burdock (Arctium lappa)

Medium to large-sized plant with big leaves and purplish thistle-like flower heads. The plant is native to the temperate areas of the Eastern Hemisphere; however, it has been naturalized in parts of the Western Hemisphere as well. Burdock is actually a popular food in Japan. You can eat the leaves and the peeled stalks of the plant either raw or boiled. The leaves have a bitter taste, so boiling them twice before eating is recommended to remove the bitterness. The root of the plant can also be peeled, boiled, and eaten.

Cattail (Typha)

Known as cattails or punks in North America and bullrush and reedmace in England, the typha genus of plants is usually found near the edges of freshwater wetlands. Cattails were a staple in the diet of many Native American tribes. Most of a cattail is edible. You can boil or eat raw the rootstock, or rhizomes, of the plant. The rootstock is usually found underground. Make sure to wash off all the mud. The best part of the stem is near the bottom where the plant is mainly white. Either boil or eat the stem raw. Boil the leaves like you would spinach. The corn dog-looking female flower spike can be broken off and eaten like corn on the cob in the early summer when the plant is first developing. It actually has a corn-like taste to it.

Clovers (Trifolium)

Lucky you-clovers are actually edible. And they’re found just about everywhere there’s an open grassy area. You can spot them by their distinctive trefoil leaflets. You can eat clovers raw, but they taste better boiled.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

You’ll find chicory growing in Europe, North America, and Australia. It’s a bushy plant with small blue, lavender, and white flowers. You can eat the entire plant. Pluck off the young leaves and eat them raw or boil them. The chicory’s roots will become tasty after boiling. And you can pop the flowers in your mouth for a quick snack.

Chickweed (Stellaria media)

You’ll find this herb in temperate and arctic zones. The leaves are pretty hefty, and you’ll often find small white flowers on the plant. They usually appear between May and July. You can eat the leaves raw or boiled. They’re high in vitamins and minerals.

Curled Dock (Rumex crispus)

You can find curled dock in Europe, North America, South America, and Australia. It’s distinguished by a long, bright red stalk that can reach heights of three feet. You can eat the stalk raw or boiled. Just peel off the outer layers first. It’s recommend that you boil the leaves with several changes of water in order to remove its naturally bitter taste.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)

Sure, it’s an obnoxious weed on your perfectly mowed lawn, but when you’re out in the wild this little plant can save your life. The entire plant is edible- roots, leaves, and flower. Eat the leaves while they’re still young; mature leaves taste bitter. If you do decide to eat the mature leaves, boil them first to remove their bitter taste. Boil the roots before eating as well. You can drink the water you boiled the roots in as a tea and use the flower as a garnish for your dandelion salad.

Field Pennycress (Thalspi vulgaris)

Field Pennycress is a weed found in most parts of the world. Its growing season is early spring to late winter. You can eat the seeds and leaves of field pennycress raw or boiled. The only caveat with field pennycress is not to eat it if it’s growing in contaminated soil. Pennycress is a hyperaccumulator of minerals, meaning it sucks up any and all minerals around it. General rule is don’t eat pennycress if it’s growing by the side of the road or is near a Superfund site.

Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium)

This pretty little plant is found primarily in the Northern Hemisphere. You can identify fireweed by its purple flower and the unique structure of the leaves’ veins; the veins are circular rather than terminating on the edges of the leaves. Several Native American tribes included fireweed in their diet. It’s best eaten young when the leaves are tender. Mature fireweed plants have tough and bitter tasting leaves. You can eat the stalk of the plant as well. The flowers and seeds have a peppery taste. Fireweed is a great source of vitamins A and C.

Green Seaweed (Ulva lactuca)

If you’re ever shipwrecked on a deserted island, fish the waters near the beach for some green seaweed. This stuff is found in oceans all over the world. After you pull green seaweed from the water, rinse with fresh water if available and let it dry. You can eat it raw or include it in a soup. Or if you’re particularly enterprising, catch a fish with your homemade spear and use the seaweed to make sushi rolls, sans rice.

Kelp (Alaria esculenta)

Kelp is another form of seaweed. You can find it in most parts of the world. Eat it raw or include it in a soup. Kelp is a great source of folate, vitamin K, and lignans.

