The threat of tornadoes and other dangers from above is a serious matter for those living in certain areas of the U.S.
So, what do you need to keep your family safe in the event of an emergency? A survival bunker or underground shelter could mean the difference between life and death. Here’s what you should have in yours.
1. Air Ventilation
You won’t survive long underground without oxygen. Installing a reliable air ventilation system in your bunker should be your priority. You’ll need a system that will last for months and be able to withstand a storm or bomb going off. Calculate how many people will be down in the bunker and for approximately how long, then use that information to determine how much air you’ll use.
2. Water
Water is more essential for survival than food. Theoretically, a person can last three days without water and three weeks without food. Stocking your bunker with water is an area when many people come up short. FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day.
There’s no telling how long you might be stuck in your bunker, so it’s important to have a large cache of water. Opt for jugs or bottles of water that have been treated to last longer than what you might normally find on a grocery store shelf. Remember to switch it out every few months to make sure you have the freshest possible water when trouble arrives.
3. Food
Perishable goods have no place in a survival bunker. Instead, stock your shelves with canned foods including fruits and vegetables. Also include long-lasting snacks like MREs (Meal, Ready-to-eat). Peanut butter, crackers, and canned tuna all have long shelf lives.