Underground Bunkers (ePub)

Above-ground bomb shelters and bunkers are feasible with the right considerations. An effective system would include air filtration and a positive pressure mechanism. Nuclear fallout primarily consists of relatively large particles that can be filtered out using standard HEPA filters and industrial air filtration devices available on the market. In fact, even the military sometimes constructs bomb and fallout shelters that are mostly above ground. In the worst-case scenario, you would likely need to stay in a shelter for only a couple of weeks before it becomes relatively safe to venture outside. The radiation from a nuclear bomb diminishes rapidly as the shorter-lived, more dangerous radioisotopes decay.

The most significant practical challenge is ensuring that your filters and air pumps are independent of the power grid. Professional fallout shelters often use hand-cranked filters that provide positive pressure and air filtration. These can be readily obtained. Positive pressure is crucial to ensure that the only air entering the shelter is filtered air. Naturally, the shelter must be as airtight as possible. It is also essential to have adequate firefighting equipment to address potential fires caused by the explosion or other sources.

Due to the shockwave generated by the blast, glass windows are likely to shatter. To prevent this, one effective method is to securely board up the windows, similar to preparations made during a hurricane. Reinforced shutters made of metal would be the optimal choice. Wood has a tendency to burn, which poses a risk in a nuclear explosion due to the light emissions.

A converted shipping container can serve as an excellent fallout or bomb shelter. Digging a pit, placing the container inside, and covering it with a few feet of soil can create a suitable setup. Once you install air filtration, you will be well-prepared. Such a setup would be on par with professional military shelters, as this is often their approach for locations not expected to be directly hit by a nuclear bomb. Adding a couple of feet of soil on top is crucial because radiation can penetrate thin metal, potentially increasing its potency. The soil would help mitigate bremsstrahlung radiation. Additionally, it is essential to waterproof the container from the outside to prevent rotting and leakage.