Are you looking to discover how to build an underground bunker on budget?
If so, this article, which we’ve spent 17 hours reasearching the best underground bunker plans, is for you.
Why Do You Need An Underground bunker?
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During the Cold War Era, Underground Bunkers became extremely popular.
We still need to defend ourselves against unforeseen dangers today. A backyard bunker may be exactly what you require to safeguard your family.
To be clear, you don’t have to be a billionaire or the president of a nation to build a survival bunker.
Want to learn how to make a mini root cellar in your backyard? Here’s how…
Now, I’m not telling you that building one is simple or that you can do it on a shoestring budget because it isn’t, and you can’t.
It is feasible to do so if you are serious about safeguarding your family in the event of a natural or other disaster.
However, if you’re prepared to put in the effort, time, and money it will take to create an underground survival shelter, then it may be worth considering.
Why?
To many, the answer to that question is both simple and obvious:
- Apocalypse
- All Out Nuclear War
- TEOTWAWKI
- World War III
An apocalypse event, in general.
Whether it’s a North Korean missile striking the United States or your neighborhood getting torn up by riots.
Or you’re concerned about tornadoes sweeping across your street, ISIS, or Nazis – whatever!
You’ll be a lot safer than your apathetic neighbors if you have a bunker in your backyard.
But that’s not all, folks! Bunkers also serve as a good place to store food supplies, ammunition, and survival supplies.
It’s like having a walk-in closet for all of your stockpiles and preparations.
But now let’s begin with…
Underground Bunker Plans
Why Do You Need An Underground Bunker
1. NEUTRALIZE NUCLEAR ATTACK RISKS
Many people in the United States are concerned about nuclear materials being sold on the black market.
You may discover information about the historical deployment locations of America’s external foes on the internet.
The majority of these targets are military bases, shipyards, missile silos, high-tech industrial cities, transportation hubs, and heavily inhabited areas such as New York City, Chicago, and Los Angeles.
Have you ever been curious as to whether or not you live near a nuclear target? Even if you live in a small city or rural area… don’t believe your safety is guaranteed.
Not all strategic targets are in populous regions, after all.
Find out if your county is close to ground zero. US Nuclear Target Map. Do You Live in The Danger Zone?
If you find yourself in one of these areas, it may be a good idea to construct an underground shelter right away.
Many authorities believe that a nuclear attack is inevitable, with some claiming that it could happen in the next few years.
You may use the same roof-dwelling illustration that I did above to explain what a cat house really is.
A cat house, as previously stated, is an outdoor shelter for your pet.
It serves as his or her home away from home while you are not at home.
Plan ahead of time by considering where you want to place your shelter
As a result, you would want to spread out as much mass (such as the earth piled against the basement wall) between the potential nuclear detonation site and its aftereffects as possible.
As a result, you and your family will be less exposed to radioactive materials.
2. WATCH OUT FOR WAR
Tensions run high throughout the world, and if there is a conflict, having an underground shelter may be quite beneficial—even a life saver.
Many people are concerned about Israel and Iran’s nuclear facilities, which may irradiate the Middle East. Others can envision a possible dirty bomb assault in the United States.
“It’s easier to think of all the reasons to build an underground shelter now rather than think of the reasons not to,” Marc “Eagle Eyes” says. “The governments of the world know something is coming, so as individuals, we need to take note and prepare as soon as possible.”
THE HARSH REALITY
Consider these points about a potential nuclear attack:
- On the black market, nuclear materials might be obtained.
- Important military installations, naval bases, defense systems, industrial and manufacturing sectors, and transportation nodes are all possible targets for nuclear strikes.
- Highly populated areas in and around large metropolitan areas may be vulnerable.
3. EASE THE FEAR OF ECONOMIC COLLAPSE
Do you have an idea of what you’ll do if the value of the Dollar drops to zero and societal norms begin to disintegrate in the United States and related economies?
You may be the one who is fully prepared by creating an underground shelter. Consider making a shelter that includes more than just survival supplies.
You have the option of storing food and goods that might be difficult to acquire in the event of an economic collapse in this area.
