Shelter Planning

Planning your shelter carefully can make a big difference in safety and comfort during emergencies.

Shelter Types

• Basements: Best protection from blasts and fallout; keep dry and ventilated.
• Internal Rooms: Rooms without exterior walls can work if basement not available.
• Constructed Shelters: Build or buy shelters designed to withstand radiation and chemical threats.

Layout Tips

• Keep the shelter small but enough for family members to rest and move.
• Store emergency supplies within the shelter for easy access.
• Seal all windows, vents, and doors to reduce contamination risk.

Materials

• Use dense materials like concrete, brick, or packed earth for shielding.
• Include plastic sheeting and duct tape for sealing.
• Stockpile blankets, sleeping bags, and cushions for comfort and insulation.

Sample Simple Shelter Layout

+------------------------+
|         Shelter        |
|                        |
|  [Storage]  [Sleeping] |
|                        |
|  [Entrance sealed]     |
+------------------------+