Fear The Walking Dead, Survival Rule Of The Week: Assumptions
By Liam O'Leary
It’s October! And while we anticipate the return of The Walking Dead, I’m devoting this whole month to helping you survive a zombie apocalypse!
IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN!!! No, not time for Things To Note, but, October! This time of year, as we get ready to celebrate Halloween, people like to think about the things that scare them, and, really, what’s scarier than zombies?!
…Nothing. The answer is “Nothing”.
With it being October, and the fact that The Walking Dead is returning in a few weeks, I intend to try and impart my wisdom as best as I can, and help all of you be just a little bit more prepared for a zombie apocalypse should we ever have the misfortune of actually seeing one.
So, let’s begin, shall we?
Rule #38: Never assume. Ever.
If this rule sounds vague, that’s because it was meant to be.
The fact is, problems and threats can come at any time and in any form.
Often, such things become dangerous the moment we think they aren’t, because it lulls us into a false sense of security. Once we assume something isn’t dangerous, it leaves us vulnerable to getting surprised by it, and forced to scramble to react.
For example, when you’re entering a new place (i.e. One you haven’t visited since the apocalypse started) no matter how empty it may appear, you must always be alert until you know it’s empty.
Why? Well, for the simple reason that if someone is occupying it, they may not be happy with you invading it. Reactions to such a perceived invasion could range from simply being asked to leave, to being gunned down on the spot.
Of course, this doesn’t simply apply to people, it can apply with zombies, too.
If you come across a place that appears empty of or protected from the walking dead, you’d be better served ensuring that than just assuming it’s safe based on its appearance.
You see, zombies are many things, but, polite isn’t one of them. Zombies are under no obligation to announce themselves to you, and often won’t.
More often than not, they’ll likely move in like a fog, and start encroaching upon before you even know it!
Whether they follow you in, or are already there waiting for you, if you stumble into them assuming you were safe, you’ll likely end up joining them before the day is over.
Even making assumptions about people in your group is not an especially good idea.
When people are forced to cooperate in a zombie apocalypse, is doesn’t mean they’re suddenly your family. Assuming things are okay with another group member is a good way to get into trouble, and fracture your group.
It’s always a good idea to expect severe consequences for severe actions, and never assume you can smooth things over. This isn’t to say trying is pointless, but, don’t just assume you’re so charming that you’ll definitely succeed.
Going around thinking whatever you do is okay or you can definitely fix it, is gonna step on someone’s toes. Do it often, or severe, enough, and you can definitely expect to have guns pointed at you sooner or later. Once that happens, consider your chances of a smooth fix gone.
A zombie apocalypse won’t be an easy thing to navigate. There’ll be threats from the undead, strangers, Hell, even people within your group.
However, those threats become worse if you simply assume you’re okay instead of ensuring you are. Getting surprised by threats puts you on the back foot, forcing you to be reactive instead of proactive.
Next: Fear The Walking Dead, Survival Rule Of The Week: Friends
So, remember, it pays to prepare for as many eventualities as you possibly can, as best as you can; and never, ever assume. When you assume in a zombie apocalypse, you make a corpse out you, and probably a lot of other people.
If you like this and want to find out more rules to survive the zombie apocalypse, why not pick up a copy of my book, The Rules: A Guide To Surviving The Zombie Apocalypse! You can get it on Kindle here and on iTunes here!