How to survive a zombie apocalypse: author of new novel provides tips

It’s officially happened. The dead have been revived and are on the prowl for living victims to feast upon. Should you run? Hide? Sacrifice your frenamies?  

You’re in luck. Tom Leveen, a student in the School of Family and Human Development at Arizona State University, is unveiling his new young adult novel, titled “SICK,” that follows a group of high school theater kids as they try to survive a zombie apocalypse. Here, he shares his tips to increase your odds of survival.

Run first and shoot later. In mainstream media it is common practice for civilians to use guns to shoot the infected. The truth is though, if you aren’t trained in combat then you probably will not know how to properly handle and fire them. Stick with hand-to-hand weapons like axes, swords, baseball bats or even lawn rakes.

Share resources. Once the outbreak occurs there will be a scramble for precious resources. Leveen advises working together to equally distribute them instead of fighting. Otherwise, the situation in your safe spot could become more dangerous than what’s taking place outside.

Flee to wilderness. The city is flooded with the living, and as we all know, the living are prime zombie food. Head to the wilderness where there will be fewer people and, therefore, fewer zombies. Unfortunately for the characters in “SICK,” this is not possible, as they are trapped behind a large fence that encloses the high school.

Keep your hands clean. Your mom wasn’t lying when she told you to wash your hands. The last thing you want is to pick up a cold or the flu from all the blood and guts being spread around.

Attend the Zombie Romp on Oct. 1 outside of Old Main. Put your skills to the test as zombies take over Old Main at 1:45 p.m. Survivors may stay for a special book discussion and signing by Leveen, as well as a few scholarly discussions by Department of English faculty and students.

Those who can’t attend the romp may stop by Changing Hands Bookstore at 7 p.m. for a discussion with Leveen. Copies of the novel will be available for purchase on site.