As many fallout shelters do not have sustainable water sources, make sure you store bottled water for use within the shelter and consider installing a non-electric composting toilet as part of its ongoing sanitation efforts.
Select a location far away from trees and buildings, particularly those that may catch fire easily. It should also be uphill from bodies of water and away from utility lines.
Building a Trench
If you want to prepare for a nuclear war, one of the best things you can do is build fallout shelters. A bunker will protect you from radiation exposure, nuclear explosion shockwaves, and other potential dangers while giving you a place of refuge while fleeing chaos during a nuclear catastrophe.
Though pre-built bunkers may provide short-term survival solutions, they don't provide the protection provided by underground fallout shelters. Furthermore, having one in your backyard would likely become visible to neighbors and possibly high-ranking government officials.
Building your survival shelter does not require professional builders or expensive materials; the "cut and cover" technique makes this achievable, where a trench is dug and then filled in by dirt to form a solid base for your shelter. Plans can be found online or in survivalist books; basic tools needed can be purchased at any hardware store.
First, dig a trench that measures three feet wide by five feet deep. Next, layer 18-inch-thick soil over it - this will help shield you from falling out while also keeping your shelter warm. After that, construct three to five-foot log walls as walls of protection - followed by an emergency hatch hidden by another foot of soil that opens inward; finally add emergency lights and an emergency hatch that opens outward with concealed hinges so it opens inward if required; this shelter should accommodate four people and their supplies for at least 28 days before they would need to evacuate!
If you want to make your shelter more comfortable, hang hammocks from the ceiling or install fold-up beds. Be sure to store food, water, and personal hygiene supplies in your bunker in case an evacuation becomes necessary.
Bunkers may seem like they're built for nuclear war, but we live in an age of rising global tension. Though nuclear attacks may not occur often, other disasters could arise such as electromagnetic pulses, economic collapse, or terrorist attacks that are equally as devastating.
Building a Bunker
People tend to associate bunkers with Cold War-era nuclear fallout shelters. Although that's accurate, modern survival needs are much more complex: EMPs, economic collapse, and terrorist attacks must also be considered in your disaster prep plans; bunkers provide an ideal way of staying safe against all these potential dangers allowing you to weather any storm that arises.
Before embarking on the construction of your bunker, it is important to carefully consider its purpose and location. Ideally, it will be located close to supplies while being discreet to avoid being noticed by nosy neighbors. In areas prone to earthquakes, your bunker should also feature earthquake proof techniques like shear walls and cross braces for redistribution of seismic forces.
Next, plan the ideal size and shape of a bunker. This should depend on how many people will need protection, how long they'll need to remain inside, as well as food and water storage needs. In general, your bunker should provide ample room for everyone's comfort as well as food/water storage needs.
Your next decision should involve selecting materials for your bunker. Bricks are an economical, weatherproof choice that offers great insulation properties to help keep temperatures even during extreme temperature changes at bay. Concrete also makes an affordable yet sturdy option; self-healing concrete may even reduce maintenance and repair costs in the long run.
Once your bunker plans have been finalized, it's important to secure all necessary permits before beginning to dig. Any excavation project that alters the natural landscape must obtain a grading permit first; additionally, an experienced professional must come out and assess your site before any digging to ensure it qualifies as eligible for bunker construction while not damaging protected land or being detrimental.
Plumbing is an integral component of any bunker, so be sure to obtain a plumbing permit as well. In addition, since appliances will require power sources for operation, an electrical permit should also be secured.
Building a Concrete Bunker
An important material prep on many preppers' lists is a bunker. While professionally installed bunkers can cost an arm and a leg, DIY-minded preppers can build one themselves at much reduced costs with careful planning and construction knowledge. While this project might not be for the faint of heart, it is quite doable.
Before embarking on a bunker build, first determine its purpose. This will impact everything from its size and location to what materials will make up its construction. Furthermore, consider who will use the bunker, what supplies and equipment will be stored inside, and any other factors which might impede or influence its effectiveness and usability.
Digging a bunker requires purchasing numerous pieces of equipment, including an excavator. An excavator is a versatile piece of machinery, capable of digging trenches and installing utility lines among many other applications. When using one to excavate for your bunker dig, ensure to thoroughly investigate its area first by marking any underground sewer and water lines, cables, or anything else that might get in its way as it digs down to uncover your hole.
Next, purchase cinder blocks or bricks to build your bunker with. They're durable, inexpensive, and straightforward to work with - some models even self-heal themselves! For added durability and versatility, a large quantity of concrete may also be required to construct walls or roofs.
Once your bunker walls are complete, it's time to fill its space with soil. Make sure logs or poles that provide support are placed upright so the soil doesn't seep through; additionally, install a drainage system before backfilling takes place to ensure the waterproofness of your bunker.
Building a Septic Tank Bunker
Septic tank bunkers can be an effective way to prepare for disaster. Not only can they survive nuclear explosions and radiation exposure, but they're also great places to hide from zombies or looters if the situation arises. With its easy setup and ability to be concealed out of plain view, septic tank bunkers make great solutions for people without enough time or funds to build one from scratch.
As part of building a septic tank bunker, the first step should be selecting an ideal location. This depends on factors like soil stability, drainage, accessibility, and proximity to utilities and water sources. Once selected, dig a two-foot-deep hole. After excavation has taken place, cover it with cement to prevent leaking and ensure the bunker will last as long as possible.
Once your septic tank has been drained of its waste residue, the next step in this project should be thorough cleaning. While it may not be the most enjoyable part, this step is essential for survival - ensure every nook and cranny are scrubbed clean as well as disinfect any equipment used within your bunker as if not, your body could absorb toxic chemicals or diseases that could kill.
Your bunker must also be properly insulated to maintain an optimal environment and protect you from radiation and gamma rays, among other hazards. Foam panels or other forms of insulation materials may help provide this layer, while an exterior waterproof membrane will add even further insulation against rainwater intrusion.
Water supply systems are another essential element of any survival bunker. From storing gallons of freshwater in tanks to installing long-term acquisition and filtration systems, these are vitally important features of your bunker's infrastructure. Dehumidifiers should also be considered essential, since they will keep air breathable even during a nuclear disaster scenario.
One of the key steps in disaster preparation is stockpiling food supplies. This is especially crucial if you intend on staying in your bunker for extended periods. At least three days' worth of food should be stored there at all times. Furthermore, make sure you have an emergency kit containing medical supplies, fire starters, and any other essential items.