Plantain (Plantago)

Found in all parts of the world, the plantain plant (not to be confused with the banana-like plantain) has been used for millennia by humans as a food and herbal remedy for all sorts of maladies. You can usually find plantains in wet areas like marshes and bogs, but they’ll also sprout up in alpine areas. The oval, ribbed, short-stemmed leaves tend to hug the ground. The leaves may grow up to about 6″ long and 4″ wide. It’s best to eat the leaves when they’re young. Like most plants, the leaves tend to get bitter tasting as they mature. Plantain is very high in vitamin A and calcium. It also provides a bit of vitamin C.

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)

Found in the deserts of North America, the prickly pear cactus is a very tasty and nutritional plant that can help you survive the next time you’re stranded in the desert. The fruit of the prickly pear cactus looks like a red or purplish pear. Hence the name. Before eating the plant, carefully remove the small spines on the outer skin or else it will feel like you’re swallowing a porcupine. You can also eat the young stem of the prickly pear cactus. It’s best to boil the stems before eating.

Eating Food While Bugging Out

Fortify Your Home for the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-12-05T05:48:00.001-08:00

Most experts agree: Bugging in, in the event of an emergency without forced evacuation, should always be your first plan of action. This is no different for a zombie outbreak. The initial reaction of most unprepared citizens is going to be to flee – leaving roadways, freeways, side roads shoulders and the like all jammed with impassible traffic. The best option is so stay right where you are – provided you are prepared.

Of course, bugging in your home is only going to work if you have the right stockpile of goods. This includes food sources (renewable is better), water sources (renewable is better), weapons, plenty of ammunition, a power source (renewable is better), communication methods and more. However this article deals with a far more basic topic – fortifying your home.

Assuming you have all the supplies you are going to need to hunker down for a good 90 days (ZETA recommendation), you need to fortify your home. Zombies, after all, may be the least of your worries. With other armed citizens roaming about, looters, riots, hungry parents, and more, you will need to turn your beautiful home into a fortress.

Let’s take a quick look at turing a two story home in the suburbs into a modern day fortress quickly easily, and cheaply.

Find the weak spots.

The first thing to take notice of in your home is your points of entry. This includes the garage, the front/back door, the windows, and all other first floor entry points.

For the front door, there are plenty of articles out there on the web giving advice on how to reinforce your door. Steel doors, solid core doors, etc are all explained in great detail. ZETA recommends you have some kind of reinforced door. The best advice we received from security experts is to install a door that opens outward. This will allow for the frame of the door to take quite a beating before it gives. Added reinforcement is easy enough – simply wedge some spoons or other items between the door and the frame opposite the hinges, and the door can withstand quite a bit of force. You can choose to brace the door further – but this simple step alone will give you enough time to react to the threat. In other words - you will get to them before they get to you.

For the windows or sliding glass doors, this is a no brainer. Simply purchase 3/4″ plywood, and cut them to fill all first story windows and sliding glass doors. A 3/4″ piece of plywood will withstand a 220 pound man swinging an axe at it with no problem. The question often arises though on how to secure these to the windows to prevent human – or zombie – removal (for instance, hurricane clips, tracks, etc will not work). This is easily achieved too. As we were advised by a ZETA engineer, simply drill a 1/2 ” hole through the center of the plywood (which is also the center of the opening). Place the plywood into the window opening after you have opened the window from the iside. Run a 1/2″ bolt (length depends on depth of the window) through the hole into the interior of your home. From there, the bolt should pass through the open window, and through a 1/2″ hole drilled through a pressure treated piece of 2 x 4. This 2 x 4 should be long enough to extend past your window frame by about 8″ on either side. Attach a nut to the end of the bolt on the inside, and tighten everything down. That’s it – windows are now secure. With a little practice, you can comfortably secure 8 first story windows in about 45 minutes or less. Treat sliding glass doors the same way, but provide extra bracing to accomodate the larger openings.

Garage doors are very easy to secure. If you want to spend time and money, have a garage company come out and reinforce the door for hurricanes. This will encompass them running aluminum supports across the door at small intervals, making it so strong that ramming it with a vehicle won’t even bring it down. Even with no money (or a reinforced door – either way) go ahead and latch the locks on either side of the door by the track – and the grage is secured. For added measure, reinforce the door from the garage into your home, using the same methods as the front door.

