Preparing and Using Fallout Shelters

The effects of a radioactive blast can linger at least for a while so you will need to prepare somewhere that will house your family for as long as is necessary. Many people prepare their basements as a backup in this event, whereas others will buy indoor or outdoor constructed shelters.

Whichever type of shelter you decide to go for, you need to make sure that it is appropriately equipped. You will need food and water that should be stored in your shelter ready for when you may have to use it. Blankets and bedding are also important, as you may need to keep warm. And it’s a good idea to keep some books or games down there to help keep your minds off it and alleviate the fear and frustration.

You should bear in mind that you may lose power, so if you plan to have a radio in order to keep yourself updated you should ensure a stock of batteries is available for this as well. The time it takes to get to your shelter must also be taken in to consideration – you will need to get to your shelter as soon as you can so make sure that it is easily accessible by everyone. You might even want to do a drill every so often to time how long it takes and bring that time down to a minimum. This may seem extreme, but it could end up saving your life.

You should also think carefully about other items, which you may need in your shelter. Many shelters that are on the market provide a range of facilities such as a chemical toilet, artificial light, safe ventilation, makeshift furnishings and radiation detectors. If you plan to make up your own shelter, make sure that you have as many of these items as possible available, as well as a fully stocked first aid kit in case of emergencies. Also, if any of your family takes regular medication, ensure that there is a stock of it available in your shelter. You should also keep some iodine in your shelter, as this can protect the thyroid from radiation as well as purify water.

Fallout shelters are designed to protect against the fallout following a nuclear explosion – they will not protect against a direct hit from the blast. Therefore, if you live very near to a high profile government building or anywhere else that could be considered a target for a nuclear weapon your fallout shelter may be of very little use. However, if you live in an area in which you are more likely to need shielding from radiation in the air, then your fallout shelter may prove more effective.

Having water in airtight containers, ration food bars, blankets, toilet facilities and some form of heating and ventilation. Remember, if you are using a fallout shelter you may be spending several weeks or more imprisoned in it and you must therefore ensure that your basic needs will be catered for. Fallout shelters can prove useful and can help to provide protection for your family, but you need to take some responsibility in ensuring that they are safe and fully stocked, particularly if you have built your own shelter. You will need to ensure that you have ventilation as well as other basic needs such as water, food and heat. However, if you feel that your home is close to the target of a nuclear weapon then your best bet is to get away from there before you become a victim of the blast as your fallout shelter will not provide you with protection in this instance.