🚨 A good shelter can save lives.
Whether storm, explosion, nuclear attack or civil unrest – the right room makes the difference.
1. The Ideal Shelter in the House
The best shelter is central, windowless, lower level:
- Basement: Best option. Earth dampens shock waves, radiation and debris.
- Inner rooms: Hallway, stairwell, bathroom (if no exterior walls)
- Avoid: Attic, rooms with large windows, exterior walls
- Apartment buildings: Central stairwell = best protection position
2. Shelter for Various Dangers
| Danger | Best Position | Additional Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Storm/Hurricane | Basement, inner rooms | Board up windows with planks/plates |
| Tornado | Basement or smallest room in center | Mattresses over yourself, bathtub |
| Explosion/Blast wave | Basement, behind load-bearing walls | Under table, no windows |
| Radioactivity | Basement, as deep as possible | Seal doors/windows, close ventilation |
| Chemical accident | Top floor (gas sinks!) | Seal windows/doors, wet cloths |
| Civil unrest/looting | Inner room, no visibility | Barricade doors, lights off |
| Flood | Upper floor/Roof | Avoid basement! Power off! |
3. Equip Shelter
- Water: 10-20 liters minimum (3L/person/day)
- Food: Cans, energy bars, dried rations (3 days)
- Radio: Battery/crank radio for announcements
- Light: Flashlight, candles, glow sticks
- First aid kit: Complete, accessible
- Blankets/sleeping bags: Basement can be cold
- Tools: Hammer, multitool, rope, duct tape
- Hygiene: Bucket as emergency toilet, trash bags, wet wipes
- Documents: Waterproof packaged (ID, insurance)
4. Sealing (Radioactivity / Chemicals)
- Doors/windows: Seal with tape (duct tape) – gaps, joints
- Ventilation: Turn off or plug (wet cloths, foil)
- Chimneys: Close and seal (ash filter)
- Power: In chemical accident: turn off ventilation/AC (circulates poison!)
- Water: Close pipes (contamination!)
5. Checklist: Shelter
- ☐ Central, windowless room identified (basement ideal)
- ☐ 3 days water + food stored
- ☐ Battery/crank radio available
- ☐ Flashlights + candles + lighter
- ☐ First aid kit + personal medications
- ☐ Blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing
- ☐ Duct tape, foil, trash bags (sealing)
- ☐ Emergency toilet (bucket + bags + cat litter)
- ☐ Important documents waterproof packaged
- ☐ Tools: hammer, multitool, rope