What are Survival Shelters?
Temporary shelters that can be built in emergency situations, often by individuals, are referred to as survival shelters. These structures can improve your chances of survival if you find yourself stranded in an unfamiliar place, such as the wilderness or a remote area. They serve as a foundation for survival and provide storage for water, food, and crucial survival equipment.
Why Is Shelter Important for Survival?
Although some people perceive shelter as a luxurious commodity, it is, in reality, a fundamental physiological requirement akin to food and water. Prioritizing the establishment of a secure shelter should precede the search for sustenance and water as it acts as a protective barrier against unpredictable, uncontrollable factors.
In case you lose your way in the wilderness or face an unforeseen emergency, you may end up stranded in the woods, unable to reach a secure refuge immediately. As a result, you must have a means of shielding yourself from harsh weather conditions and exposure should such a situation arise. Furthermore, your shelter will offer you added safety against predators, pests, bugs, and snakes.
Bushcraft Essentials
It’s beneficial to be knowledgeable about all the different kinds of survival shelters, but it won’t be very helpful if you lack the necessary tools to build one in an emergency situation. Developing bushcraft skills is crucial for those who enjoy nature, and are virtually indispensable, even if there are no changes to the status quo.
Bushcrafting not only enables one to connect with nature in a way that camping cannot match, but it additionally provides an opportunity to venture outside one’s comfort zone and acquire new skills. Moreover, for families with younger members, bushcrafting serves as an excellent bonding experience. It allows participants to concentrate on the task at hand without any disruptions from contemporary life.
Everyone needs certain essentials in their bush bag, regardless of their level of proficiency in bushcrafting. Even if you believe that you won’t require all of them, the instant you delete an item from the list, you will find yourself needing it during your next excursion or at an inopportune moment. Nonetheless, you can establish your initial gear selection and augment it gradually as resources and financial limitations allow. The following are the essentials of bushcrafting.
Bag/Rucksack
A good backpack or rucksack helps you get your stuff from one location to the next. When SHTF, you don’t want to have your hands full of stuff as you’re trying to get to your destination. Some people prefer a larger bag, while others would rather have a smaller bag that has plenty of MOLLE straps for easier access to the things they need. Make sure to take plenty of time to shop for the best bag for you.
Lights
When it comes to lighting, there are different choices available. While traditional hand-held flashlights remain an option, one of the most favorable options is a headlamp, which provides ample lighting while enabling you to carry on with other tasks using your hands. The advantage of hand-held flashlights is that they allow you to direct the beam of light exactly where you need it.
First Aid
Even though we hope we won’t need to utilize a first aid kit, it’s crucial to have one on hand during an emergency. A first aid kit can provide aid for minor cuts and scrapes and also assist in the treatment of more severe injuries, preventing infections.
Cook Equipment
Although you could consume food cold in an emergency, there is no substitute for a warm meal. If you are traveling or living in a wilderness survival refuge, having a collection of cooking tools may be valuable. Opt for something that is simple to clean and not difficult to transport in your travels.
Knife
Having a knife is crucial as it has numerous versatile functions. Apart from apparent purposes such as preparing food and self-protection, knives can be useful in various bushcrafting tasks. For instance, you can benefit from it when hunting, creating tools and other objects, and even construct shelters.
Cordage
Having something to tie things together is essential for survival. Whether it’s a paracord, rope, or a package of bootlaces, without cordage it would be hard to build a shelter.
Shelter Tarp
To ensure the waterproofing of numerous survival shelters, it is advisable to have a readily available means of protection like a basic tarp.
Fire Starter
Having a reliable fire starter in your bag is essential. Although lighters may become unusable or depleted of fluid, a firestarter will consistently generate sparks.
An Overview of the 7 Best Underground Storm Shelters
#1 BombNado Disaster Shelter
Atlas Survival Shelters provides a variety of storm shelters, both above and below ground, with the Nado Series being the most remarkable. Among them, the BombNado and WineNado provide adaptable defense solutions for households of all sizes. The BombNado is buried at a depth of 14 feet.
By placing all storage under the main structure’s floor, the BombNado maximizes your underground space, allowing for increased spaciousness. BombNado shelters can be obtained in five standard sizes, ranging from 8’x8′ to 8’x20′, with the option of customization.
To enter the BombNado, one must locate a concealed entrance either behind a fake wall or inside a closet. A ladder made of non-slip material leads to a bullet-resistant steel hatch that leads to the underground refuge, which is further fortified with reinforced steel for safety.
To enhance your survival experience, you can also buy personalized beds, sofas, and toilets.
The NBC air filtration system in BombNado is created to ensure the ventilation in your shelter while eliminating air pollution.
The BombNado can also function as a great storage solution when it’s not being utilized as a shelter. It can serve as a safe location to store valuable items or act as an ideal setting for a climate-controlled wine cellar.
Take a look at The Nado Series.
#2 GarNado Garage Bunker
One more outstanding product provided by Atlas Survival Shelters is called the GarNado, which can be mounted beneath your vehicle shelter or below your driveway.
This bunker is completely sealed to prevent water infiltration and can be placed in areas with elevated water tables, which are typically not suitable for subterranean storm shelters.
The hatch is level with the ground and can support the weight of a vehicle. A ladder will take you from there into an 8 foot mudroom, where you can put in a decontamination shower to keep external contaminants out of your secure area.
