MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Are you ready for a "Zombie Apocalypse?" The Department of Homeland Security is urging you to prepare. The government is pushing this slogan to get people's attention because September is National Preparedness Month.
Some think it's funny, while others aren't laughing. The Shelby County Emergency Management Agency says it's trying not to focus on the "Zombie Apocalypse" theme.
The EMA says it's catchy but people should be prepared for real emergencies like natural disasters or pandemics. Shelby County EMA Director Bob Nations says preparing for a fake zombie attack is the same thing as preparing for a real disaster.
"We have to prepare communities for natural disasters, man-caused disasters and a lot of the preparedness is the same,” said Nations. "We encourage people to be ready to sustain themselves for 10 days so in terms of food and water and the necessary medications."
The Department of Homeland Security is using survival tips from the popular 2009 movie "Zombieland." Tips like "always carry a change of underwear" and "when in doubt, know your way out." The Centers for Disease Control used a similar method last year. Memphians are mixed about the government's approach.
“It would be sad not to be prepared. We've been told for years to be prepared for certain things and I’m the kind of person that would rather be prepared no matter what takes place,” said Riviera Hollowell, who agrees with the zombie slogan.
"I think it's kind of silly if you ask me,” said Crashaundra Townsend. “If you want to get somebody's attention or try to get awareness out there, do it the right way but by saying zombies, that's dumb because there's no such thing as zombies last time I checked.”
They're only real in the movies.
Bob Nations says the agency has a new location, state of the art equipment, and feels confident it can tackle any disaster. Yes, even zombies.