Using similar methods, fortify all of the first story entry points using plywood. The only way into your home (and out) should be the front door. Do NOT fortify or plywood second story windows. This comes into play later, when developing a security plan for home defense.

Build yourself a crows nest.

This step depends heavily on the type of home you have, and the layout of your roof. Assuming that a window on your second story grants you roof access, you will want to build a crows nest on the roof. On most homes ZETA has analyzed, there is a window(s) that allows roof access in the front of the home and the rear of the home.

Using plywood and a small frame made of 2 x 4s, make yourself a little level spot on the roof. If you have a 2 story home, and there is a portion of the roof that only covers the first story (like over a grage for instance) this is the place to build your crows nest. Make sure you have a good view of the front of your home, and if possible, the rear as well. The method to construct the frame and level area is different depending on the direction of your roof pitch. However, it is easy to build a”triangle” out of wood to make a somewhat level spot. This will make it easier to sit on for long periods of time. Using sandbags, or other materials that have the potential to slow down or stop fired rounds, build up a wall in the front of your stand and on any open sides. Build the walls high enough that you can conceal yourself behind them for cover, but low enough that they do not risk tumbling down. With a little practice and effort (if the sandbags are already created) you can build a crows nest in about an hour. Some experts recommend creating the level stand ahead of time – in doing so, you can cut almost 40 minutes off your time. Build a second crows nest, as needed, for the rear of the home.

You should now have a crows nest that provides you with a vantage point of your home and the immediate surrounding area. This also provides a tactical advantage (higher ground) to those coming to do you harm – both zombies and humans. It will also help you determine threats, engage targets from greater distances, and help eliminate and threat trying to get into your home before they have chance to do so.

Develop and practice a home defense plan.

Now that your first floor is fortified, and you have a crows nest, you will need to develop a defensive action plan for your group or family. This plan will need to be created individually, but there are a few points to remember.

The reason the 2nd story windows were not boarded up is that they provide vantage points, exit points (but difficult entry points), and look out stations. If you board up the second story, the threats may have a harder time coming in, but you will have a hard time even seeing them. Keep them free of obstacles.

Now that everything is set up, the weakest – and most likely only entry point for a threat will be the front door. Using your crows nest and second story windows, you should be able to eliminate any threats before they gain entry. However, if they do, be prepared. Since most front doors open up into a foyer or hallway, use this to your advantage. Remember – you know your home, they do not. If you feel entry is going to happen, take up positions inside to cover the front door. When the threat enters, eliminate the threat, and secure the door.

Remember to set up sentries, interior patrols, and guard watches if you can. If you have a group or a family, get them involved. If you have an alarm system on your home, use it – if nothing lese, it can provide an early warning system for you. If you have the extra cash, set up video cameras/security cameras to help one poerson keep an eye on the entire property.

If you have the supplies you need, and follow these instructions, your home will be your fortress.

Good luck out there.

Fortify Your Home for the Zombie Apocalypse

Build Your Own Knife in the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-12-03T08:13:00.001-08:00

You never know it may happen – the apocalypse is upon us, you are out fighting your way through the undead. In order to reach your objective, you left your trusty knife wedged into the skull of an advancing zombie. You press on – but you need a new knife – now. Here are a couple ways to make a knife in a pinch.

If you need to create a knife in a pinch on the fly, here are a few methods to accomplish that task.

Zombie flesh may rot - their bones do not.

If you have the time, find a zombie or undead that has only recently turned. The bones inside of a fresh zombie are still very useful. In fact, you may have even seen Glen on “The Walking Dead” use a wrist bone as a weapon. Truth be told, the best bone for this is a leg bone. During the Latte Period ancient Chamorros retrieved bones from deceased bodies after tissue had deteriorated, and used the bones for use as tools or weapons. In fact, they would bury their dead with the legs above ground for easier harvesting of the bones. Go ahead and rip off a femur, and carve it into a nice boney knife to help get you through the Zombie Apocalypse.

Stones are good to throw, but make even better knives.

