Shelters & Self-Protection 🏠🛡️🚪🧯🔒🥽🔦🧤⛑️
🛡️ "I am Shelter Shield, your expert on shelters and safe accommodations. Let's learn together how to create safe shelters to better protect you and your loved ones in crisis situations." Together with my friend DIY Defender🛠️, he is your advisor for self-protection and DIY solutions. With practical guides and tips, he shows you how to take preventive measures yourself.
Do you remember playing hide and seek as children and how exciting that was? No? Then it's time to think about it again …
I vividly remember how we explored the basement rooms and sneaked through the corridors with our flashlights, choosing the safest hiding place... how we ran through forests and parks to hide, choosing the best tree hideouts, and building forest shelters? We were so proud of it back then ...
Some memories are indeed worth refreshing and reviving.
We should all be aware of the issue of the lack of public shelters and the fact that many of them no longer meet today's standards or are functional. Haven't heard about it yet? Then let me help get you up to speed:
In Germany, there are currently 579 public shelters with a total of 477,593 shelter places. These shelters are located in various federal states and are mostly designed as aboveground and underground bunkers. Most German shelters were built during the Cold War and have not been maintained or repaired since then, which means the majority of these shelters are currently not operational and would need to be reactivated, requiring extensive maintenance and modernization. Many of the ventilation systems, doors, and other infrastructure components are completely outdated and would need to be renewed. We can all imagine that this is a massive undertaking that requires not only a lot of time but also significant personnel and financial resources. Additionally, former house and school shelters were released from civil defense obligation in 2009.
The challenge of reactivating and modernizing shelters is immense and time is of the essence. Against modern weapons and the speed at which conflicts can escalate, these old shelters offer only limited protection. Decommissioned bunkers would need to be put back into operation to protect against "war-related dangers", as well as new and modern shelters would need to be built, which requires investments in the billions.
So giving up and falling into despair?
Absolutely not! Let's focus on self-initiative, self-protection, and resilience instead!
Take a little exploration tour around your house or apartment. Check your basement or garage—what do you find there? Is there even a centimeter of space left for you and your loved ones between all the ski equipment, leaf blowers, lawnmowers, pool cleaners, surfboards, e-bikes, suitcases, wine racks, Christmas decorations, model train boxes ...?
No space left? What a pity, because then you are currently in a very poor starting position. Now would be a very good time to reorient yourself, create some space, and reorganize.
Let's explore this together! Here are the questions you might want to ask during your discovery tour:
- More water than wine?
- Canned goods (don't forget the can opener), crispbreads, muesli, oats, honey, glucose, or just a power-operated freezer with wild salmon and ice?
- Does my basement or garage have reinforced concrete?
- Do I have fire- and pressure-resistant doors?
- What does my ventilation system look like?
- Emergency lighting?
- Supply of sandbags, spades, shovels, ropes, and strings?
- Rubber boots (chemical- and acid-resistant) and work gloves?
- Eye, ear, and mouth protection?
- Fireproof blankets and fire extinguisher?
- Seating?
- Emergency lamps?
- First aid kit? Is it still within its expiry date and complete?
- Medicines, spare and emergency medicines? Medicine cabinet?
- Multi-tool?
- Warm blankets? Sleeping bag?
- Batteries and world receiver?
- Safety helmet?
- Emergency stove, disposable dishes, and lighter?
- Bio-toilet?
- Planned escape route, all windows clear for exit or blocked and full of shoeboxes?
- …
Important: Many of us, especially speaking to vulnerable groups (which includes myself), should not forget that we often suffer from Raynaud's syndrome and it is essential for us to think about all things that warm us!
I'm convinced that you are creative and resourceful and will discover one or another useful thing that should definitely find a place in your basement or apartment and is worth creating a little more space for.
Of course, not all of us have a house with a basement and garage, but even in a small apartment, there is definitely an "area" that can be optimized where important and life-saving items can find their place.
I completed my exploration tour successfully some time ago, and I promise you, it feels great to be well-prepared and resilient for crisis situations.
I wouldn't be your Shelter Shield (expert in shelters and safe accommodations) if I were to leave you alone with all these questions. As reinforcement, I'm bringing in DIY Defender (advisor for self-protection and DIY solutions), and together we'll see what else we can offer you.
Shelter Costs: These links are intended to provide an initial overview and an idea of the expected costs. Time and cost efforts naturally also depend on the desired level of protection (from debris and shrapnel protection to CBRN protection).
The maintenance of a shelter should be a combination of regular inspections by the homeowners, professional maintenance services, and support from local authorities. This ensures that the shelter is always ready to fulfill its function in an emergency. For thorough inspection and maintenance, specialized maintenance services or construction companies can be hired. These professionals have the necessary knowledge and equipment to ensure that the shelter meets all safety standards. In some cases, local authorities or organizations offer support in maintaining shelters. They can conduct inspections or recommend professionals familiar with the specific requirements (you should actively seek information on this).
