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INTRODUCTION

A bunker is a defensive military fortification designed to protect people or valued materials

from falling bombs or other attacks. Bunkers are mostly underground, compared
to blockhouses which are mostly above ground. They were used extensively in World War
I, World War II, and the Cold War for weapons facilities, command and control centers, and
storage facilities (for example, in the event of nuclear war). Bunkers can also be used as
protection from tornadoes.

Trench bunkers are small concrete structures, partly dug into the ground. Many artillery
installations, especially for coastal artillery, have historically been protected by extensive bunker
systems. Typical industrial bunkers include mining sites, food storage areas, and dumps for
materials, data storage, and sometimes living quarters. When a house is purpose-built with a
bunker, the normal location is a reinforced below-ground bathroom with fiber-reinforced
plastic shells. Bunkers deflect the blast wave from nearby explosions to prevent ear and internal
injuries to people sheltering in the bunker. Nuclear bunkers must also cope with the under
pressure that lasts for several seconds after the shock wave passes, and block radiation.

A bunker's door must be at least as strong as the walls. In bunkers inhabited for prolonged
periods, large amounts of ventilation or air conditioning must be provided. Bunkers can be
destroyed with powerful explosives and bunker-busting warheads.

Fig 1.1- Floor plan of 10 person shelter with bunker

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2. NEUTRALIZE NUCLEAR ATTACK RISKS

The fear of nuclear materials being sold on the black market is a concern that permeates the
thoughts of many Americans.

You can find resources on the internet to learn where historical enemy targets are located within
the United States. Most of these targets are military bases, shipyards, missile silos, high-tech
industrial regions, transportation hubs and highly populated areas like New York City, Chicago
and Los Angeles.

Fig 2.1- A Fallout Bunker

If you’re in these likely attack zones, it might benefit you to build an underground shelter right
away. Many experts predict that a nuclear attack will happen, and some say it may happen in the
next few years.

PLAN BEFORE YOU BUILD

Take some time to consider where to place your shelter.

For instance, if your home is north of a military base, use the southern wall of a basement as a
guideline for your shelter. You would, therefore, put as much mass (such as the soil piled against
the basement wall) between the likely nuclear detonation site and its aftereffects. That means less
radioactive exposure for you and your family.

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3. WATCH OUT FOR WAR

Tensions persist in various parts of the world and, should there be a war, you may find that
having an underground shelter will be invaluable—even a potential lifesaver.

Many are concerned about Israel and Iran’s nuclear sites, which may spread radiation across the
Middle East. Others can see the possibility of dirty bomb attacks in the United States.

“It’s easier to think of all the reasons to build an underground shelter now rather than think of the
reasons not to,” Marc “Eagle Eyes” says. “The governments of the world know something is
coming, so as individuals, we need to take note and prepare as soon as possible.”

THE HARSH REALITY

Consider these points about a potential nuclear attack

• Nuclear materials could be sold on the black market
• Likely targets for nuclear attacks include important military sites, naval bases, defense systems,
industrial and manufacturing areas and transportation hubs
• Highly populated areas in and around major metropolitan centers could be likely targets

4. EASE THE FEAR OF ECONOMIC COLLAPSE

If the American, and closely-related economies, encounter significant difficulties, do you know
what you’ll do if the value of the Dollar drops to nothing and societal norms begin to break
down?

You can be the one who is fully prepared by building an underground shelter.

Consider creating a shelter that includes more than just survival gear. Here, you can store
stockpiles of foods and goods that may be hard to come by in the event of an economic collapse.

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SHELTER CHECKLIST

o Food
o Water
o Lighting tools
o Radios and other communication devices
o A comfortable sleeping area for everyone in your shelter
o Toys, games and pass-times for children and adults
o Food bowls, toys and accessories for pets

5. EVADE THE EFFECTS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER

Images of natural disasters have no doubt burned into your consciousness.

