(TacticalNews.com) – Most people involved in prepping or survivalism have an idea for a “perfect” shelter for outlasting a disaster. However, not everyone can afford their “perfect” fortress or bunker. Rather than looking to an expensive and impractical shelter, perhaps it’s a better idea to look closer to home. With a little time and effort, a garage or shed can be outfitted into an outstanding survival shelter. Here’s how:
Getting Started
The first thing you need to do is decide whether you want to make your garage or shed your bunker; if you only have one, you don’t get a choice. Once you’ve determined where your new SHTF hideout will be, it’s time to move on to reinforcement and insulation. Both of these aspects play a significant role in your survival during a SHTF situation.
Without proper insulation, you’re likely going to freeze in the cold and overheat in the warmer parts of the year. Without proper reinforcement, your “bunker” is going to be easy to break into and may not withstand harsh weather conditions. Here’s how you can insulate and reinforce your shed or garage to create a survival hideout.
Insulation
As mentioned before, insulation is important to your survival, but many garages and sheds lack insulation altogether. Thankfully, insulating your shed or garage is pretty straightforward. Simply buy the insulation needed and add it to your garage or shed. Be sure to close and seal any gaps that may let heat in or out as well.
You can also add an HVAC system to your garage to help cool or heat the area. It should be noted that many building codes prohibit the garage from being part of your home’s HVAC system. Really, any system that allows for air movement between the two is unwarranted. If you wish to add this feature to your bunker, it’ll have to have its own system.
Reinforcement
Strengthening the walls is a little more strenuous than simply insulating them. Of course, it also depends on what you believe needs to be done. Garages and sheds aren’t the most secure places on your property, especially with the giant doors that they have. Your biggest concerns should be rioters, looters and possibly flying projectiles.
One great way to bulletproof your home is to use sandbags. Or, if you’d rather spend a lot of money, bulletproof sheets can be purchased from between $13 and $50 per square foot. Another great aspect of using sandbags is the fact that they also help insulate your area. Sandbags take up very little room when empty, making them easy to store until they’re needed.
Comfort
Just because you’re trying to survive a SHTF scenario, that doesn’t mean you have to live uncomfortably. You’ll need to make your space cozy and comfy. After all, you’ll be spending large amounts of time confined to this space. Plus, being comfortable will help you relax and get more rest, which is vital to survival.
One way to help make your bunker comfortable is to utilize your available space efficiently. It’s hard to be comfortable when you’re all cramped up.
Security
Aside from the obvious need to protect your supplies, you also need to be careful not to give away what you’re doing. Perhaps this is the best reason to use a garage or shed to make a hideout as power tools and projects are often associated with the two. Of course, it’s probably a good idea to have a shotgun, handgun and possibly a rifle with plenty of ammo to keep your bunker safe after it’s built.
Not allowing people to know what you’re doing is crucial for a prepper and is known as operational security (OPSEC). Check out how you can maintain OPSEC and protect your preps.
Do you have plants to create the “ultimate” survival shelter in case of a large-scale disaster? Reply to your email and let us know, we would love to hear from you!
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