On the cusp of 28 Years Later releasing, and the recent popularity of shows like The Last of Us and continued love of The Walking Dead, Carmarthen has been revealed as the most prepared place for a hypothetical zombie apocalypse.
From the year to April 2025, there were 853 searches per 10,000 people for Survival Kit, and 1350 related keywords such as Bug Out Bag, Emergency Kit, and Survival Tools – the highest in the country.
The research, by LSS, also found Bangor in North Wales came second with 553, followed by Bridgend with 477.
| Searches for Survival Kit and 1350 related keywords – May 24 – Apr 25 | |
| Location | Searches per 10,000 people |
| Carmarthen | 853 |
| Bangor | 553 |
| Bridgend | 477 |
| Port Talbot | 394 |
| Llanelli | 328 |
| Neath | 308 |
| Ammanford | 300 |
| Wrexham | 207 |
| Newport | 165 |
| Swansea | 156 |
| Cardiff | 117 |
| Maesteg | 25 |
In regard to sheer number of searches, Cardiff came first with an average of 4350 searches a month.
The LSS research found Swansea and Bridgend came second and third with 3860 and 3010 searches.
| Searches for Survival Kit and 1350 related keywords | |
| Location | May 24 – Apr 25 |
| Cardiff | 4350 |
| Swansea | 3860 |
| Bridgend | 3010 |
| Wrexham | 2800 |
| Newport | 2640 |
| Llanelli | 1610 |
| Neath | 1540 |
| Port Talbot | 1460 |
| Carmarthen | 1280 |
| Bangor | 1040 |
| Ammanford | 780 |
| Maesteg | 50 |
Across the UK, over the past year, searches for Survival Kit have rocketed 236%.
To further see how prepared people are for a zombie apocalypse, LSS sent a Freedom of Information request to councils across the UK, revealing no one had plans for an undead attack!
However, Dorset Council did say: “The concept of a zombie apocalypse was referenced tongue in cheek in an article explaining what the emergency planning team do, which commenced “Have you ever wondered what the emergency planning team do? The rumours of them hiding away in a darkened bunker drawing up plans of how to respond to the end of the world or a zombie apocalypse are (largely) untrue. Although we do have a bunker!”
Gary Noble, from LSS, said the findings, while fun, suggest a healthy mentality from the general public when it comes to staying safe.
“A zombie apocalypse, while great on screen, in books, and in video games, would be a disaster for humanity, and thankfully, will never happen.
“While the results are a bit tongue in cheek, it’s great to see people taking serious steps to protect themselves though, should an emergency happen.
“Having a survival kit, food supplies, medical supplies, and even a bug out bag in case you need to dash quickly, are all smart things to have on hand.
“While you might not need them to escape a zombie horde, they’re great to have in case of an injury, a power cut, or an emergency last minute trip to support a loved one.”
What should you have in a Bug Out Bag?
- Torch and spare batteries: If the power goes out, you’ll be glad you’re not fumbling about in the dark. Head torches are even better as they keep your hands free.
- First aid kit: Plasters, bandages, painkillers, if you or someone else gets a knock, you’ll want this close by.
- Bottled water: Two litres per person, minimum. You can live without a lot of things for a bit, water’s not one of them.
- Snacks that last: Think protein bars, nuts, that sort of thing. Not a roast dinner, just something to keep you ticking over if you’re stuck for a while. Also keep an eye on the expiry date. While they will last, they won’t last forever!
- Phone charger (battery pack): No power, no phone, and no phone means no help, no updates, no nothing. A fully charged power bank is a lifesaver.