SHELTER CHECKLIST
- Food Storage
- Water Storage
- Lighting tools
- Radios and other communication devices
- A comfortable sleeping area for everyone in your shelter
- Toys, games and pass-times for children and adults
- Food bowls, toys and accessories for pets
The most important survival item you didn’t buy?
You might have a decent stockpile, a few guns and maybe even a small garden. Whatever the case, none of it will save you in a crisis without THIS.
Right now, there is just one way to still get it. And it will soon be gone as well. The most important survival item you didn’t buy
4. EVADE THE EFFECTS OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL DISASTER
Images of natural disasters have no doubt burned into your consciousness.
Whether a hurricane, tornado, earthquake, or flood strikes, the victims suffer more than trauma.
They’re often left waiting for aid—including medical assistance, water, food and shelter.
If a calamity strikes, you may alleviate these concerns by having all of the resources you require ready and protected in your own backyard.
CONSIDER THE RADIUS
Earthquakes, tornadoes, and other natural catastrophes may occur at any time.
“It would only take another monster quake in Japan to push the reactors there to meltdown,” “Eagle Eyes” warns. “Also, there are still some great concerns about reactor four in Japan, with its huge pile of spent fuel rods.
If they melt down completely, that could make most of the northern hemisphere there a taboo area.
That could mean radiation spreading across America, so you will need to get underground.”
5. SURVIVE SOLAR FLARES FROM BELOW
Solar storms have been getting more intense, with the most recent one being classified as a “potentially threatening” event by NOAA.
Solar flares, in particular, pose significant threats to power grids since they can cause blackouts and wreak havoc on electronics.
STRATOS has also detected an increased number of solar storms that were powerful enough to cause radio
That’s why the only place to be is below ground.
An underground shelter may be a lifesaver, not simply a refuge from the storm and its fading aftereffects.
“If you are worried about solar flares …, you can cover the roof with ceramic tiles; that will give you protection up to 3,500 degrees,” “Eagle Eyes” says.
In other words, to be protected from solar flares, you don’t need to build your shelter 20 feet deep.
Now you might ask yourself…
How Long Would You Have To Stay In An Underground Bunker
Consider the unthinkable has happened, and a nuclear attack has made it necessary for you to enter your underground bomb shelter.
If you are unable to get emergency information by radio or television and have been without power for two weeks, it will be critical to exit your shelter for a moment to check the safety of your surroundings and see if it is safe for all residents to come out.
The person who ventures out first from the safety of the shelter should be one who is physically weakest- that is, not elderly, pregnant, or otherwise infirm.
By two weeks after the incident, radiation is likely to have decreased considerably.
As you get further from ground zero, the radiation is more likely to have reduced to a safe level.
Still, take as many precautions as you can: don’t breathe in any dust or ash that may be there.
If it’s not possible to get hold of specialized equipment and the expertise to use it, determining how much radiation is there will be tough.
As a result, your objective will ideally be to obtain public health data or figure out where you may go for a more safe haven.
You should avoid any contact with dust/ash material until you have accurate information regarding the amount of radiation still present in fallout.
Nuclear fallout, or fallout, is the residual radioactive material propelled into the upper atmosphere following a nuclear blast, so called because it “falls out” of the sky after the explosion and the shock wave have passed.
It commonly refers to the radioactive dust and ash created when a nuclear weapon explodes.
Before re-entering your shelter, shake off any dust particles from your hair and clothing, then wrap all of your clothes in heavy plastic trash bags.
If you can get one, a dosimeter will show you how much radiation you’re being exposed to and whether it’s safe to return to your shelter or continue through the area.
What Is An Underground Bunker
Bunkers are also used to defend against tornadoes.
Trench bunkers are small, concrete structures that have been partly dug into the ground.
Previously, many artillery outposts, particularly coastal artillery positions, were protected by large bunker systems.
Typical industrial bunkers include mining sites, food storage areas, data storage, and sometimes living quarters.
The typical place for a below-ground bathroom with fiber-reinforced plastic shells when a house is purpose-built is in a reinforced below-ground bathroom.
