In a zombie apocalypse I have mixed thoughts about being in Richmond. For one, as far as the Lower Mainland is concerned, I think the disease would likely hit this city first, what with it being so close to the airport. I’m also wary about leadership and communication in the aftermath of it all, as well as the lack of household guns in the city. On the other hand, in the aftermath, I think Richmond has some real opportunity to become a stronghold for the living, what with it being an island.
When the zombies come, us mild-mannered, often timid Richmondites will need to be prepared to hunker down and start smashing skulls; but it’s after that initial wave of terror that things will get complicated, according to Sam Migliore, professor of anthropology at Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
“In the case of Richmond, if there was a zombie apocalypse, people have to be ready to protect themselves, but also need to expect what people will change into to deal with the situation. And will we like these changes?” asked Migliore.
In other words, will the living be their own worst enemies, much like in the TV show The Walking Dead ?
“The most dangerous people in the show are not zombies, but other living human beings. And so, what happens when there is a crisis? What happens when we compete for food and what happens to our humanity?” asked Migliore, who teaches social and cultural anthropology.
“The Walking Dead tells us more about human beings than zombies,” he said.
During a major disaster, the City of Richmond has a plan to establish an Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), which would likely be activated by Mayor Malcolm Brodie.
“Leadership becomes important,” during a disaster, said Migliore.
Now, should citizens encounter the EOC overrun by zombies, they’ll most definitely need to establish their own support networks.
I think this is a very possible scenario, because when I spoke to Brodie to ask if he’s prepared for the zombie takeover, his reply was:
“I haven’t the faintest idea what you’re talking about.”
To be certain, Brodie contends the city is prepared for a major disaster, such as an earthquake.
“I think we’re well prepared. We do various drills and have our protocols down pat,” said Brodie.
“Just not for zombies,” I interjected.
The fact that Brodie won’t know to wrap a butcher knife around his trombone — he plays trombone in his spare time — indicates to me that he may be the last person you want to be seen with during the zombie apocalypse (but I’m still confident in his non-zombie disaster response skills).
Now, the city contends people should be ready during a biological emergency. One should have a three-day supply of food and water, as well as a host of medical supplies and equipment.
But once immediate supplies have run dry, and we’ve raided the corner grocers, then what?
“Of communities that have an ethic of sharing, you’d expect that ethic to continue,” said Migliore. “I guess the thing we’d have to focus on is, how does a major catastrophe strain relationships where they can’t even depend on family members the next day? You don’t know what will happen. It strains people in an unprecedented way.”
Civil unrest is a very real possibility. Are Richmondites likely to band together? I hope so. On the whole, I have some concerns about communicating in a common language. But this has always been a strong group of people, and hopefully we can rally together to force all remaining zombies off of Lulu Island.
“You’d have to control access to the areas, whether it’s controlling bridges, waterways and airways,” said Migliore.
“Whatever the checkpoints are, they’d have to withstand many people trying to get across,” he added.
At this point, we can barricade the bridges and man them with members of the 12 Service Battalion and Richmond Rod and Gun Club.
To Coun. Harold Steves’ chagrin, we’ll set explosives in the George Massey Tunnel to limit access.
Meanwhile, we’ll set up watch stations along the river to pick up any swimmers, so we can quarantine them.
For info on how to prepare for the zombie apocalypse, or any major disaster, go online to Richmond.ca/Safety/Prepare or search for the U.S. Center for Disease Control Zombie 101 Preparedness Guide.
