How to Stand Guard Against Zombies

As I've watched The Walking Dead over the years, I've come to realize one thing that contributes to the survivors' problems.  They seem to have basic problems standing guard.

Photo By Forsaken Fotos from , Maryland (Guard Tower at Lorton Prison) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The Basics of Standing Guard

If you want to survive a Zombie Apocalypse, you and your group of survivors will have to do a good job when standing guard. Standing guard is not that difficult, but there are a few basic rules to follow:

1.  Someone Has To Stand Guard.  Once the Zombie Apocalypse has gone down, the world will be filled with Zombies, Looters, Warlords, and Marauders.  You probably shouldn't treat the situation as a family camp out.  You have to be on guard 24 x 7. 

2.  Choose A Safe Position For Your Guard Post.  Out in the middle of the road is not the best place to stand guard.  You'll want a guard post to provide some cover so that it is protected from incoming fire.  You'll also want it to provide some concealment so that it is not easily seen by zombies or marauders.

Photo By Martin SoulStealer from London, England (Probation Zombie) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

3.  Shut The Hell Up While Standing Guard.  On TV, characters tend to discuss and work on complex relationship problems while standing guard.  These involved conversations may be helpful to the emotional well being of the characters.  But, in the real world, it leads to a potentially fatal mistake called:  NOT PAYING ATTENTION.

4.  Stay Awake While Standing Guard.  If you've been fighting Zombies or running all day, you are going to be tired.  But, if you don't stay awake while guarding your group, you might not wake up at all.

5.  Keep an Eye Out in All Directions While Standing Guard.  The threat doesn't always come from an expected direction.  If you were planning to attack a guard, would you come from the direction that the guard is looking?  While Zombies may be somewhat predictable, humans are not.  They'll try to divert your attention and hit you from an unexpected direction.  That's why you have to keep a look out in all directions and be aware of your surroundings while standing guard.