How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse (and Other Emergencies) from edX

Would you survive the zombie apocalypse? This engaging, self-paced, personal preparedness online course teaches you how to recognize pending crises and disasters, develop the skills to successfully prepare for and manage emergency situations using preparedness theory and frameworks.

Particularly in today’s world, it’s important to know what to do in the face of pandemics, extreme weather, wildfires, and other crises such as natural disasters. In the United States, organizations from Homeland Security, American Red Cross, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to local emergency response services, including first responders and emergency responders, are valuable resources for crisis and incident management, it is still important to know what you can do on an individual level to prepare for different types of emergencies.

By the end of this preparedness course, learners will:

Develop their own personal preparedness plan for use in case of emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises.
Test their skills and knowledge by surviving zombie apocalypse scenarios in a gamified environment.
Learn how to prepare their home and their family members for the zombie apocalypse & other disasters
Learn when to move, escape or defend.
Have the chance to put their preparedness skills to the test & try to survive in two disaster simulations
Gather the materials they need to create an emergency kit and an evacuation plan.

Key features of the course:

A focus on practical skills that can be applied to competency in real-world survivalist situations.
Fundamental survival skills for various emergency and survival situations, from urban disasters to wilderness survival scenarios.
Each module has a disaster plan challenge: you may be required to take a picture of your food stockpile or create your own candles in the event of a power outage!
By the end of the course you will have created an emergency preparedness plan

What's inside

Learning objectives

Identify general principles and activities associated with preparedness, and appreciate their importance.
Identify the known hazards and emergency risks in your area.
List the 5 action steps in thinking and planning for disasters.
Name the two principle possibilities your emergency plan should account for.
Describe the importance of stockpiling water; calculate daily water needs; and purifying water.

Describe basic, essential emergency supplies for staying at home during an emergency or in the event of an evacuation.
The best way to secure valuables, including important documents.
How to create an emergency communication plan for your family and loved ones.
How to decide whether to evacuate a location or shelter-in-place.

Identify general principles and activities associated with preparedness, and appreciate their importance.
Identify the known hazards and emergency risks in your area.
List the 5 action steps in thinking and planning for disasters.
Name the two principle possibilities your emergency plan should account for.
Describe the importance of stockpiling water; calculate daily water needs; and purifying water.
Describe basic, essential emergency supplies for staying at home during an emergency or in the event of an evacuation.
The best way to secure valuables, including important documents.
How to create an emergency communication plan for your family and loved ones.
How to decide whether to evacuate a location or shelter-in-place.

Syllabus

Module 1: Course Introduction & Why Do We Prepare?

Explain the importance of emergency planning and preparation.

Create a functioning emergency communications plan.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Teaches practical skills that students can apply in real-world survivalist situations

Examines fundamental survival skills for various emergency and survival situations

Includes gamified environment where students can test their skills and knowledge by surviving zombie apocalypse scenarios

Develops students' own personal preparedness plans for use in case of emergencies, natural disasters, and other crises

Offers hands-on learning opportunities through disaster plan challenges

Covers a wide range of topics, including water, food, hygiene and sanitation, medical and first aid, residential security, personal security, heating and cooling, cooking and hot water, lighting, communications, and fuel and fuel storage

Reviews summary

Practical emergency preparedness with a twist

According to its design, this course aims to provide practical skills for emergency preparedness, wrapped in an engaging zombie apocalypse theme. It is structured to help individuals develop a personal preparedness plan, covering essential aspects from water and food storage to residential security and emergency communications. Learners would likely find the comprehensive modules and action-oriented challenges like creating an emergency kit to be highly beneficial. While the theme adds a unique hook, the core content focuses on real-world survival strategies, making it suitable for anyone serious about readiness.

Guides learners to develop a concrete emergency plan.

"The course walked me through developing my own personal preparedness plan, which was my main goal."

"I liked the 'disaster plan challenges' in each module, like setting up a food stockpile, truly hands-on."

"By the end, I had a tangible emergency preparedness plan tailored to my situation."

Makes serious emergency preparedness enjoyable.

"I appreciate how the zombie apocalypse scenario makes learning about emergency preparedness fun and memorable."

"The gamified approach to surviving disaster situations is a really unique way to learn."

"I was drawn in by the title, and the course delivered practical knowledge without being boring."

Covers a wide range of essential real-world survival topics.

"I learned vital skills for water purification, food storage, and even home security for emergencies."

"The modules on communication and medical first aid are incredibly detailed and relevant for any crisis."

"I now feel much more prepared to create an emergency kit and an evacuation plan for my family."

Theme might overshadow serious content for some learners.

"While the zombie theme is fun, I sometimes felt it could detract from the serious nature of real emergencies."

"I hoped for even deeper dives into certain survival techniques; some topics felt a bit introductory."

"For experienced preppers, some parts might feel too basic, but it's a great overview for beginners."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse (and Other Emergencies) with these activities:

Read "The Zombie Survival Guide" by Max Brooks

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This book provides valuable insights on zombie survival strategies and can supplement the theoretical knowledge gained in the course.

