If there is one thing that we should all have learned last year, it is that the future is uncertain. We were so oblivious of the pandemic, that we did not even take precautions until it was too late.
We ought to learn from what happened, and be ready for any calamity that might strike. It could be war, natural disaster, or another pandemic, however, what’s important is that you are as prepared as possible.
One way to stay prepared is to have your very own emergency shelter. An emergency shelter is an underground living space that will provide you with a safe place to hide. Here are some tips to get you started.
1. Have A Set Budget
If you are going to build an emergency shelter, you should know that it won’t be cheap. You will not only be paying for the materials but the overall setup as well. You’ll have workers and equipment to pay for, not to mention the furniture and other essentials that go with building an emergency shelter. So you should follow a set budget. By doing so, you’ll have a set limit for your expenses.
2. It Must Be as Deep as Possible
When it comes to building an emergency shelter, it should be as deep as possible. Remember that the farther away you are from the surface, the safer you will be. So you should strive to make your shelter at least 20 feet below ground. Aside from the safety aspects, placing your shelter deep underground will also give you more room for expansion.
3. Reinforce the Walls
Remember that your shelter is meant to protect you from a myriad of disasters. This includes earthquakes. So it is imperative that you reinforce your shelter. Aside from the usual concrete construction, it is a good idea that you reinforce your shelter with iron beans. This will ultimately make a difference during an earthquake or other natural disasters. It will also make your shelter a lot more durable against attackers from the outside.
4. Stock It Up With Food
If there is one factor to staying alive in an emergency shelter, it is food. Remember that your main recourse during a disaster is to stay in the shelter until the calamitous event has passed. However, if you don’t have a good amount of food with you, then you might very well starve to death. So it is imperative that you stock up your emergency shelter with food. When it comes to choosing food, it is best that you choose long-lasting foods such as dried fruits and canned goods.
You could also use other preserving methods such as foods stored in flexible plastic packaging. These are the types of foods that you should stock up on because they could last for years without any need for preservation. You could also prepare cured or salted meat, and store them in frozen food packaging. Just make sure you contact frozen food packaging suppliers for top-quality packaging options.
5. It Must Have A Stable Water Source
When you build your emergency shelter, it is important that you have a stable water source. A person could last a few weeks without food, but without water, you only have a few days tops. If your area has a public well, you can link up your water system to it. If you don’t have a well, then you could install multiple water tanks so you’ll have a steady water supply. You should also make sure that you install a water filtration system to your water source. You might have a steady water source, but if you don’t have a water filtration system, your water will be literally undrinkable.
6. Teach Your Family Safety Protocols for Any Emergency
Remember that you are building your emergency shelter to keep your family and yourself safe. However, if your family does not know how to get into the emergency shelter, then it will be practically useless. So it is imperative that you teach them emergency protocols in case of any type of emergency.
You could schedule disaster drills during holidays or weekends. Teach your family what they should do during a specific disaster and that their main goal is to get to the emergency shelter as fast as possible. Although this might seem a bit drastic, it is still very necessary if you want to keep your family safe.`
7. Install an Alternative Power Source
If you want your shelter to be as livable as possible, it is important that you install electricity to it.
Hooking it up to your electricity lines, you should also install backup electricity sources such as a generator or solar panels. These alternatives are important because, during an emergency, the power lines might get cut down, or power in your area gets cut out entirely. By having a generator or solar panels, you will still have a steady supply of electricity.
8. Keep It a Secret
If you are going to build an emergency shelter, it is best that you keep it a secret. You should only limit this knowledge to your family. Remember that your emergency shelter has only a finite supply of water, food, and electricity. If you bring other people into your shelter then it might lessen your family’s chances of survival. There is also the danger, that should you tell your neighbors that you have an emergency shelter, they might try to forcibly get into your shelter. So it is best to stay on the safe side and keep your emergency shelter a family secret.
Conclusion
With the state of the world now, it is important that you take the necessary precautions to keep your family safe. An emergency shelter is a sound investment because it will give you a safe refuge, should any emergency strike. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a truly impregnable shelter.