Whether a hurricane, tornado, earthquake or flood strikes, the victims suffer more than trauma.
They’re often left in the lurch waiting for aid—including drinkable medical assistance, water,
food and shelter. Should a disaster affect you, you can allay these troubles by having all the
resources you need, ready and secure in your backyard.

CONSIDER THE RADIUS

Even natural disasters that are far away can come knocking on your front door.

“It would only take another monster quake in Japan to push the reactors there to melt down,”
“Eagle Eyes” warns. “Also, there are still some great concerns about reactor four in Japan, with
its huge pile of spent fuel rods. If they melt down completely, that could make most of the
northern hemisphere there a taboo area. That could mean radiation spreading across America, so
you will need to get underground.”

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6. SURVIVE SOLAR FLARES FROM BELOW

Intense solar flares have been increasing beyond levels ever recorded before. Not only do solar
flares have the potential to wipe out power grids, but large coronal mass ejections (CMEs) could
contain dangerous amounts of radiation, including fatal levels of gamma rays. That’s why the
only place to be is below ground.

An underground shelter can be the assurance of life, not just a place to ride out a hurricane and
its waning effects.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BUILD

If you’re convinced that an underground shelter would benefit your family, take these factors
into consideration before you break ground.

o Consider the longevity of the structure you have in mind. “You need to be prepared for a long
stay underground,” Marc “Eagle Eyes” says. For instance, look at air pipe systems and
ventilation options to ensure that you’ll have fresh air.
o Think about the type of materials you’d like to use, based on your personal requirements. For
instance, concrete or metal may be smart if you’re concerned about a nuclear leak. However, if
privacy is a concern, you might consider using logs to create your underground
enclosure, because they’re impervious to satellites.
o Know who will construct your shelter—are you a master handyman or will you require
assistance? If you don’t have advanced construction skills, you should hire someone to build for
you or buy a pre-assembled kit, available at various locations and online.

7. PREPAREDNESS ITEMS YOU NEED WHEN SETTING UP YOUR

SURVIVAL BUNKER

The threat of tornadoes and other dangers from above is a pretty serious matter for those
living in certain areas of the U.S.

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So what do you need to keep your family safe in the event of an emergency? A survival
bunker could mean the difference between life and death. Here’s what you should have in
yours.

7.1. AIR VENTILATION

You won’t survive long underground without oxygen. Installing a reliable air
ventilation system in your bunker should be your first priority. You’ll need a system
that will last for months and be able to withstand a storm or bomb going off. Calculate
how many people will be down in the bunker and for approximately how long, then
use that information to determine how much air you’ll use.

7.2. WATER

Water is more essential for survival than food. Theoretically a person can last three
days without water and three weeks without food. Stocking your bunker with water is
an area when many people come up short. There’s no telling how long you might be
stuck in your bunker so it’s important to have a large cache of water. Opt for jugs or
bottles of water that have been treated to last longer than what you might normally
find on a grocery store shelf. Remember to switch it out every few months to make
sure you have the freshest possible water when trouble arrives.

7.3. FOOD

Perishable goods have no place in a survival bunker. Instead, stock your shelves with
canned foods including fruits and vegetables along with long-lasting snacks like
MREs. Peanut butter, crackers and canned tuna all have long shelf lives.

7.4. FIRST AID

Even down in a storm shelter accidents can happen so you’ll want to be prepared —
small cuts can become infected and there won’t be a doctor around to help you treat it.
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Put together a first-aid kit to keep down in your bunker that includes pain relievers,
antibiotics, antiseptics and plenty of bandages. Be sure to monitor your stash and
switch out anything that is nearing its expiration date on a regular basis.

7.5 WARM CLOTHES

It is not warm underground. You’ll need to stock some extra clothes to help get you
through the cool nights unless you have a bunker built with some crazy insulation.
Pack clothes that he’ll keep your temperature normal like merino wool along with
jackets and thick socks. Fashion isn’t really a concern here so be sure to focus on
function.