Go ahead and find yourself a flaky rock. Look for ones that are shiny, or tend to be near water sources. Find another rough looking, dull colored stone. Strike the rough stone against the flaky stone at a 45 degree angle to create your blade. Rub the rough stone around the handle area of the flakey stone for a handle. If you have it handy, you can even wrap the handle as needed with fabric or tape. Bingo – a knife. This method has been around the survivalist community for decades – but in a pinch, it is a great way to make a temporary knife when you need it the most, using minimal tools and supplies.

The buildings may be down, but your skills are not.

Find yourself a building preferably in rubble. In all of the twisted steel and metal, find yourself a semi-sharp piece of metal. Carefully remove it if attached to anything, and before proceeding, make your handle. A good leather wrap, paracord, or fabric will suffice. After you have your handle, use concrete or other rough stone to file and sharpen the edge to a fine point. This is easily done, though not as pretty – but it will get you what you need when you get it.

Oh, screw it – grab anything sharp.

When talking about the undead, anything with a point can be converted into a knife and used in an emergency situation. The key is training your mind to use the environment and the materials around you to build one to last you longer than you think you’ll need it. Glass (not recommended by the way) would even work, as long as it was short enough to avoid shattering. Stone, medal, wood, and anything else you can file into a blade will serve ou the best. Hey – it’s the zombie apocalypse – you have to get a little creative once in a while.

As always, ZETA recommends to learn these trades BEFORE and emergency hits. Waiting until you are in an emergency situation and trying to remember these methods is not going to get the job done. Practice now, and be ready when the time comes.

Build Your Own Knife in the Zombie Apocalypse

Procuring Water in the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-11-28T07:26:00.001-08:00

So, when the zombie apocalypse hits – or any other type of diasater – one of the most difficult challenges to overcome will be procuring drinking water for you and your group. ZETA recommends – and describes how – to build a simple water filter that will make even the most despicable pond water drinkable.

When diaster strikes, having enough water – recommended to be about 1 gallon per person per day – is hard enough. Of course, if you have a decent storage area you can fill rain barrels, containers, and more. The issue with this strategy is very simple – eventually, you will still run out of potable water.

Instead of looking for storage solutions, it is better and more sustainable to build a water filtration system that you can use indefinitely . The point is, you need a decent way to filter water and make non-drinkable water drinkable. Buying water bottles, storing gallons of water in your garage etc are decent short-term solutions. But when you have to hunker down in one spot for a while, then what?

The best method ZETA has discovered is to build a very simple, bio-water gravity filter. There are different methods and concepts to this filter construction, but we want to show our agents and readers how to build one for about $35. It is quite simple, and does not take much at all.

Basically, you need a 3 inch wide, 6 foot piece of PVC. You will also need a 3.5 foot 3/4 inch piece of PVC. Get an old screen, or a piece of screen. In addition, go ahead and grab a male to male hose adaptor, some elbow joints, plumber’s seal, and you are good to go.

Next, collect a bunch or rocks, dig up some sandy, soil mixture, and grab two containers – these can be 5 gallon buckets – and build yourself a filter! For added filtration, you can also through in a little charcoal. Since pictures speak a thousand words, here is a diagram of the filter we instruct our agents on how to make.

The important thing to remember here is don’t over think it. It really is just that easy. Here is what you do.

Cap off the bottom of the 3 inch PVC pipe.

Drill a hole to allow fitting of elbow joint.

Collect Rocks, small medium large.

Wash rocks as best you can – get them clean!!

Place rocks in 3 inch PVC pipe.

Collect sand/dirt combination.

Wash the dirt, pick out grass, etc. (Wash at least 20 times) Clean dirt is key!

Fill PVC with water 2 inches above rock line.

Add dirt into 3 inch PVC pipe, leaving 8 inches on top.

Fill 3 inch PVC pipe with water ,leaving 1 inch or so on top.

Cut a 1 inch hole in the lid to top of 3 inch PVC.

Glue screen over hole.

Attache male – to male hose nozzle to 3 inch PVC lid (requires drilling)

Secure top to 3 inch PVC.

Crush and place charcoal in 3/4 inch PVC.

Using elbows, attach 3/4 inch PVV to hole drilled in 3 inch PVC bottom.

