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(CNN)It's not like marauding hordes of zombies are roaming the streets of Illinois, but state lawmakers think that's no reason not to be prepared.
The legislature has declared October "Zombie Preparedness Month."
Why? Because, as House ResoIution 0030 says, "If the citizens of Illinois are prepared for zombies, than [sic] they are prepared for any natural disaster."
The resolution was approved Thursday and yes, at the heart of it, it speaks to a bigger point: Americans, for the most part, aren't equipped with dealing with natural disasters. Very few have an emergency plan prepared or even supplies of food, water or medicine.
Still, the debate on the House floor as lawmakers considered the measure, made for some interesting moments.
"Rep. Steven Andersson, R-Geneva, questioned which type of zombie should be used as a model for natural disaster preparedness," the Chicago Tribune reported.
He noted "that the undead featured on the show "Z Nation" are quick and smart. Those portrayed on "The Walking Dead," though, are slow but come in droves."
Here's the full text. It's good reading:
HR0030 LRB100 04249 MST 14255 r
1
HOUSE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, Tornadoes, floods, and other natural disasters
3 are real and all Illinois citizens should be aware of the
4 potential danger; while prevention of natural disasters is not
5 viable, citizens can be prepared with emergency supplies and
6 plans; and
7 WHEREAS, If the citizens of Illinois are prepared for
8 zombies, than they are prepared for any natural disaster; while
9 a Zombie Apocalypse may never happen, the preparation for such
10 an event is the same as for any natural disaster; and
11 WHEREAS, Disasters disrupt hundreds of thousands of lives
12 every year and can have lasting effects, both to people and
13 property; and
14 WHEREAS, Over 60% of Americans are not practicing or
15 preparing for natural disasters, and only 39% have developed an
16 emergency plan; and
17 WHEREAS, Practicing for preparedness makes perfect, and
18 staying safe is important for the citizens of Illinois; and
19 WHEREAS, Citizens should have supplies on hand, which may
20 include, water, food, medications, tools, electronics,
HR0030 - 2 - LRB100 04249 MST 14255 r
1 sanitation and hygiene, clothing and bedding, important
2 documents, and first aid; and
3 WHEREAS, Having an emergency plan and supplies can reduce
4 the negative impacts of natural disasters or help avoid them
5 completely; and
6 WHEREAS, Being prepared can reduce fear, anxiety, and
7 losses that accompany disasters; and
8 WHEREAS, Emergencies can happen anywhere, anytime;
9 citizens of Illinois should prepare for the Zombie Apocalypse;
10 therefore, be it
11 RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
12 HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that all
13 Illinois residents are encouraged to participate in preparing
14 for a Zombie Apocalypse, and have a plan that includes, signing
15 up for local texts and weather alerts, developing emergency
16 communications for the household, collecting significant
17 documents and storing them in a safe place, and gathering
18 emergency supplies; and be it further
19 RESOLVED, That all Illinois citizens are urged to follow
20 and act on disaster preparedness guidelines of the Illinois
21 Emergency Management Agency and Federal Emergency Management
HR0030 - 3 - LRB100 04249 MST 14255 r
1 Agency; and be it further
2 RESOLVED, That we designate October 2017 as "Zombie
3 Preparedness Month" in the State of Illinois, and urge all
4 Illinoisans to educate themselves about natural disasters and
5 take steps to create a stockpile of food, water, and other
6 emergency supplies that can last up to 72 hours.