By now you've probably heard that the CDC has been trying to generate interest in preparedness through a rather light-hearted campaign encouraging people to prepare for a zombie apocalypse. The idea of using zombie infestation as a metaphor for pandemic infection has been around for a while - I blogged about it back in August and October of 2009. I thought the it was a minor trend that would soon run its course. Boy, was I wrong.
Zombie infestation is stronger than ever. The CDC campaign exceeded the expectations of its planners (who deserve kudos, by the way, for having the courage to try something so outlandish in such a conservative industry). The CDC now has a range of zombie products (I'm on the waiting list for my T-shirt) and the trend is being picked up across the country. My colleagues in Ohio named October "Zombie Preparedness Month" and held a major hazardous materials drill yesterday (Halloween, of course!) with a zombie theme.
Are we being just a bit silly here? There's always a risk that campaigns like this can backfire and reduce our credibility. After all, FEMA is still taking heat for a 1994 publication that included a chapter on dealing with alien landings. But let's face it - our traditional methods of encouraging preparedness don't work all that well. Anything that gets people's attention and gets the message of preparedness across is, in my book, a good thing. Besides, there are a lot of people really having fun with this and that's also a good thing.
Can't wait for the CDC to restock so I can get my T-shirt!
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