If an army of flesh-eating zombies were to start an attack in near future, at least one state in the US would be prepared for it. As silly as it may sound, Governor Sam Brownback has asked the residents of his jurisdiction, Kansas, to prepare for a zombie apocalypse.
To make matters official, he even named October, "Zombie Preparedness Month" during a ceremonial event on 21 September at the Kansas Statehouse.
Before you start judging the man or accusing him of taking "The walking Dead" too seriously, Zombie Preparedness Month, is not actually about planning a defence plan for when zombie attacks become a reality. Brownback's administration is actually banking on the pop culture's zombie obsession to raise awareness about disaster planning and response, notes the National Journal.
State officials are of the opinion that that the preparations for a fictional zombie attack is a good exercise for the natural disasters that could hit Kansas in actuality, such as an earthquake, nuclear terrorism, an Ebola outbreak or any other emergency that would seriously disrupt the fundamental infrastructure of society.
"If you're equipped to handle the zombie apocalypse, then you're prepared for tornadoes, severe storms, fire, and any other natural disaster Kansas usually faces," said Devan Tucking, a Human Services Officer with the Kansas Division of Emergency Management.
So how is it that one prepared to ballet with the walking dead?
The agency is actually calling on the residents of Kansas to devise practical survival plans that the government could implement if zombie attacks were to hit the Sunflower State. Five of the best entries will be highlighted during "Zombie Preparedness Day" on 25 October in Topeka.
The move has been met with some interesting reactions on the internet:
NBC journalist John Baiata posted on Twitter, "We're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. We're in.. Zombieland?" @govsambrownback preps his state"
"@govsambrownback this means everyone needs to watch @znation on @SyfyTV #ZombiePreparednessMonth #ZNation," advices J J Hayes.
While Chas Eby thinks it's a "Neat idea", Cimmy Redmond tweeted, 'I am so embarrassed. MT".
However, Kansas is not the only place preparing for a zombie apocalypse. On 24 and 25 October, the Northern Virginia Community College's Annandale and Loudoun Campuses held Zombie Apocalypse events, which spread out the main message of "Make a Kit. Make a Plan. Be Prepared."
Professionally-made-up Zombies lumbered across the campuses leading students to a central location of festivities offering free pizza and sodas, zombie-themed music and prizes. Students not only had the opportunity to take Selfies with Zombies, but could also receive information on how to prepare for zombie attacks.
This video captures the Northern Virginia Community College's "Zombie Preparedness Festival" held in connection with National Preparedness Month.
