Tuesday, October 21, 2008

International Ecomonic Tension Raises Demand for Bomb Shelters

When the international markets crashed a few weeks ago, we predicted that many distraught citizens may  go into a "Survivalist" mindset, resulting in a surge in demand for personal protection and security products, such as portable safes, handguns, etc.

Today, Utah Shelter Systems was among the top phrases in Google Trends. Utah Shelters are buried to a "suitable" depth ,with a deck, electrical system, ventilation system and two sets of double bunks and two sets of single sitting bunks. Complete shelter prices range from  $41,950 for a cozy 8 x 32  to the family-sized 10 x 50 shelter for $54,600.

Disastershelters.net elaborates on the specs of the Utah Shelter System:

Citizens can be so effectively protected to within 1/2 mile of a large yield nuclear explosion. Protection from gamma radiation can be achieved with as little as 4 feet of dirt cover or 3 feet of concrete cover. Every 4 inches of dirt (and 3 inches of concrete) gives a halving thickness, or protection factor (PF) of 2.  Ten halving thickness is required to diminish (attenuate) medium to high levels of radiation to an acceptable level.  Six to 8 feet of dirt cover is required to attenuate initial radiation to acceptable levels.  Initial radiation occurs within the first minute of the blast and within a 1-½ mile radius of ground zero.

Installation costs range between $4,000 and $6,000, (not including the cost for instillation supervisors). Also, the shelters are wired for both a 12-volt DC and a 110-volt AC system, but, like most of your favorite childhood toys, batteries are not included.

I must admit, that I was impressed by the details in the  USS safety designs, I'm surprised that MSNBC's story today gained so much attention.  Unless you're in the upper class, most families don't have $40-50 thousand slated for their home-security budget, and that doesn't even include the extra costs of supplies such as food,generators,a year's supply of water (55 gallons of water per person).

Perhaps USS' surge in Google Trends is an indication the mainstream media attention will sharpen its focus on "survivalist" families and stories .

By Matt O'Hern at 02:27 PM | Comments (1)

(1) Thoughts on International Ecomonic Tension Raises Demand for Bomb Shelters

Great article, but I have a minor correction.

55 gallons per person is not adequate for a year's supply of water. I think that this would be closer to a month supply if used very carefully.

Its also important to account for the fact that besides consumption, basic hygiene needs to be factored in as well.

Comments by Citizen Zero : Sunday, November 02, 2008 at 03:56 AM

Post a Comment

Name:
Email:
WebSite:
Comment:
Remember Me
Subscribe