Are you considering building your own bunker or nuclear shelter but don’t know where to start? We spoke with two experienced bunker builders and visited a bunker to ask experts for explanation.
In an earlier article we already discussed that there are hardly any (nuclear) shelters in either the Netherlands or Belgium. If a nuclear attack or disaster occurs, it’s best to look after yourself.
Custom-made shelter
We spoke with two companies that build bunkers to order. We had a telephone conversation with RevBunker from the Netherlands – they recently moved their production line to Portugal. Managing director Ferriën Mertens – who has a background in shipbuilding – explains that he focuses on bunkers that can withstand nuclear incidents.
We also visited the showroom of DR-Bunkers Bunkers from Belgium. They specialise in above-ground ‘mobile saferooms’: containers that receive a bulletproof layer, can be equipped with filter systems and off-grid systems designed to spend a shorter period in. They deliberately do not focus on the – albeit more expensive – market of underground shelters.
❓ Are you considering your own bunker?
Are you thinking about building a bunker or shelter yourself? Or have you already ordered one from a specialised company? Share your own findings or experiences about ‘subject’ in a comment below!
The characteristics of a good bunker
Both companies focus on a specific market and claim to guarantee a certain quality. Ferriën from RevBunker considers these the most important characteristics of the shelters he builds:
- Protects against nuclear incidents
- At least 2 metres underground
- Strong construction
Peter from DR-Bunkers indicates these important aspects of a bunker:
- Discreet appearance: resembles a standard shipping container – neighbours don’t see that it’s a shelter.
- Ballistic protection: fitted with bulletproof steel against bullets and explosions
- Accessible design and can be placed without a permit
In Pictures: the bunkers
The builders speak
Question | Ferriën (RevBunker) | Peter (DR-Bunkers Bunkers) |
Why did you start building bunkers? | “You have to look after yourself, because the government really won’t do it. There are no public nuclear shelters.” | “With the world becoming uncertain, I primarily wanted a place for myself and my family to shelter and stay overnight safely.” |
What do the bunkers protect against? | “The shelters protect against nuclear incidents.” | “The bunkers – or saferooms – are bulletproof as standard and can be reinforced as desired.” |
Above ground or underground? | “At least two metres underground.” | “They are placed above ground, e.g. discreetly in a garden.” |
Delivery time | 2 to 3 months | 4 to 8 weeks |
Price range | From 190,000 euros | From 33,000 euros |
How long can I survive? | “In theory: for months! The biggest challenge is being able to cope with it mentally.” | “They are intended for spending shorter periods in.” |
How long do you stay in a bunker?
“In a nuclear incident with tactical nuclear weapons – so not with a weapon of total destruction – you’ll only have barely 10 per cent of the radiation left 7 hours after the attack”, says Ferriën. Nevertheless, he advises staying in the shelter longer. “We recommend spending 14 days in it.”
DR-Bunkers’ panic rooms are intended for short-term crises. “It’s not intended to lock yourself in for months”, he explains. “It’s really intended to have a safe place if something occurs.”
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