To prevent ear and internal injuries to people sheltering in the bunker, bunkers deflect the blast wave from nearby explosions.
Nuclear bunkers must also deal with the aftershock pressure that lasts for several seconds after the shock wave has passed, as well as block radiation.
A bunker’s door must be as strong or stronger than the walls.
Air/air conditioning is required in bunkers inhabited for extended periods.
Bunkers may be destroyed by means of powerful explosives and bunker-busting warheads.
Ok but now you might wonder…
How Do You Make An Underground Bunker
A hidden underground bunker requires much planning and hard work but offers peace of mind that you will have somewhere to protect your family if, or indeed when, civilization as we know it implodes.
How To Build An Underground Bunker Method #1
Shipping Container Shelter – Not recommended.
How To Build An Underground Bunker Method #2
Tube Survival Shelter
They are 11 times more durable than a square design and may survive for 200 years in the ground.
They can be planted up to 42 feet below the ground’s surface.
Here are some pointers for making your own tube bunker.
It will probably be simpler to dig a bunker above ground and then drop it in position.
How To Build A Tube Bunker
- Make a frame for the floor out of two 2x4s, allowing for 3 feet of storage.
- To create a level floor, cover the frame with plywood.
- To enable access to the underfloor storage, cut holes and add doors in the plywood down the center of the tube.
- Add bunk beds and the comforts of home.
- Dig a hole large enough to fit the pipe at the desired depth.
- Place the pipe in the hole.
- Weld a shorter pipe to the doorway region and add an access ladder to the surface.
- Connect water and utilities.
- Install a generator and air filter.
- If necessary, weld an additional little pipe to the rear for an emergency exit.
And here’s a video showing you step-by-step how you could build one…
Now that you know how to build an underground bunker, you might want to know…
How Much Does It Cost To Build An Underground Bunker
Tube shelters won’t need as much reinforcing as they are designed to take a load on sides.
It is a bit like living in a submarine.
Atlas Survival Shelters has premade bunkers, just pick a site to install them.
They are made out of 12-foot diameter galvanized corrugated pipe.
According to manufacturers, the market is still relatively new but is growing at a rapid rate.
The news has a lot to do with it; with reports of grim events and reality TV programs like Doomsday Preppers.
People have started to invest significant amounts of money into unusual shelter designs, such as bunkers.
But, how much can that actually cost?
The cost of a minimalist bunker can range from $38,000 to more than $60,000, depending on how well-connected the safe house is. A 2,500-square-foot reinforced concrete shelter is the norm.
One that includes kitchen gear and other amenities can cost about $60,000.
Bunkers are not inexpensive to shipping. A cost of roughly $10,000 is common for most bunkers.
Then there’s the issue of excavation and installation; bunkers are typically 6-feet deep underground.
This might be anywhere from $20,000 to $25,000 more.
There are a variety of alternative options. Abandoned silos, for example, are one such option.
For a 210-acre Titan 1 missile site outside of Denver, Colorado, the cost is $2.8 million per acre.
Some luxury choices are available in Kansas’ “doomsday condos” housed inside abandoned missile silos. They include a pool, movie theater, and indoor farm. What does it cost? Around $7 million.
So, there it is.
A doomsday shelter and prepper life do not come cheap.
How To Build An Underground Bunker On A Budget
Ok so now you how to build one and how much it is going to cost to build an underground bunker, but….
What Do You Need In An Underground Bunker
The danger of tornadoes and other calamities from the sky is a major concern for people who reside in certain regions of the United States.
So, in the event of an emergency, what should you do to keep your family safe?
A survival bunker could mean the difference between life and death.
Here’s what you should have in yours.
AIR VENTILATION
Without oxygen, you won’t be able to survive for long beneath the earth’s surface.
Installing a reliable air ventilation system in your bunker should be your first priority. You’ll need a system that will last for months and can withstand a storm or an explosion.
Calculate how many individuals will be down in the bunker for a set length of time, and use that data to figure out how much air you’ll need.
