NoticeFictional zombie scenario — not a live emergency alert. This is a fictional zombie-themed civilian preparedness resource. During a real emergency, follow official instructions from local authorities, Virginia emergency management, the National Weather Service, and emergency services.
Each category is a fictional catastrophe wrapped around a real hazard Hampton Roads households actually face. Read the briefing, make a call, then run the actions.
0 of 6 scenarios completed
Category 1Real focus: Extended power outage
The Grid Is Down
Streetlights die block by block. The hum you never noticed is gone, and the refrigerator has become a countdown clock.
Preparedness focus
Extended power outage planning
Generator safety
Carbon-monoxide prevention
Refrigerated food safety
Charging and battery planning
Medical-device backup power
Safe lighting
Action checklist
Run generators outdoors only, well away from doors, windows and vents — never in a garage, even with the door open.
Install working carbon-monoxide alarms with battery backup on every level of the home.
Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; a full freezer holds temperature roughly 48 hours, a half-full one about 24.
Use battery or crank lanterns instead of candles to reduce fire risk.
Charge phones, battery banks and medical-device batteries before forecast storms; register with your utility if you depend on powered medical equipment.
Keep a corded or fully charged phone option and a printed contact list.
Never do this
Never run a generator, grill or camp stove indoors or in an attached garage.
Never backfeed a generator into household wiring without a professionally installed transfer switch.
Never taste food to decide if it is safe after an outage — when in doubt, throw it out.
What do you do?
You need backup power during the outage. Where do you run the generator?
Category 5Real focus: Interrupted deliveries and closed stores
Supplies Have Stopped
The shelves emptied in an afternoon. Resupply is a rumor with no delivery date attached.
Preparedness focus
7–14 days of realistic household supplies
Shelf-stable food
Prescription planning
Infant and elder needs
Pet supplies
Hygiene and sanitation
Avoiding panic buying
Action checklist
Build the reserve gradually — a few extra items per grocery trip beats one panic run.
Stock food your household actually eats and can prepare without power.
Ask your pharmacist and prescriber how to keep an appropriate supply of essential medications on hand, and how to handle refills during a declared emergency.
Include infant formula, diapers, elder nutrition, and pet food and medication.
Officials say the air outside is the problem. The safest move is the boring one: stay put and seal up.
Preparedness focus
Staying indoors during hazardous conditions
Closing doors and windows
Turning off outside-air systems when officials direct it
Selecting an interior room
Monitoring official instructions
Maintaining air, water, medication and communication supplies
Action checklist
Go inside immediately and bring pets with you.
Close and lock all doors and windows; locking seals them more tightly.
When officials direct it, turn off HVAC, fans and anything drawing outside air, and close the fireplace damper.
Choose an interior room, ideally above ground level for chemical hazards and on the lowest interior level for high winds — follow the official instruction for that specific hazard.
Keep a radio, phone, water, medications and a flashlight in that room.
Stay in place until officials announce it is safe; do not go out to check.
Never do this
Never leave shelter to observe conditions or retrieve non-essential items.
Never assume the hazard has passed because the outside looks normal.
What do you do?
Officials issue a shelter-in-place order for your area. What do you do?
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