Attach elbow to top of 3/4 inch PVC.

Place bucket under water output.

Use hose or other method to deposit water into top of 3 inch PVC.

Run filter until water output is crystal clear.

If yo combine this method with boiling your water, you are completely good to go. This system mirrors what is done in nature, using various layers to filter the water, and using gravity to force the water up and out of the water output.

As stated before, there are various ways to build this filter, others like it, on different scales, etc. The important thing is that you get one built BEFORE the disaster hits. This makes like a little easier. Tests have indeed been run on the water output by this type of filter. Depending on the water source, it is drinkable. However, we strongly recommend you boil any water collected before attempting to consume it. We also recommend you take the time to have your water tested by a professional, if you have the time, to ensure the water is potable.

You can also scale this filter down to a 2 liter size and make it completely portable.

The beauty of it is that you will never – never – have to clean the dirt, rocks, or inside of the filter again. All you have to do is keep your nozzles clean and the top screen clear, and you are good to go.

This has been proven to even filter pond water, roof water, and runoff water into drinkable water. However, you will need to see what works best for you.

Don’t over think it – spend the $35 or so bucks build one, and protect your group with a reliable water source!

Good luck out there….

Procuring Water in the Zombie Apocalypse

Securing a Perimeter Against Zombies

2012-11-26T08:09:00.001-08:00

One of the most basic ways to keep a group of survivors alive is to have a successful plan to defend and protect a perimeter. While this is true with home security and military personel, it is exceptionally true with zombies. Securing a perimeter may mean the difference between life and death for both you, and your group.

To effectively secure a perimeter, you must first make sure that zombies are either kept out completely, or handicapped enough for security forces to quickly reach them and wipe them out. If this is not possible, communication and real time information quickly become a necessity. What you might not know, however, is that even with advanced military personel there is no standard solution or method to guarding a securing a perimeter. Each perimeter calls for its own methods of security. Some perimeters are very long and require a different approach. Some are short and circular, others shaped differently. The key is to find the right solution is to actually first define the type of perimeter, and the proper threat level.

In any given zombie scenario, it is best to develop a smaller, firm perimeter that is easier to defend. Long perimeters and odd shapes can cause confusion, and consume more resources to defend it. The best option is to create a small perimeter that your group – or you alone – can patrol and defend.

Patrolling

That being said, perimeter patrols are one of the most important aspects of operations that are conducted. The best thing to do, is to secure a location. The leader of the group should take a partner to inspect the site, while the remaining team patrols the perimeter. While patrolling the perimeter, each person should stop every 250 meters (at least) and SLLS – Stop, Look, Listen, Smell. This is a military tactic to attempt to detect an enemy, or in this case, a zombie threat. SLLS can come in hady while on patrol.

It is also important for the patrolling team to designate a rally point. If the team determines that the perimeter has been breached, or a serious threat arises, the team can regroup at the rally point. This is an effective communication plan that will allow the team to maintain silence while on patrol, and still know what to do if things go sour.

The patrol team should patrol in a way in which they do not loose visual contact with one another. At ZETA, we train our team to patrol in the same direction. For instance, if the secure zone is a circle, the patrol team will encompass the circle, and essentially ”follow” each other as they circle the secure zone. Keeping visual contact means no surprises, and can help make the patrol very effective against zombies and other threats. It is also important to train yourself - and others – while on patrol, you are NOT concerned with the area to your rear. Your buddy behind you has that covered.

Here is an image of how ZETA trains its members/agents to patrol a squared off zone. In this example, a team of six is patrolling the perimeter of Memorial Park.

Modern day patrols and perimeters are often conducted by computer systems and high grade fences. However, during a zombie threat, with a group of survivors on the move, this is simply not an option. Just remember the better the patrol is planned, and the better the group understands their responsibility, the better and more effective the patrol will be.

Defenses

Other than patrolling, setting up defensive barriers is also a great option. If you are a group on the move, and securing a temporary perimeter, do not waste your time and energy setting up defenses. Instead, rely on your patrols. However, if you are securing the perimeter of a more permanent area, you might want to set up some obstacles and defenses.