WATER
Water is more important than food for human survival. A person can survive three days without water and three weeks without food in theory. Many people run out of water when prepping their shelters.
There’s no telling how long you’ll be trapped in your shelter, so it’s crucial to have a supply of water on hand.
Bottled drinking water and jugs with treated contents taste better and are less expensive than you might expect. Instead of picking the cheapest option, go for ones that have been treated to last longer.
Keep in mind to change it out every few months so you have the freshest possible water when disaster strikes.
Related post: 5 Best Water Storage Solutions & Blunders To Avoid
FOOD
A survival shelter should not be used to store perishable products.
Instead, fill your shelves with freeze-dried meals, canned goods including fruits and vegetables, as well as long-lasting munchies such as MREs.
Longer shelf life peanut butter, crackers, and tuna in a can are all examples of long-term storage
FIRST AID
Even in a storm shelter, mishaps may happen; therefore, it’s advised to be prepared—small lacerations might become infected and there will be no doctor to assist you.
Make a first-aid kit for your bunker that includes pain relievers, antibiotics, antiseptics, and bandages. Keep an eye on your supply and replace anything near its expiration date on a regular basis.
Related post: The Ultimate First-Aid Kit.
WARM CLOTHES
Underground, it’s not particularly warm. Unless you have a bunker with some outrageous insulation, you’ll need to bring extra clothes to keep you warm through the chilly evenings.
Merino wool clothing, as well as jackets and thick socks, should be included in your packing list.
Here, fashion isn’t important; instead, prioritize function.
TOOLS
Beds, appliances, and lighting may all go out of control if you use them constantly. You’ll need a method to repair any of these items, perhaps beds, appliances, or lights.
While a toolbox might be inconvenient in terms of storage space, you can nevertheless keep a few important things on hand by keeping a screwdriver and pliers, or you could simply have a multitool on hand to help out with repairs.
BATTERIES
Batteries are going to be your lifeline if your electricity goes out so stock up on them while you can.
You’ll need them for flashlights and radios, because you’ll want to see what’s going on and listen to the battery-powered radio.
Related post: Top 5 Best Survival Flashlights
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
Make sure you have a safe place to store all of your vital papers.
In the event of a catastrophe, photo identification, passports, birth certificates, and insurance papers are required. You’ll want proof that you’re covered if your house is destroyed by a tornado or other calamity.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, building a home survival bunker is one of the most secure ways to safeguard your family. We don’t have access to the Secret Service or the US military’s riches, and we don’t have billions of dollars at our disposal.
But we can’t have our own underground bunkers, right? Underground shelters may be cheap to construct; all it takes is a little foresight and planning.
Shelters aren’t just for “doomsday preppers,” and underground survival bunkers are useful in a variety of situations. TORNADOES, RIOTS, VOLCANIC ASH, NUCLEAR WARFARE: The list of calamities that can befall us is endless!
To begin with, existing underground bunkers are incredibly useful as survival supply storage places. It’s like having a walk-in closet for your survival food, medicine, weapons, ammo, and water all in one place.
It will keep them safe now and prepared for an emergency.
Family Bunker Plans
And if you’re looking for more detailed survival bunker plans, we highly recommend Family Bunker Plans.
Here’s what you’re going to learn with this Family Bunker Construction Manual
- Secret construction sources to get your materials at the lowest possible price. This can make or break your chances at building an affordable survival bunker.
- Crucial site preparation tips! Warning: You must know this before preparing ANY site. Without this information, your efforts could result in frustration and lost money.
- Design and layout planning tips and advice from a qualified expert. These design tips will help you choose the right layout for you and your family.
On top of my layout tips your also going to get professional 3D diagrams to help you along the way!- Learn how to correctly prepare your site. We go into quite a lot of detail with plenty of diagrams and pictures on this topic because this is where I see a lot of newbie bunker builders go wrong. So pay attention and don’t miss this step!
- Get our electrical layout and installation plans. I’ve topped this off with full diagrams to make this as simple as possible.
As you can see, this is an extremely extensive bunker product. You will not find this level of detailed information anywhere else.