View Minecraft: The Village on Amazon

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Read the book attentively.
Take notes on key survival techniques and strategies.
Discuss the book's content with friends or family to reinforce learning.

Organize and review course materials

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Organizing and reviewing course materials helps you stay up-to-date and reinforces your understanding of the content.

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Gather all notes, assignments, and other materials from the course.
Create a system for organizing and storing the materials.
Review the materials regularly to refresh your memory and identify areas for further study.

Practice basic first aid

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By practicing first aid skills, you improve your proficiency and increase your confidence in responding to emergencies.

Browse courses on First Aid

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Gather first aid supplies and assemble a kit.
Practice treating common injuries, such as cuts, burns, and fractures.
Review guidelines for first aid and CPR.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Build or purchase a survival kit

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Assembling your own survival kit will put the information you learned to the test and help you identify what else you might need.

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Gather materials that you would include in an emergency kit
Look online or consult with community resources for additional recommendations
Practice carrying or using your kit for short periods of time

Follow tutorials on wilderness survival skills

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Wilderness survival skills are crucial for adapting to extreme conditions during an emergency.

Browse courses on Wilderness Survival

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Search for online tutorials on building shelter, finding water, and foraging for food.
Follow the instructions and practice the skills in a safe environment.
Review the tutorials regularly to reinforce your knowledge.

Join a study group or online forum

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Engage with peers to share knowledge, discuss different perspectives, and enhance your understanding.

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Find or create a study group or online forum related to the course topic.
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.
Share your own insights and knowledge with others.

Conduct mock emergency drills

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Regular practice improves your ability to react quickly and effectively in an emergency.

Browse courses on Emergency Preparedness

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Choose a specific emergency scenario, such as a fire or an earthquake.
Walk through the steps of your emergency plan.
Identify areas for improvement and make adjustments to your plan.

Career center

Learners who complete How to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse (and Other Emergencies) will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Teacher

Teachers educate and inspire students. They work in schools and other educational settings to help students learn and grow. The course could be useful in preparing students for the challenges of teaching. They will learn how to create lesson plans, manage a classroom, and motivate students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Nurse

Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They work with doctors and other healthcare professionals to provide medical treatment and support to patients. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to work as nurses.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nurse

Social Worker

Social workers help people overcome challenges and improve their lives. They work with individuals, families, and groups to provide support, counseling, and other services. The course may be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to work as social workers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Survival Instructor

Survival instructors teach people how to survive in the wilderness. They teach students how to find food, build shelter, and purify water. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to teach survival skills.

See salaries and explore the career path for Survival Instructor

Urban Planner

Urban planners develop plans for the development and use of land in cities and towns. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community groups to create plans that meet the needs of the community. The course may be useful in helping students develop the skills they need for the role of urban planners. They will learn how to develop plans for the use of land, how to manage resources, and how to create sustainable communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Community Organizer

Community organizers work to improve the lives of people in their communities. They work with residents, businesses, and government agencies to address issues such as poverty, crime, and environmental degradation. The course may be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to work as community organizers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Community Organizer

Paramedic

Paramedics provide emergency medical care to patients. They work in ambulances and other emergency vehicles and are trained to provide life-saving treatment. The course may be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to provide emergency medical care.

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Disaster Relief Specialist

Disaster relief specialists provide assistance to victims of disasters. They work with government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community groups to provide food, shelter, and other assistance to those who have been affected by disasters. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to provide disaster relief assistance.

See salaries and explore the career path for Disaster Relief Specialist

Hazmat Technician

Hazmat technicians respond to hazardous materials spills and releases. They work to clean up and dispose of hazardous materials in a safe and environmentally friendly manner. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to respond to hazardous materials incidents.

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Firefighter

Firefighters protect people and property from fires. They work to extinguish fires, rescue people and animals, and provide emergency medical care. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to fight fires and save lives.

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Police Officer

Police officers enforce the law and protect the public. They work to prevent crime, respond to emergencies, and investigate crimes. The course would be useful in preparing students for the physical and mental challenges of police work. They will learn how to think critically, solve problems, and make quick decisions in a high-stress environment.

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Security Guard

Security guards protect people and property from crime. They work in a variety of settings, including businesses, schools, and hospitals. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to work as security guards.

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Emergency Manager

Emergency managers plan and coordinate emergency response and recovery efforts. They work with government agencies, businesses, and community organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to plan and coordinate emergency response efforts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Manager

Natural Resources Manager

Natural resources managers plan, develop, and manage programs and projects to conserve and protect natural resources. They work with landowners, businesses, and government agencies to ensure that natural resources are used wisely and sustainably. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to understand the complex issues related to natural resources management.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Resources Manager

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists research and monitor the impact of human activities on the environment. They work to find ways to reduce pollution and protect natural resources. The course could be useful in helping students develop the skills they need to conduct research, analyze data, and communicate their findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Environmental Scientist