Securing a safe shelter in preparation for critical situations is the best way to survive dangerous calamities such as storms. The extent and capacity of the features of storm shelters depend on the functions you want to be included and the expected duration of its occupation.

Today, shipping containers are gaining a reputation for having excellent qualities suitable for building storm shelters.

Whether you choose to build above ground, semi-underground, or underground shipping container storm shelters, there are essential features to consider in any case. Here's a guideline you should check out.

Proper Ventilation

Storm shelters are expected to be safely enclosed, but never forget the number one essential thing you need to survive, which is to breathe. Install heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to provide proper air ventilation without exposing you to all types of contaminants. Air filters (HEPA) remove many small particles and some airborne bacteria and viruses. You can use UV light to disinfect the air before it circulates, preferably before turning on the HEPA filter.

All other contaminants require a positive pressure system to keep them out. Positive pressure is achieved when air is blown into a room faster than it can exit. Even with the doors open, the forced air will keep contaminants out. This is the reverse principle of the isolation airlock present in hospitals.

Water and Food Supply

Water is a crucial point. Every survivalist knows it.

Having a source of drinking water and food supply is essential. The critical point in a storm is not knowing how long you're supposed to keep yourself inside the shelter. Of course, these are commonly designed as temporary shelters, but there should be enough food and water that will help you last at least one month. 

Electricity

As you will be inside a shelter that probably has little to no amount of natural light coming in, you'll need electricity to function. It can be reasonably easy to achieve with a generator, but it also involves the storage of fuel and the separate disposal of exhaust gases. 

Electricity makes life in a bunker much more comfortable, especially for cooking and heating, provided you have a sufficient source to power the entire structure.

Waste System

Another essential thing to consider when building shipping container storm shelters is the waste system. Proper disposal of human waste should be incorporated into the features of the bunker to ultimately survive without going out.

Several Exits 

There's no point in finding safety in your survival shelter just to get stuck later. So there should always be more than one way out. In this regard, installing several exit points in the shipping container storm shelter should allow you to feel less constrained and more secure from the calamity. 

Personal Necessities

This is probably the most overlooked feature, but it's almost as necessary as the previous ones. Without a sufficient level of habitability in your bunker, you will go crazy if you had to stay there for an extended period. Mental stability in an extreme situation is essential for long term survival. It is highly important to have comfortable beds, seats, tables, and maybe a few entertainments, such as books, board games, music, etc.

Conclusion

The above considerations represent only a few essential elements to be taken into account when designing and building a shipping container storm shelter.

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