1. Primary Weapon [Swords, Machetes, Bludgeons (baseball bats, crow bars), etc.]

Anything that is deemed as a melee weapon should become your main weapon. If you are on the run after losing your fortification, a machete or sword would be ideal. A nice, clean sweep will remove a zombie or group of zombie’s heads, while a bludgeon with high impact will crush a zombie in one, forceful blow. Either item is easy to carry on your hip or back. A big advantage to a melee weapon is that you don't have to reload.

2. Secondary Weapon [.22 - .45 Pistols]

Your secondary weapon should only be used for groups of three or more zombies. Always be cautious. A good rule of thumb is that if you are within pistol range from a zombie, you should be fleeing, not fighting. A .22 pistol is recommended. .22 ammo is cheaper, weighs less, and is easier to carry than other calibers. The plus side of a low caliber pistol is that it has enough force to enter the skull of the undead but not enough force to exit, causing a pinball effect inside it’s skull.

3. Defensive Weapons [.22 - 12ga Rifles/Shotguns]

Defensive weapons, generally rifles and shotguns, should be used for defense only. They are not easily carried and would be much better suited for holding your fortification. You want to keep AT LEAST a scoped .22 rifle and a few hundred rounds of ammunition to make sure your safe haven remains just that: Safe.

4. Last Resort Weapons [Folding pocket knives, fixed blade knives, etc.]

A small, fixed-blade weapon should always be holstered to your side and/or ankle. Even though a close-encounter would be best avoided, if the situation were to arise, you need this item. If you were cornered by a group of undead, this last-resort weapon could be the difference between becoming the walking dead or continuing your fight for humanity.

5. Ammunition

It's as simple as this: a weapon without ammo is no weapon at all. Your budget determines which firearm and ammunition you own. Don’t be alarmed though; a .22 with proper shot placement would be more than adequate. If the funds are available and you want to guarantee overkill on that zombie, a .40 or .357, while slightly more expensive, would give you a little bit more comfort.

6. Food & Food Accessories

Max Brooks said it best: "No place is safe. Only safer." If you are in a rural area with dense population, you could easily fish for your own food. This is when fishing supplies become great survival items. But if you are in larger-sized city, you will want to be well-equipped with food. Canned goods are your best bet, as they keep for a long period of time. You will want to be prepared for at least 30 weeks, if not more; the zombie holocaust will likely not last longer than that. During that time, most of the world will become infected, rigor mortis will set in, and the bodies will begin to decay.

7. Communication [Two-Way Radios, Radios, etc.]

Communication is the key to sanity. You will want some sort of communication device, such as a two-way radio or AM/FM radio. You need to be able to listen for reports of other survivors, motivating you to regroup with others and overcome the depleting odds against the human race.

8. Lights [Lanterns, Flashlights, etc.]

Let's face facts: The power will go out eventually. It could be within 24 hours or it could take six months. Not having power isn't necessarily a bad thing, but an option for light could benefit you by allowing you to continue work on your fortification overnight. Be advised, however, that you do not want to attract any unwanted attention. Keep your windows tightly closed with blinds or blankets.

9. First Aid [First-Aid Kits, DVDs, etc.]

Along with the zombie horde comes the problem of not always having the best items to dress a wound. This is when first-aid kits come into play. Accidents will happen.
Survivors will be accidentally stabbed or shot. You need to have emergency medical items available at a moment’s notice. You will be beneficial to your group if you carry the skills necessary to use perform basic first-aid. We recommend that you study first aid and watch as many instructional DVDs as you can. When the inevitable happens, you will be at a heightened advantage over the other survivors.

10. Tools [Lighters, Pocket Tools, Other Necessities]

Tools are a necessity. You don’t have time to put off the “small” problems of your previous life. If something needs to be fixed, it needs to be fixed now. Pocket knives, lighters, and general tools (hammers, screwdrivers, Allen wrenches, etc.) will be useful. Preparation is the key to survival: Prepare, survive. It’s that simple.

Cheese Elemental wrote:Zombie outbreaks are boring now. It's all about the possibility of Italy betraying us again now.