“Zombie Outbreak” Teaches Students About Emergency Safety

  • Two event workers pose like zombies with neon zombie face makeup on.

    These "zombies" show off their “undead” neon make-up for the "Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt" in Matador Square, Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Daniel Ramos leans over a table, holding a cord to show a seated person how to make a bracelet.

    Associated Students Marketing Director Daniel Ramos helps a student fashion a paracord bracelet at the "Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt." Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Two event workers at the event desk directing a student by pointing out where she needs to go.

    A guide helps participants get started on the “Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt”, Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

  • Two students at the

    Students take a picture with some scary zombies at the starting area of the “Zombie Apocalypse Scavenger Hunt," Oct. 17, 2023. Photo by Sonia Gurrola.

The signs around Matador Square gave students fair warning: 

“Beware!” “Danger!” “Enter if you dare!” Zombies lurked in Matador Square! But these zombies weren’t interested in eating brains … no, these particular zombies were intent on education and public safety. 

On Oct. 17, as the CSUN campus geared up for Halloween, Associated Students (AS) hosted a zombie apocalypse-themed scavenger hunt to educate students about safety awareness and preparedness. AS leaders played the parts of zombies, all in the name of safety. Event organizers gave each participant a clue sheet at Matador Square, directing them to different spots across campus.

The scavenger hunt included a safety kit-making station, where students could build a kit with tools such as bandages and flashlights — along with a list of more personalized, recommended items such as medications. At another stop, students made paracord bracelets, which can be fashioned into a rope in the event of an emergency. The American Red Cross was also on hand with information about emergency preparedness. 

Mayssaa Dib, AS member and lead coordinator of the event — who was covered in bloody, red-and-black zombie makeup, said the lighthearted event was designed to remind students to be ready for anything.

“It’s about promoting emergency awareness, making sure everyone is ready for an emergency. You never know what could happen,” Dib said. 

Janice Barajas, AS member and event organizer, said being prepared can give students peace of mind.

“It [gives] them skills that they can take outside of campus and apply in real-life emergencies, ” Barajas said. 

Mike Sapien, a freshman who was excited to participate in the scavenger hunt and explore the campus, said, “It is important to learn about safety, and the options [for] when something bad happens.” 

For more information about emergency preparedness on campus, visit https://www.csun.edu/licensing/general-emergency-information 



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