The 10 Best Ways To Survive The Zombie Apocalypse In Virginia

It’s hard to go to the movies these days without seeing a post-apocalyptic world. And if you watch popular TV shows like "The Walking Dead" and now, "Fear the Walking Dead," it would appear that zombies are how this whole thing is going to go down.

Judging from the proliferation of zombie-related social media sites, websites, TV shows and movies, zombies have gotten into our heads in a big way...no pun intended. The crazy thing is that, while it’s a fictional apocalypse, there’s something to be said for having a plan in the event of a worldwide plague…even if it is in the form of undead, brain-eating semi-corpses. Just ask the Center for Disease Control – yes, the national organization intended to provide factual information on preventions and containments of REAL disease. Even the CDC has jumped on the Zombie bandwagon with what, according to their website, began as a pop-cultural reference for a "preparedness" campaign and is now a legitimate way to engage and educate the population on the importance of being ready for anything.

But don't worry. (Unless zombies turn out to be real, then by all means worry. Worry A LOT.) There are a few basic steps you can take to ensure your human status stays intact in the event of a zombie invasion, such as being educated and prepared, having the right skill sets and having a plan in place. To get you started, here are a few ways to go about it.

1. First and foremost, take a zombie readiness quiz and see where you stand right now

There is more than one of these floating around, but according to the USA Today quiz, "Would you survive the Zombie Apocalypse?", I’m a goner. Just saying.

2. Update your contacts and resources in rural areas. I recommend making friends in Southwest Virginia.

There’s little debate on this topic – the urban areas are going to be the first to go. Rural areas are hands down the best place to be in the event of an undead takeover. So if you can make your way down the Blue Ridge Parkway to Southern Appalachia, make it happen. Besides, what better place to hang out while zombies ravish the cities than in Virginia’s mountains?

I call dibs on the Sand Caves in Ewing.

3. Learn from the past to save yourself in the future – the Virginia Historical Society can help.

Who better to prep us on upcoming disaster than those who have studied past disasters, invasions and near-apocalyptic battles? Turns out that the Virginia Historical Society has some ideas on zombie apocalypse prep. The building itself is a good starting point. And while it may not be the best place to wait out the invasion, it does have some great resources on battle strategy and tactics, not to mention a healthy supply of tried and true weapons. How good are you at wielding a dagger, anyway?

4. Get to know the Appalachian Trail.

Say the apocalypse happens and you’ve had the good sense to get out of town. Long distance hiking trails are going to be a good bet for surviving the mayhem. With existing temporary shelters, networks of hikers already in place and plenty of tree cover, the Appalachian Trail is like a zombie-proof zone already.

5. Want to stay put? Make sure you have the right house. Turns out, Virginia Beach is a prime location for zombie-free real estate. Who knew?

Apparently, some homes are more susceptible to zombie invasion than others. Thanks to the fine folks at Exit Realty in Virginia Beach, you can check out this handy guide to zombie-safe houses.

6. Staying in the city doesn’t mean you won’t survive. Just know where to go. I recommend a bar.

RVA Magazine offers a list of Richmond’s best and worst places to wait it out. Ipanema Café on Grace Street comes in as a top location for zombie avoidance as it offers a hidden entrance off the main road which is reinforced with a metal gate. Hunker down, pour a drink and take out the undead down through the bars. Seems like a fool-proof plan, right?

7. Have your survival kit ready. Virginia has plenty of outdoor supply shops that can help.

Your basic zombie survival kit should, of course, be packed and ready in your closet right now. I mean, duh, right? But just in case it’s not, head to your local sporting good or outdoor supply store to pick up the basics like a backpack, some knives, a tent, a stove, waterproof matches or a lighter, basic climbing gear, insulated clothing, a sleeping bag and at least a week’s worth of non-perishable foods. I suggest Bass Pro Shop in Ashland or Blue Ridge Mountain Sports in Charlottesville, Blacksburg and Virginia Beach.

8. And now it’s time to get serious. Get your training at Northern Virginia Tactical in Winchester.

You’ve gotten the basics out of the way. Now it’s time to get the skills you need for battle. Where to start? Northern Virginia Tactical offers zombie training courses from beginner to advanced, starting with Zombie Survival 101: Surviving the Horde.

9. Or hone your skills with Zombie Target Practice compliments of the Pistol Packing Ladies of Stafford.

These ladies are all about empowerment. This ladies-only club meets at The Range in Fredericksburg to learn, practice and empower one another with firearms training – and to shoot zombies once a month. Check out their website to learn more.

10. Put your training to the test with “Infection: A Zombie Apocalypse Survival Simulation” at TAG in Portsmouth. That’s right. It’s go time.

Sure, you could wait until there are ACTUAL zombies to fight, but that always ends up a day late and dollar short, doesn’t it? Make sure you’re apocalypse-ready at Tactical Adventure Games’ Portsmouth location. Starting October 23, TAG will be hosting a 6-day event where your job is to enter a zombie-infested area, take out the zombies and get out alive – all in a "pitch black arena the size of a small city." Their words. Not mine. Learn more at Tactical Adventure Games…and good luck!

There you have it -- the basic tips and tools you need for survival. I guess all we have to do now is sit back and wait for the zombies. In the meantime, where would you hide to wait out an apocalypse? I know you’ve thought about it – or at the very least been in a discussion about it at some point. So tell us about it. Where do you think the best spots are for survival are in Virginia? Let us know in the comments below!