Fallout Shelter Requirements
Readers of "a certain age" may remember the "A-bomb shelters" of the 1950s and early 1960s. Today's nuclear anxiety focuses on terrorism and "suitcase" bombs rather than the torrent of explosions threatened by the "Mutual Assured Destruction" (MAD) policies of the Cold War. Years of research have provided scientists with enough information to identify and clearly define the dangers of radiation from nuclear weapons. Most building codes do not specify for fallout shelters beyond setback regulations for accessory buildings but emergency management organizations can provide plans and recommendations for equipment. Does this Spark an idea?
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Definition
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Fallout is the term given to debris containing radioactive matter dispersed by a nuclear explosion or "accident", a core meltdown or explosion at a nuclear facility.
Types
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Three types of radiation make up the threat from fallout---alpha and beta particles and gamma rays. Most materials can block alpha and beta particles but gamma rays can penetrate walls.
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History
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The U.S. atomic bombs in World War II, Three Mile Island incident of 1979 and Chernobyl disaster of 1986 have alerted public attention to the dangers inherent in nuclear proliferation.
Identification
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Modern fallout shelters may be group shelters in public buildings or enhanced "safe room" installations. They use thick layers of materials such as packed earth, concrete, lead and hardened steel on all sides.
Features
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Shelters are windowless rooms encased in the equivalent of at least 12 inches of concrete sheathing. They must have self-contained HVAC systems, generators and pumps if built below the water table. An entrance chamber with negative pressure will protect inhabitants from outside particles.
Considerations
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Fallout shelters may be unregulated but need building permits as accessory structures. Find FEMA publications for specifications and studies. Demand references and performance bond from contractors.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Public domain, Microsoft Office clip art, Wikimedia Commons
