Underground bunkers became extremely popular during the Cold War Era. Today, we may still have a need to protect ourselves from unforeseen dangers. A backyard bunker may be exactly what you need to protect your family. When building an underground shelter make sure to have at least 2 feet of dirt over the top. This layer of Earth will protect your family from gamma radiation in the event of a nuclear attack. The deeper the bunker the better. Keep in mind air can get stale quickly underground. Invest in a good air exchanger and filtration system. Make sure the door opens towards the inside so you can still get out if something falls and blocks the door. Having a second emergency exit is recommended.

Shipping Container Shelter

Shipping containers come in a variety of sizes, 20ft and 40ft long for example. Many large companies sell used containers for a discounted price. Reinforcement is a must because containers were designed to take a load on the 4 corners, not on the top or sides. They won't withstand a car or tractor driving over the top. Combine several containers for a larger shelter to house more people and allow for more storage.

1. Dig a hole a least 2 feet deeper than the height of the shipping container.
2. Pour concrete stairs leading down to the bunker.
3. Use I-beams to support the entryway roof.
4. Place corrugated steel across the top of the container as a base for the concrete roof.
5. Weld a re-bar frame around the stairs.
6. Add blocks to the rebar and fill with concrete.
7. Install air vents and PVC pipes for utilities.
8. Pour a 6-inch layer of concrete over the top to insulate and strength the roof.
9. Backfill with topsoil in order to plant grass and bushes on top of the bunker, thereby camouflaging it.
10. Add food storage, bunk beds, and a gun rack if desired.

Tube Survival Shelter

Tube shelter won't need as much reinforcing as they are designed to take a load on 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. They are 11 times stronger than a square design and they can last for 200 years underground. They can even be buried up to 42 feet below the Earth's surface. Here are some tips for building your own tube bunker. It will probably be easier to construct the bunker above ground and then simply drop in into place.

1. Build a frame for the frame for the floor out of 2x4's, allow for 3-feet of storage.
2. Add plywood over the frame to create a level floor.
3. Cut holes and add doors in the plywood down the middle of the tube to allow access to the underfloor storage.
4. Add bunk beds and the comforts of home.
5. Dig a hole large enough to fit the pipe at the desired depth.
6. Place the pipe in the hole.
7. Weld a smaller pipe to the outer door area and add an access ladder to the surface.
8. Connect water and utilities.
9. Install a generator and air filter.
10.  Weld an additional small pipe at the back for an emergency exit.