Concrete Block Basement Fallout Shelter

At a glance..

This compact basement shelter will provide low-cost protection from the effects of radioactive fallout. Its purpose is to provide adequate protection for the minimum cost in an existing basement. In addition to the low cost, materials should be readily available, and the labor time will be short.

The details..

'Home Fallout Shelter' by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is an instructional guide on how to build a compact, low-cost basement shelter that can protect up to five people from the harmful effects of radioactive fallout. The book provides detailed instructions on constructing this shelter using readily available materials such as common lumber and concrete blocks with mortar joints.

The technical summary in 'Home Fallout Shelter' highlights that this shelter has about 50 square feet of area, providing approximately 300 cubic feet of space. Natural ventilation is provided through air vents in the wall and entranceway. The estimated time required for basic construction is less than forty-four man-hours making it easy-to-build even for those without much experience.

The book's step-by-step construction sequence outlines all necessary steps including laying out guidelines with chalk on the basement floor; setting door frames; fastening posts securely onto walls; nailing two layers of solid blocks flat on top of plywood ceiling while staggering their joints among other things.

Overall, 'Home Fallout Shelter' offers practical guidance for anyone looking to prepare themselves against potential nuclear disasters or attacks by building their own affordable underground bunker at home.