While the state's stalling economy may be a more immediate threat, Kansas is preparing itself to confront the walking dead head on.

Joined this morning by a teenage revenant, Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback declared October "Zombie Preparedness Month," an initiative designed to ensure residents are ready for an undead apocalypse -- or, y'know, a tornado or flood. Whichever comes first.

“If you’re prepared for zombies, you’re prepared for anything,” the governor said in a statement. “Although an actual zombie apocalypse will never happen, the preparation for such an event is the same as for any disaster: make a disaster kit, have a plan and practice it.”

Numerous state and federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control, have used fictional zombie-apocalypse scenarios as more lighthearted and interesting way to encourage disaster preparedness, or to study to the spread of viruses.

“This is a fun way to highlight the need to be prepared for whatever comes our way,” said Devan Tucking of the Kansas Department of Emergency Management. The agency will hold events across Kansas throughout October, encouraging residents to take the zombie-preparedness challenge.

This morning, Brownback said if zombies were to attack, he'd flee Topeka for his parents' farm in Parker, about 86 miles away. However, the Kansas City Star notes the governor declined to say which member of his staff he'd eat if were to become a zombie.