And please don't forget, the primary responsibility lies with you. You should also regularly check all basic systems and supplies to ensure everything is well-prepared.
https://www.vorreiter-zeitung.de/post/privater-schutzraum-kosten-optionen-uebersicht
https://www.bunker-bssd.de/Schutzraum-Atomsicher
https://www.schutzraum-zentrum.de/bunker
https://www.kuporta.de/kellertuer/
https://www.bauhaus.info/kellertueren/c/10000798
https://wigo-metall.de/druckdichtetueren/
https://buchele.de/de/objektschutz-top/objektschutz-2fl-2/beitrag-16.html
https://kostencheck.de/innentueren-kosten-inkl-einbau
Of course, we fully understand that this may not be affordable for everyone. Let's not give up so quickly and try to create a minimal DIY version to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Here you go DIY-Bereich - Schritt-für-Schritt-Anleitung zum Einbau eines Belüftungssystems in deinem Keller-Schutzraum
For those who wish to take their protective preparations to the next level:
Protective measures against severe burns during attacks
• Fire-resistant suits: Protection against direct heat and flames.
• Fire-resistant blankets: Protection from flames when a suit is not available.
• Air purifiers: Stationary air filtration systems for continuous air cleaning.
https://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/donauwoerth/sicher-durch-die-feiertage-johanniter-tipps-gegen-verbrennungen-104055630
https://www.adac.de/gesundheit/gesund-unterwegs/vorsorge/verbrennungen-was-tun/
https://verbrennungsmedizin.de/leitlinien-erste-hilfe-brandverletzungen
https://www.pressebox.de/pressemitteilung/aporisk-gmbh/schutz-vor-winterverbrennungen/boxid/1228379
Respiratory Protection
It's important that protective measures are tailored to the individual's needs and abilities (in your vicinity). Lighter respirators, stationary air filtration systems, lightweight protective suits, and improved ventilation systems can be a good alternative for weaker individuals. Also, medical emergency kits should always be readily available to respond quickly in case of emergency.
• FFP3 masks: Offer high protection and are easier to wear.
Always consider the weak and needy among you: this means possibly necessary oxygen tanks, inhalers, and other medical devices that may need to be used in an emergency, as well as HEPA and activated carbon filters that automatically monitor and adjust air quality. There are also lightweight protective suits that can be used in combination with lighter respirators. These suits provide additional protection and are less burdensome, e.g., protective suits made of lightweight materials with integrated respirator systems.
HEPA Filters (High Efficiency Particulate Air): These filters can remove at least 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns or larger from the air, including dust, pollen, mold spores, bacteria, and even radiation particles.
For Additional Safety:
• Half-masks with P3 filters: Offer comprehensive protection but require more maintenance. There are also lighter respirators specifically designed for people with reduced physical capacity. These masks still provide high protection and are easier to wear.
• Spezifische Modelle: z. B. Moldex Serie 7000 Halbmaske, geeignet für radioaktive Partikel.
https://www.moldex-europe.com/de/product-detail/serie-7000/
https://www.moldex-europe.com/de/moldex-know-how/schutzstufen-partikelfilter/
https://www.bbf24.de/draeger-kombinationsfilter-1140-a2b2e2k2-hg-no-co-20-p3-rd-a-0463
https://shop.draeger.com/kombinationsfilter-rd40-1140-a2b2e2k2-hg-no-p3-r-d-co-20/6738814/
https://seyffer.shop/de/draeger-x-plore-rd40-kombi-filter-1140-6738814-a2b2e2k2-hg-no-co-20-p3-nr-d-40-mm-rundfilteranschluss-nato-standard-kombinationsfilter-gegen-organische-anorganische-saure-gase-daempfe-ammoniak-org-ammoniakderivate-hg-no-co-20-partikel.html
First Aid Equipment
• Burn kits: Contain special burn dressings and cooling gels.
• Your emergency kits should absolutely include necessary medications and aids for people with health conditions such as Long Covid, ME/CFS, and MCS.
Local Support
• Local craftsmen and contractors: Please consult specialists with experience building shelters.
• Seek collaboration with professionals: Work with architects, security firms, and health organizations.
There are several experts and organizations specializing in the construction and maintenance of shelters.
Here are some contacts that could help you (in Germany)
1. German Red Cross (DRK): The DRK offers extensive information and advisory services on shelters. They can help you take the right measures and ensure your shelter meets the required standards.
2. Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK): The BBK is the central office for civil protection in Germany and provides numerous resources and information on shelters. They can help you understand the necessary regulations and requirements.
3. Local Fire Department and Disaster Management: The local fire department and disaster management can also provide valuable support. They often have experience in setting up and maintaining shelters and can give you practical tips.
4. Specialized Contractors and Craftsmen: There are also contractors and craftsmen specialized in building shelters. These experts can help you convert your basement into a shelter and ensure it meets the required standards. Do some research on local experts and providers in your region…
https://www.hausmagazin.com/a/der-schutzraum-sicherheit-im-eigenen-haus
https://krisenvorsorge-forum.de/schutzraeume-selbst-bauen/