7.6. TOOLS

Depending on how large your bunker is you’ll likely have items down there that could
break with constant use. Beds, appliances and lighting could all go haywire and you’ll
need to have a way to fix them. While a toolbox might take up too much room in you
can still keep a few key items handy, like a screwdriver and pliers, or you could
simply have a multitool on hand to help out with repairs.

7.7. BATTERIES

Batteries are going to be your lifeline if your electricity goes out so stock up on them
while you can. You’ll need them for flashlights so you can see and for you’re the
battery-powered radio you should have on hand to keep track of what’s happening up
above.

7.8. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS

Keep copies of all of your important documents in a safe down in your shelter. Photo
identification, passports, birth certificates, and insurance forms are all a must to make

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 life easier in the aftermath. If your house gets blown away in a tornado or another
disaster you’ll want proof on hand that you’re covered.

8. The Top Ten Things to Consider When Building a Shelter

1) Affordability assessment
2) Risk Assessment
3) Household Survival Plan
4) Geological Assessment
5) Shelter sizing
6) Choosing a shelter location
7) Shelter entry system
8) Shelter Air System
9) Emergency Escape System
10) Top things to have in your survival shelter

1) Affordability Assessment- We purchase car insurance, health insurance and even life
insurance for when we die…. How about purchasing some insurance to help you and your family
live?? How much are you willing, or can you afford to invest in a survival plan for your family?
You have basically 4 choices.
A “stay put shelter” (Large underground bomb style bunker) and they are the most expensive
systems and impossible to hide the installation from neighbors.
“Urban Foxhole” shelters are smaller, less expensive and easier to hide the installation. They can
be installed inside your existing garage.
Plastic lined room with an air system
Nothing……… The old wrap the kids in foil and hide behind a tree trick.
Other countries have been preparing their citizens to survive disasters ever since ww2. In fact in
some parts of the world shelters are required in all new construction. Here in the US people seem
to think the government will take care of us, or that we have nothing to worry about. History
proves that every society ever created has had life span and that eventually terminates in its
destruction. As a good provider for my family I feel the need to plan for disaster but hope it

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never happens. To be ignorant of the possibilities is negligence. You must be prepared to take
care of yourself.

2) Risk Assessment- I categorize the risk into 2 categories. Natural disasters or manmade
disasters. What disaster are you most likely to be confronted with?
Tornados or Hurricanes. These are the two most likely natural disasters you will face. Over 1,000
tornados and 1-3 hurricanes a year take place in the United States alone. Only the most
destructive are reported on nationwide news. Large long stay underground bunkers or Urban
Foxholes’ are both suitable for these events.
Fire and flooding are another Natural disaster. In the case of fires both long stay underground
bunkers and Urban Foxholes are suitable with appropriate air systems. Flooding is another story.
Anything underground is risky because not all shelters are water proof. Also , once water has
risen above your snorkels you will not be able to exchange the air inside the shelter and opening
the hatch door with a lake on top of you can only be done by flooding completely the inside of
your shelter to equalize the pressure on both sides of the hatch. If your shelter is water proof you
can leave your valuables, including food and arms, inside the unit to retrieve later.
Pandemic situations I consider to be natural disasters and something as simple as a plastic lined
room with an air filtration system can be the difference between life and death.
Solar Flares or Coronal mass ejection is another natural disaster. The consequences could mean
the loss of our power grid and possibly the melt down of our own nuclear facilities. Deep
underground and or urban fox hole bunkers like Smart Product Technology Security Pod are
both suitable shelters.
Earthquakes are another concern. Usually a earthquake happens with no warning so getting into
a shelter is not as likely during the event. However you want your shelter to survive to keep your
stores safe and also to be able to have a shelter to get into for after effects and aftershocks. Deep
underground systems or Urban Foxhole bunkers like Smart Product Technology Security Pod are
both suitable shelters.
Manmade disaster would include events such as;
Nuclear events, most likely EMP devices. Deep underground and or Urban Foxhole bunkers like
Smart Product Technology Security Pod are both suitable shelters.

