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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

DH wants to build a bunker/shelter in the basement

207 replies

DHmad · 28/02/2022 22:06

I wish I was kidding!

DH has decided it would be sensible to create a bunker/fall out shelter in the basement in case of nuclear war/war. I feel like he’s gone mad!

OP posts:
Original poster
DHmad · 28/02/2022 22:07

NC for obvious reasons Confused

OP posts:
cansu · 28/02/2022 22:08

Yes it is bonkers. Who would want to live in an improvised bunker? If there was a nuclear war the chance of being able to survive in such a location is unlikely.

dontblamemee · 28/02/2022 22:08

I dunno, you might be glad of it at some point.

WheelieBinPrincess · 28/02/2022 22:09

Hardly any houses have basements in the U.K.

Might survive the hit, but a basement wouldn’t protect you against the aftermath, is he not very bright?

Infinitemoon · 28/02/2022 22:09

I have looked at the old public information leaflet about how to survive. I haven't got any further yet, my DH just eyed me and made no comment.

Original poster
DHmad · 28/02/2022 22:10

We have an unfinished basement but surely this is not the best plan!

OP posts:
Akire · 28/02/2022 22:11

Well yes he probable is mad, do you have resources for own water supply, air filters pluming and generators? Space to keep few years worth of food and rubbish?

spacehardware · 28/02/2022 22:11

I suggest a family double bill viewing of threads and where the wind blows

He will love it

Justkeeppedaling · 28/02/2022 22:11

Hardly any houses have basements in the U.K Some have cellars though.

Stuckandinamess · 28/02/2022 22:12

If you already have basement, does he just mean a few sleeping bags, candles and a wind-up radio or is he going full on build a nuclear shelter?

If it is the first, let home crack on with it, he will be happy and hopefully minimal cost and disruption to you. If it is the latter then who would want to survive a nuclear attack ?

Original poster
DHmad · 28/02/2022 22:12

@Akire no, no and no! Even if we did surely this is nuts

OP posts:
labyrinthlaziness · 28/02/2022 22:12

I agree it is not a good plan, but he is just understandably scared/worried - have you tried to talk to him about how worried he is?

Is it mad to be worried about nuclear war? I think it is understandable even though his response is not really going to help if the worst happens.

Try to be understanding. Maybe if he manages to express that he is shitting himself he will not need to build the shelter.

ThoseFestiveLights · 28/02/2022 22:13

It was the official advice in the 80s!

And someone send me this today: looks like the government uploaded this over the weekend. Could be a coincidence. Or could be in case of nuclear attack…

www.gov.uk/alerts

the80sweregreat · 28/02/2022 22:13

Honestly, it's grim, but if Vladimir Putin sets off Armageddon I really wouldn't want to survive any of it , but that's just me.
I can see how some would like to give it a go , but it would be bleak.

KindlyKanga · 28/02/2022 22:13

If it makes him happier to feel like he's doing something to keep you safe let him

WheelieBinPrincess · 28/02/2022 22:14

Well he can sit down there huddled in a sleeping bag, but depending on how close you are to the bomb his face will probably blister and peel off just the same.

Sunshinedreaming2022 · 28/02/2022 22:16

Today it crossed my mind that if I ever build my own house I’m going to build a bomb shelter underneath one so I don’t think it’s a bad idea.
2 years ago people were saying those getting extra food and bits in and worrying about this virus they’d heard about in china were crazy…… look how that turned out?

I’d rather have and never use, then suddenly need and not have and be part of the panic

labyrinthlaziness · 28/02/2022 22:17

@WheelieBinPrincess

Well he can sit down there huddled in a sleeping bag, but depending on how close you are to the bomb his face will probably blister and peel off just the same.
I was worried about some cracks in the hall plasterwork but you have totally taken my mind off that now, so thank you @WheelieBinPrincess
ToastieSnowy · 28/02/2022 22:18

He’s obviously stressing about something he has no control over, let him crack on as long as it’s not detrimental to the rest of you as he’ll get that feeling of control and feel happier he’s “doing something” which may help to calm him.

Akire · 28/02/2022 22:19

I grew up in 1980s every house had one those leaflets to survive nuclear attacks. Lay on side road and cover your face with your coat (sure that done loads) Or take all doors off and prop them up around your dinning room table and make your family lay under it to see if you would all fit.

mumda · 28/02/2022 22:19
Colin furze built one.
Hawkins001 · 28/02/2022 22:20

There's a guy on YouTube that dug out the back garden and built a bunker in it, it's quite cool

Sunshinedreaming2022 · 28/02/2022 22:20

There was this article a couple of years ago, as I said - not a bad plan
amp.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2020/aug/01/3m-price-tag-inside-luxury-doomsday-bunker

Akire · 28/02/2022 22:23

This was more 80s version

DH wants to build a bunker/shelter in the basement
Jonny1265 · 28/02/2022 22:25

Putting aside the rationale for a bunker, a basement is not the place for one anyway. It needs to be further underground with blast pressure doors, air filtration system, water treatment, etc. Not really viable.

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