After a nuclear attack or disaster, a shelter protects you and your family.A simple shelter can be built by digging a trench and covering it with roofing logs and dirt.When constructed properly, a pole-covered trench shelter is waterproof and radiation-resistant.You can rest assured that you are prepared for anything, even if you never have to use the shelter.
Step 1: There is a building area on stable ground.
Things can be set on fire if a nuclear weapon explodes.If you can position the shelter so that the water behind the dams doesn't run away from it, it's possible to build a shelter in your backyard.You have to consider where the utility lines are in your area.Trees and buildings won't fall on your shelter if you choose stable ground.A reinforced shelter can be built in a basement.The concrete protects you from falling debris.You can research the area's topography.The land survey office of your government will have them.Check with the emergency response office.Do not position your shelter downhill from bodies of water or steep slopes.It's a good idea to keep it clear of dangerous buildings.
Step 2: Make a plan for the shelter.
A clear plan will help you build an effective shelter.Basic plans can be found by searching for shelter blueprints online.A step by step overview for building the shelter may be included in some plans.You can get blueprints if you consult an architect or drafter.They can tell you what shelter is best for you.A shelter can be built by most building construction companies.If you don't want to hire someone to design a shelter, sketch your own plans.You can use a computer program.
Step 3: To clear the area for construction, stake out the building area.
According to your plan, plot out the shelter's perimeter.To outline the shelter's perimeter, plant wooden stakes in the ground.Use shovels, axes, and other tools to dig up the debris in the area.You have plenty of space to work with if you clear the land beyond the shelter's perimeter.The size of the shelter is up to you.The shelter's length will be increased by 3 ft for every person who hides there.A basic shelter is about 10 feet in size.
Step 4: Move dirt out of the excavation area.
The basic outline of your shelter can be formed by digging out soil.It takes a lot of time and labor to do this with shovels.The dirt needs to be moved 10 ft beyond the stakes.You need to keep the dirt away from the trench.Rent a backhoe from an equipment company for quicker work.Speeding up the excavation process is often worth it.More space and blast protection can be obtained by digging a deeper trench.
Step 5: There is an emergency exit at the far end of the trench.
Extra air will be served by the emergency exit.There is a crawl space at the end of the trench.The crawl space will be below the soil.A small trench can be dug to connect the crawl space to the outside world.Dirt steps can be built to reach the surface.Start digging with a shovel near the entryway.The dirt should be shaped into small steps.The sides of the threshold boards should be connected with 10 in (25 cm) lag bolts.You should always have a second exit in your shelter.
Step 6: There should be a second crawl-way for the entrance.
The main entryway is the same as the emergency exit.This time, dig on the other side of the shelter.You can widen the entryway to make it easier to get into the shelter.The shelter's main living quarters are away from the entryway.The main entrance won't have air pumps or ventilation pipes, so it may appear larger.
Step 7: The wooden poles should be side by side.
The poles are less likely to collapse if they overhang the trench by at least 2 ft.They should be laid across the trench's width.The logs should be pushed as close together as possible to reduce the gaps in the roof.Try using 9 ft poles over a 5 ft trench.Long, uncut pieces of timber are what roofing poles are.They can be obtained from lumber yards.Home improvement stores may be able to help.
Step 8: The entryways have poles in front of them.
There are wooden roofing poles between the trench and the edge of each entryway.There are about 3 or 4 logs on each side.Tie them together with rope or wire, binding them to the poles over the trench.The dirt will be held back by the entryway poles.The dirt can slide into the entryways if you don't have them in place.
Step 9: The logs can be waterproof with a tarp.
Water and dirt can fall into the shelter if there are gaps between the logs.Buying a tarp large enough to fit over the trench is the easiest way to do this.Try to overlap a few smaller tarps.You can fill the gaps with other materials.
Step 10: The earth dome can be used to cover the logs.
The dirt needs to be moved back on top of the logs.Don't let the dirt leak into the living space below the logs.Before the shelter's entrances, shape the dirt into a rounded ending mound.The mound shape will give your shelter a stable roof.The dome should be deeper for extra radiation protection.Put a second tarp over the dome, then pile up another 18 in (46 cm) of dirt.
Step 11: Take the earth around the entryways to keep the water out.
Stack a few shorter roofing poles around the entrances.Attach them with rope or wire.In order to drive water away from the entryways, you need to build up the earth around the poles.To prevent rain from entering the shelter, make the slopes on all sides of the entryway.
Step 12: Plastic canopies are hung over the entryways to protect them from water.
There is a plastic tarp over the entryway.Attach the tarp to the dome with strong cords or wires.You can waterproof your shelter by securing the tarp to the logs in front of the entryway.The tarps need to form a tent shape.Water rolls away from your shelter if there is a consistent slope.
Step 13: The emergency exit has a hand-operated pump.
Choose a pump that is about 51 cm wide and 36 cm tall.Next to the emergency exit, put the filter on the floor.Run the pipe along the crawl space and it will come up above the canopy.Always use a pump that has an option for manual operation.If there is an emergency, you can use the pump to keep the shelter's air clean.
Step 14: There is a separate area for a toilet.
There are many options for installing toilets.The most efficient way is to use a composting toilet.You will need a pipe to run from the toilet to the surface.The exit furthest from your sleeping quarters is a good location for the toilet.If possible, run the pipe through the nearest entryway.You may need to dig through the dirt to get the pipe out of the entryway.You can join the pipe to the air pump.A regular toilet is not usually an option in shelters that do not have running water.If you want more comfort, you may need to install an expensive system of tanks, pipes, and filters.Small plastic toilets or buckets are another option.It isn't ideal, but it is an effective way to keep your shelter sanitary.Carry the buckets to the surface as needed.
Step 15: Beds and other furniture can be made for the shelter.
hammocks are the best way to set up furniture.Strong rope or wire is looped around the ceiling poles.Strong but lightweight hammocks can be created by connecting rope or wire to cloth.You can use poles and boards to build bunk beds.bulky furniture is not necessary.You can get creative and make your own furniture.You can make a bed by piling blankets.A bed can be created by packing leaves, pine needle, or hay.
Step 16: Pack food, water, and other things.
The most important supplies are food and water.You should have at least 1 US gal of water per person per day.You can keep a supply of dry food.Extra clothing, medical supplies, and disposal bins are required.You will need to be in the shelter for 3 days, but you should be able to stay up to a month in case of a serious emergency.A good first-aid kit should include bandages, tape, splints, scissors, rubbing alcohol, and any medication you need.Lentils, jerky, and military MREs are things you can bring for food.
Step 17: You can find a concrete room.
You can convert any concrete room into a shelter, but the underground shelter rooms are the best.A shelter can often be found in a basement.Concrete office buildings and other protected structures are unlikely to collapse during an event.If you have to make an indoors shelter, choose a room that is close to the middle of the building.This will give you as much space as possible.You can build a shelter outside.
Step 18: The walls should be Shielded with Heavy Materials.
Radiation can leak in if you stack sandbags near windows.You have more protection against radiation if you cover the walls.During an emergency, shift materials include mattresses, tables, books, and even bags of clothes.
Step 19: The shelter should be stock with food and other necessities.
Keep enough supplies for at least 3 days.It can be filled with clean, bottled water and snacks.Medical supplies and prescription medication should be included.You will need a bucket.You can use a radio to listen to updates.It could help you decide when it's safe to leave the shelter.
Step 20: Vents should be left for air at the entrances.
Sandbags or other resistant material can be used to seal the entrances.Everyone in the shelter should have enough air to breathe.Consider installing an air pump.You can connect it to the pipes in the building.