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Economic collapse or civil unrest. Every day in and out use of your shelter would be the most
effective. Deep underground systems that no one knows about and are accessed from your home
or Urban Fox Hole bunkers like Smart Product Technology Security Pod are both suitable
shelters. Accessing it from inside your home for everyday use is the key.
Terrorism/ Dirty bomb events. Deep underground systems that no one knows about and are
accessed from your home or urban fox hole bunkers like Smart Product Technology Security Pod
are both suitable shelters. Accessing it from inside your home is a huge benefit.

3) Household Survival Plan- Are you a stockpile and stay put for a long term family? These
shelters are typically your larger deep underground systems and are very expensive. Although
they have a better comfort ability factor then small shelters there are also some serious
drawbacks to the systems. If it’s not located on your immediate property you may not be able to
get to it for starters. Did any neighbor see you craning it into the back yard?? If so… they may
respect your privacy for a week or so but eventually when there is no water or food they will
come knocking on your hatch. If one person knows outside of your family, that could be the
difference between life and death. Another drawback is perhaps just 30miles away things are un
affected. You will be stuck in your large bunker stuffed with everything you need because you
cant move all your stores. These consequences will cause you to have an enormous need for
security.
or
Are you a “survive the initial event in your smaller shelter” planner that can move when
necessary to new locations and return when necessary as fluid events take place. You will need
alternate locations to go to. Know your escape routes. Green belts and power line easements are
wonderful. Stockpiles can be stored in your security pod. We live 30 miles from the ocean so
after a week or two of an event we will make our way to the water and out to see. We will seek
out a location unaffected by the disaster. We have buried a few 5 gallon pales with provisions
along the routes and have geo cached them. Even small systems can be used for long term stays
but they just are not as comfortable as large systems.

4) Geological assessment- What type of geological substructure are you sitting on? Do you have
allot of boulders, Granit, or other hard substrate? Is the ground porous? Clay? How shallow is the

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water table in the spring and winter? Are there ponds or lakes nearby? These things need to be
considered. Water is especially a problem for underground systems. If you think water could
affect you will need a water proof system such as the Security Pod by Smart Product
Technology.

5) shelter sizing- How many people will be in your shelter? Keep in mind the amount of food
water and air everyone in the shelter will need. The minimum water for a grown man is 10 cups a
day. A minimum 1,200 calories a day to keep the body from feeding off of itself. An adult will
require approximately 10 cubic feet of natural atmosphere per hour for breathing for an adult.
How long will you occupy the shelter will be another factor in sizing the system needed. The
shorter the stay inside the less comfortable it needs to be. That means the less expensive it needs
to be.

6) Choosing a shelter location- Long term stay put shelters. Remember you cannot move! You
are married to your long term bunker. The biggest drawback is the lack of secrecy when
installing such a system. If it’s located in your back yard and you live in the suburbs that would
probably mean that your neighbors saw you craning it over the house or saw all the concrete and
pump trucks in your yard. Chances are you also told someone what you were doing and asked
them not to say anything. Asking someone not to say anything is really asking them just to tell
their closest friends only….then the closest friend does the same thing and so on and so on. The
best security is that no one knows about the bunker! Not even the neighbor. For security reasons
it is better to place such a large bunker on remote property outside of the view of neighbors. That
creates a new problem… It’s not quickly accessible and that will limit what events it can be used
for. People that know you have emergency supplies may respect your privacy the first week or
two but when things become desperate you will hear the knock knock on your hatch.
Smaller urban foxhole shelters, It is highly recommended that the shelter be installed with an
entrance inside your home or on your immediate property with the entrance only steps from the
house. When the entrance is inside your home you will have the maximum use and security for
the shelter. Entering from inside the home allows additional uses such as safe rooms for home
intrusions. You can occupy both the residence and the shelter going in and out of either as

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necessary without exposing yourself to the outside. These systems are far less expensive then the
large bunkers but come with air systems and locking systems just like the big ones.

