DH wants to build a bunker/shelter in the basement

[DHmad]

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!

Let him if it keeps him happy. Once done it can then be turned into his man cave

It's not that the idea of getting ready is bad, but it costs a hell of a lot to retrofit compared to new purpose built shelter.
It's not just about survival during a week or two, you'd have to look at air/water/waste filtration, medical care, UV lights, a plan for bodies if a person dies in the shelter before it can be opened, all sorts

As long as he's not planning on spending lots of money on it I'd leave him to it. My DP bought a back up generator last winter as he's worried about extended periods of power outages. I think it's incredibly unlikely it will ever get used, but then again I never expected I'd live through a pandemic, so what do I know!

@Seafog

It's not that the idea of getting ready is bad, but it costs a hell of a lot to retrofit compared to new purpose built shelter. It's not just about survival during a week or two, you'd have to look at air/water/waste filtration, medical care, UV lights, a plan for bodies if a person dies in the shelter before it can be opened, all sorts

For bodies a vat of acid, like on 10 Cloverfield Lane?

Now that was a bunker.

@Akire

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?

Yes, would be good to have one that is fit for purpose, but you would need all this minimum, and supplies would have to last a good few years!

There is only one response to this suggestion and that is "Ha, ha, ha. Good joke darling."

Encourage him as long as he doesn't spend too much, imagine the peace when he's busy sorting it and then you can claim it for yourself when he's finished, a chill out zone with beautiful silence

@WheelieBinPrincess never heard of it is it a show? I'd love to check it out!

@ThoseFestiveLights it was a plan well underway but I agree the timing probably isn't a coincidence

How on earth does doors propped up on a dining room table do anything? I'm really confused by the leaflet.

I think I'm in the rather just die group

Show him Threads and then see if he wants to bother.

I'm frightened so I understand the need to 'do something.' This isn't the best idea though.

If it keeps him busy....

@WheelieBinPrincess

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?

I guessing the OPs does. I’ve lived in a number of houses with basements, well cellars anyway.

As it is I’d sooner go straight away the prolong it.

@Mumofsend

How on earth does doors propped up on a dining room table do anything? I'm really confused by the leaflet.

I think I'm in the rather just die group

The thickness of any barrier between you increases protection from radiation. Lead doesn't have to be that thick but the idea is that you can increase protection from radiation if you survive the initial blast until the level of radiation drops.

There's a good book called the stranding where two people survive an apocalyptic event by sheltering inside a beached whale .
If you could put one of those in your cellar it might work ?
Certainly keep him busy looking for one anyway

Could you suggest he builds it himself?

It could take him ages and ages 😉

[quote Seafog]@WheelieBinPrincess never heard of it is it a show? I'd love to check it out![/quote]
It’s a film! It goes a bit awry at the end but up to then it’s a great film, and a great example of bunker living!

The reality is, that anything he builds is not likely to hold up.

If he wants to Be more prepared maybe he should look at other ways. Preppers board is a great place to start!

I think if persons are able to (financially, physically etc) its good to be prepared. Not mecessarily for shit hit the fan situations, but other things like weather, sickness, house damage etc.

I keep a supply of food and household necessities, have a good car kit, keep a good stock of pet things etc. it helps manage anxiety too, at least in my personal experience.

@Cecillie

There's a good book called the stranding where two people survive an apocalyptic event by sheltering inside a beached whale . If you could put one of those in your cellar it might work ? Certainly keep him busy looking for one anyway

Indiana Jones managed it with a refrigerator.

Dual purpose - nuclear blast shelter AND somewhere to keep the beers nicely chilled.

Man cave. Let him crack on op. You might end up with a kids play room or such like.

According to the BBC News website, he would drop it over the sea between UK and Denmark.

I imagine at the point the Nato retaliation would be huge and we'd all end up dead.

There was an animated film in the 80s by Raymond Briggs called 'When the Wind Blows' about a couple who survive the initial blast by following government advice about shelters made from doors and mattresses etc and how they survive the aftermath. It may be informative for your DH.
Note: just because it is animated by the same illustrator as The Snowman doesn't mean that it's a good film for children.

Has he not heard of bunker buster missiles?