Shelter
Construction and securing of emergency shelters
Why is this important?
A good shelter is more than “a roof”. It reduces injury risk (wind, debris, falling objects), limits exposure to cold/heat, and helps you ride out the period when being outside is genuinely dangerous.
In many situations, the best shelter is the one you already have: an apartment, a house, a basement, a stairwell. The key is choosing the right room and preparing it so you can safely stay there for hours or even days.
Start by identifying the scenario: storm and high winds, fire and smoke, infrastructure outages, nearby violence, dust/chemical contamination, radioactive fallout. Good decisions depend on what the hazard is right now.
Rule: protection + air + evacuation
In any shelter, focus on three pillars: (1) protection from injury and the environment, (2) safe air (no smoke/CO), (3) a viable exit route in case of fire or structural damage.
Quick room selection
A simple decision aid when minutes matter. If authorities tell you to evacuate—evacuate.
- Wind/debris: an interior room without windows, away from glass.
- Smoke outside: seal gaps, reduce outside air intake, filter/monitor indoor air.
- Cold/heat: shrink to one room, insulate the floor, hydrate and manage heat loss.
- Radioactive fallout: basement or building core; maximize “mass” between you and outdoors.
Minimum shelter kit
These items improve safety and comfort across almost all scenarios.
- Water and simple ready-to-eat food.
- Flashlights + spare batteries/power bank; avoid candles as primary lighting.
- Radio/phone + a family communication plan (who/where/when).
- First aid kit, regular medications, hygiene and basic sanitation.
- CO detector and a fire extinguisher if any combustion heating/cooking is used.
Common mistakes
These “quiet risks” can be more dangerous than the event itself.
- Running a generator/grill/combustion stove indoors—deadly CO risk.
- Sealing too tightly without a ventilation plan—headache, drowsiness, worsening symptoms.
- Blocking exits permanently—no escape route during a fire.
- No simple procedure: which room, what to grab, who handles kids/pets.
Detailed Guides
Bunker Construction
Design and construction of underground shelters
Temporary Shelters
Quick emergency solutions
Home Fortification
Securing existing buildings
Thermal Insulation
Protection from cold and heat
Ventilation Systems
Ensuring fresh air supply
Radiation Protection
Protection against radiation
Fallout Shelters
Protection against radioactive fallout
Drills and upkeep
A shelter works when everyone can execute the plan under stress.
- Pick a “shelter room” and store essentials there.
- Do a short drill: 5 minutes to get in and set up.
- Check batteries, extinguisher and CO detector regularly.
- Update the plan for kids, seniors, medications and pets.
The information contained in this guide is educational. Always follow local laws and consult experts before making decisions about crisis preparations. In life-threatening situations, always contact appropriate emergency services.
In real emergencies, follow official instructions (shelter vs evacuation). If you are unsure about structural safety, consult a qualified professional.