The largest issue to solve with this approach is the fact that with zombies, defenses are always going to be temporary. Unlike humans, zombies will risk personal destruction and death attempting to breach a perimeter. The best you can do is to create walls from various supplies in the area, or even use cars and trucks to create barriers.

The best option, according to ZETA, is to not try to create a defensive perimeter that will eventually be destroyed. Instead, create obstacles that will help to funnel the undead into a kill zone. Using cars, or other objects, it is a lot easier to create a maze of sorts, that the zombies will funnel through. If sone correctly, the zombies will only have one way into your camp, and can only walk in single file. This means one or two sentries posted at the funnel can eliminate all threats. This is, as far as we know, the best way to set up a perimeter defense against zombies and the hordes of undead.

Good luck out there!

Securing a Perimeter Against Zombies

Zombie Weapon Attachment: AR-15 Golf Ball Launcher

2012-11-21T07:55:00.001-08:00

Often times we are all looking for creative ways to make, or acquire ammo once the zombie apocalypse arrives. Bullets may simply cease to be available in which time, most firearms will become unusable and obsolete. That is, unless you can come up with creative ways to fire projectiles at the walking dead. And it looks like that is now possible e with the AR-15 Golf Ball Launcher attachment.

That’s right – it exists. And it may be one of the slickest ways to kill a zombie yet. So when your rifle is low on ammo, and there is no where else to turn, go ahead and reach for the golf balls. Turns out this puppy can do quite a bit of damage.

Manufactured by NcSTAR, this attachment uses blank ammunition to launch golf balls approximately 500 yards. That means those little white balls can now be propelled fast enough to cause some serious damage. It is almost like turning your rifle into some kind of inbred shotgun. With a velocity like that, it is sure to take out the undead if things get up close and personal.

Of course, there are drawbacks as well. As one can imagine, the aim is not exact. It would be very difficult to hit a target with any accuracy at any reasonable difference. Not to mention, the golf balls have to be reloaded individually. This is not time consuming, or hard, but it does mean rapid fire is out. Not to mention, since this is essentially a tube attached to the end of your barrel, your weapon, if loaded with a golf ball, will have to be carried in the ready-up position – otherwise the golf ball will simply roll out of the tube.

However, in the face of a zombie apocalypse, some of these drawbacks and concerns will be the least of your problems. Not to mention, these things are priced to move. Available for just $18 from Walmart, this can be added to the back up arsenal at a very reasonable price. I mean, how many zombie preppers can boast they have a golf ball attachment on their primary rifle? Kinda cool if you ask us.

Of course, zombie prepping is serious business – but why not have a little fun with it once in a while, right?

Zombie Weapon Attachment: AR-15 Golf Ball Launcher

Your Own (Affordable) Drone for the Zombie Apocalypse

2012-11-19T04:21:00.001-08:00

When preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse, we all like to think we have it covered. Survival gear, stored food, bug out kits, weapons, ammo, supplies. But like anything else, there is always room for improvement. One thing that could come in handy during a zombie apocalypse, or any other type of diaster – is your own personal drone.

That dream has just become an affordable reality. You red it correctly. Thanks to a company named Parrot, you can now purchase your own drone for the chilling price of only $299. That’s right – a highly capable, personal drone ready to patrol the skies for you. Let me tell you – this thing is a beast.

First of all, the drone is controlled via your smartphone or tablet. Similar to what you would want in a drone, the built-in High Definition cameras (720p) record video directly to your smartphone or device in real time. Single touch controls let you fly the drone, make it hover, land, or take off, decreasing user error. This quad copter even has a removable hull – so if you become a drone flying expert, you can remove the protective hull for more speed and control.

The battery has decent life to it, and can charge via USB. It has a range of about 50 meters, or 165 feet. Just enough for you to see around the next bend, or over a building into a city. It also takes pictures, and hasa built in stabilization system.

Check out a video of it in action:

Here are some surveillance shots taken with the drone as well. Tell me this wouldn’t be nice to have when dealing with the undead….

The drone is available at tons of places. This isn’t one of those high priced, hard to find items. Just this past weekend I saw them at both Brookstone and Barnes and Noble.

If you want to learn more or order this puppy online, take a look at their website.

Pretty cool!

Your Own (Affordable) Drone for the Zombie Apocalypse