Connected: Top food items for storage in your underground shelter.
Upon entering the main area of the subterranean storm shelter, which is constructed from steel that is 1/4″ thick, you will find tamper-resistant air pipes and an NBC air filtration system.
If you desire, you may choose to equip the GarNado with collapsible bunk beds, a sofa, and a toilet to increase comfort during long-term use. The option to add below-floor storage amenities is also available for an added fee.
The GarNado comes in 8’x8′ standard size that can hold up to 12 individuals, with bigger sizes also being an option.
In this video, you can obtain further information regarding Atlas Survival Shelters.
Take a look at The Nado Series.
#3 Lehman Dirtwork Shelters
Lehman Dirtwork employs fiber-reinforced concrete to construct their underground storm shelters, providing added strength. Additionally, steel rebar is utilized to bolster the structure, guaranteeing that it satisfies FEMA’s specifications.
You have the choice between a flat or sloping front shelter based on your landscape, but the longer warranty for the sloping front indicates that it may be more resilient than the flat top.
The slope front shelter also features a hydraulic pressure lift door and non-slip stairs with safety rails.
Depending on your needs, you have the option of selecting varying dimensions. To accommodate approximately 10 individuals, the subterranean refuge comes in a customary size of 6 feet by 8 feet.
Visit Lehman Dirtwork to have a look.
#4 GarageCube Underground Storm Shelter
The GarageCube is created to suit households with less area and can be conveniently placed below your current garage floor. It measures 4’x8′, slightly smaller than Lehman’s, but the makers affirm it can still accommodate up to 10 individuals.
With a headspace of only 5 feet high, the area seems quite cramped! It might suffice for a brief duration, which is what you require during a tornado, but staying put for 24 hours during a hurricane could become unpleasant.
Equipped with a sliding door that seamlessly blends with the floor, the GarageCube is constructed using robust 1/4 inch thick steel, allowing you to even park your vehicle on it, albeit it may hinder prompt access in case of an emergency.
Lockable benches are present within the GarageCube that can be utilized for storing valuables and emergency supplies. Additionally, the stairs can be taken out if there is a requirement for more space, even though the average American household, consisting of 3.4 individuals, has ample bench space.
Have a look at it on Survive-a-Storm.
#5 Elephant Storm Safe
Constructed from durable 12 gauge steel, the Elephant Storm Safe provides an ample amount of room underground to seek refuge during a storm. Although lacking an NPA air filtration system, it features protected air vents to permit air to flow while preventing debris from entering. However, it may not offer substantial protection against chemical weapons or radioactive fallout.
By choosing a stairwell instead of a ladder, you can simplify entry into an Elephant Storm Safe that features a standard security door fortified with a three-point latch mechanism and deadbolt.
There are various sizes of Elephant Storm Safes available, with the smallest measuring 6’x6′ and accommodating up to 10 individuals, while the largest measures 6’x30′ and can accommodate between 22 and 26 people.
Visit Elephant Safe Rooms for further information.
#6 Tornado Safe Storm Shelter
According to US Safe Room, their underground storm shelter is designed to serve as not only a safe haven from natural disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes but also as a multi-functional space that can be utilized as a media room or home gym.
The Tornado Safe Storm Shelter, made of welded steel, provides security against storms, environmental hazards, and theft. Besides security purposes, the shelter is perfect for storing valuable items and confidential papers.
You can enter the shelter either by climbing a ladder or using a built-in stairway for a more convenient option. It is possible to install it beneath any area of your house to ensure secure entry when there is a storm.
An adaptable and secure space can be equipped with restrooms, sofas, and sleeping accommodations to enhance the satisfaction of a long-term residency.
This subterranean storm shelter can accommodate families of varying sizes as it is offered in four distinct sizes. The conventional sizes are between 6’x6′ to 6’x30′ and can be tailored to cater to your specific requirements.
Take a look at it on US Safe Room.
#7 The Refuge Tornado Shelter
The entrance of this fiberglass shelter provides ample space for emergency access. The installation time is quick, and the shelter is also waterproof. While it may not boast luxurious features, it is still reasonably priced and can accommodate up to six people.
Despite the presence of a three-point locking system intended to prevent the entry of even the most dangerous elements, the molded benches only offer a limited amount of comfort and are unlikely to keep you and your loved ones at ease for an extended period of time. Additionally, non-slip stairs facilitate easy entry and exit.
What To Consider When Buying An Underground Storm Shelter
Location
It is improbable that you can construct an underground storm shelter if no houses in your locality have basements.
It may not be possible to install an underground storm shelter in regions where the water table is high or the bedrock is close to the surface.
Size
The International Code Council (ICC) sets a standard of 5 square feet of floor space per person as the minimum requirement for a community safe room according to their 500 criteria.
In case of tornadoes, a residential underground storm shelter with a minimum area of 3 sq feet may suffice. However, for regions susceptible to hurricanes, the recommended area ranges from 7 to 10 sq feet.
A family of four would require an underground safe room measuring at least 4 feet by 5 feet, but for extended periods of stay, a 6 feet by 6 feet room would provide more comfort.
Legality
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria must be met by all kinds of storm shelters, including both above-ground and underground.
The International Code Council (ICC) mandates adherence to a set of standard specifications for the design and construction of storm shelters.
