Real severe-weather preparedness, with a zombie problem. Every rule below works for hurricanes and hordes alike.
Your home is your first fortress. Before any storm — or outbreak — know your safest interior room: no windows, lowest floor for tornadoes, highest dry floor for floods.
Zombie corollary: a shelter you can't leave quickly is a tomb with better furniture.
One gallon per person per day, two weeks minimum. Water outlasts every other supply problem you'll have.
Zombie corollary: the dead don't drink. Every water source they guard is intact.
Grids fail in ice storms, hurricanes, heat waves — and, per our Solar Outbreak Watch, solar storms. Plan for a week without outlets.
Zombie corollary: light discipline. A lit window at night is a dinner bell.
The most dangerous decision in any disaster is when to move. Most of the time, the answer is: don't.
Zombie corollary: highways are linear. Shamblers are patient. Do the math.
Help takes longer to arrive during severe weather. Your kit and your knowledge are the ambulance.
Zombie corollary: check everyone for bites. Yes, even Dave. Especially Dave.
Lone wolves die tired. Neighborhoods that know each other recover from disasters faster — the data is unambiguous.
Zombie corollary: four to six people, mixed skills, one very good dog.
This guide is general preparedness information with jokes, not professional emergency management advice. In a real emergency, follow instructions from local authorities. In a fictional one, follow the rules above and don't be Dave.