It may never happen — let’s hope and pray it doesn’t — but zombies could take over the world, or at least your local area. In my southern Illinois region (most southern Illinois residents consider the region to be south of Interstate 64), surviving a zombie apocalypse can certainly be done but only if you know the proper resources to tap into.
Communication
Local news sources would most likely be the first to communicate a zombie invasion to the people of southern Illinois. Watching television stations like WSIL-3 out of Carterville, KFVS-12 out of nearby Cape Girardeau, Mo. or WPSD-6 out of Paducah, Ky. would offer locals their first breaking reports about what exactly is happening.
Local radio stations like WDDD, KGMO or Z-100 would also provide important news updates to those who are in their car or at work and unable to turn on their televisions.
The Southern Illinoisan newspaper would also provide updated information both online and in print with the morning newspaper.
Supplies
Locally, a number of grocery store and department store chains would offer the best prices on necessary supplies like non-perishable food, bottled water, toilet paper, first aid supplies and the like. There are several Wal-Mart, Kroger, Aldi, Save-a-Lot, Mad Pricer, Walgreens and dollar stores (Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree) in the southern Illinois area. Most towns have a variety of stores that offer whatever you need to fight zombies.
Marion, which is centrally-located in southern Illinois, also has a Target store. Both Carbondale and Marion have sporting good stores (Dick’s in Carbondale and Dunn’s in Marion) that are necessary stops during a shopping trip.
Emergency Management
Most counties in southern Illinois have Emergency Management Agencies that would step in and coordinate with local law enforcement to deal with a zombie invasion. Williamson County EMA is centrally located in Marion and because of that city’s location on a major interstate (Interstate 57), WCEMA would play a key role in coordinating management of such a local disaster along with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Health
Local health departments like Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department would also work with law enforcement, emergency management and local hospitals like Heartland Regional Hospital, Harrisburg Medical Center, Herrin Hospital or Memorial Hospital of Carbondale to deal with the infectious disease , contamination and quarantine that comes with a zombie outbreak.
Preparation
Ultimately, the best way to survive a zombie invasion is to be prepared. Planning ahead and preparing for any type of emergency will also serve you well in preparing for zombies, no matter where you live. Following recommendations for preparing for earthquakes, snowstorms, tornadoes, power outages or any other type of natural disaster will also ensure your family is ready for zombies. The Centers for Disease Control offers tips for preparing for zombies but in short, the best advice is to put together a kit, make a plan and be ready.