7) Entry Systems- There are a number of hatches available. The least expensive systems are
heavy and hard to manage. To get a good sized opening with hydraulic assists is going to cost
between 8,000 and 20,000. This is one of the most important elements of your bunker. This will
protect you from blasts, water intrusion, zombies, grenades or whatever you think you need to be
protected from. It’s always good to have a 2nd exit incase debris falls on your shelter. Smart
Product Technology Security Pods come with a jacking system to hydraulically lift debris off of
you from inside the shelter. They also have flush floor hatches that can be driven over by
vehicles that are easily disguised on a garage floor with drip pans or carpet. Patio or garden
entrances offer other benefits in a hatch such as view ports.

8) Shelter Air System- You must insure that you have the ability to bring in fresh air and filter
the air for different circumstances. Your air system needs to be protected with devices such as
blast valves (they will keep concussions from hammering you with pressure waves while you are
inside the shelter), overpressure or positive pressure valves. Your snorkel lines need to be
plumbed with galvanized schedule 40 steel minimum to withstand earth movement. You system
should have battery and manual back up. You should calculate the number and kinds of filters
you need to have on hand. Plan how you will terminate your outside snorkels. They can be
placed in a rock pot or they can be brought up and turned over and look like oil tank vents.

9) Emergency Escape System- You never want you bunker to be your coffin, so make certain
you have an emergency escape. It does not have to be a separate entrance although I can be, but
they cost more money. You can hide an emergency exit in a sand filled hole. You drain the sand
into the bunker to open it. Or you can make sure the system you buy has the ability to
hydraulically lift the hatch and whatever else might be parked on you up.

10) Top Things To Have In Your Shelter:-

i. Dependable air supply and filters
ii. Water!!

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 iii. Food Reserves
iv. Sanitation Necessities
v. Communication Systems
vi. Emergency Exit Plan to Leave the Shelter and the Area
vii. Self Defense Tools
viii. First Aid Supplies
ix. Items to keep people occupied. Small games, card games and dice games are good. Bibles
or books to read. Chores and duties for people to perform. Fighting boredom may
determine how long people are willing to put up with such restricted conditions.
x. Batteries! And lots of them. Protected in a faraday cage.

9. CONCLUSION
They were designed to allow those inside to survive a nuclear blast and its likely aftermath.
Soviet Atomic Bomb introduced world to the possible nuclear war between the two superpowers.
Fallout shelters were portrayed s a realistic protection. Federal Civil Defense Administration was
created during 1951 as part of Truman’s response to the heightened public anxiety. Popular
culture of the late 1950’s and 1960’s contributed to public concern about nuclear war; therefore
it increased interest in fallout shelters.

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 REFERNCE
1. https://interestingengineering.com/this-nuclear-fallout-bunker-is-composed-of-42-school-
buses-buried-underground.
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker
3. Cold War Secret Nuclear Bunkers: Nick Mc Camley
4. Baker, Lord John (1978), Enterprise vs Bureaucracy - The Development of Structural Air
Raid Precautions during the 2nd World War, Pergamon Press
5. Ladd, Brian (2004), The companion guide to Berlin (illustrated ed.), Boydell & Brewer,
p. 393, ISBN 978-1-900639-28-6
6. BACM Research (2009), Vietnam War After Action Reports, BACM Research, p. 263
7. Davis, Tracy C. (2007), Stages of emergency: Cold War nuclear civil defense (illustrated
ed.), Duke University Press, p. 290, ISBN 978-0-8223-3970-0
8. Schneider, Richard Harold; Kitchen, Ted (2002), Planning for crime prevention: a
transatlantic perspective, RTPI library series, 3 (illustrated ed.), Routledge,
p. 87, ISBN 978-0-415-24136-6

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