![]() Ultimately, you’re probably going to have to store enough water for everyone in your household as digging a well in your basement may not be feasible. You’ve got a couple options here, though, city water will likely be unsafe or unavailable, so having another option will be a good idea. Half of that is for drinking or cooking, and the other half is for hygiene needs like washing and brushing your teeth. On average, in a survival situation, a human being needs one gallon of water per day. As long as the air is secure, your next biggest concern will be water. In most situations, once you enter your survival area, you want to leave it as infrequently as possible. ![]() Now that your basement is safe and ready to withstand an emergency, your next step is to start securing supplies. Remember, you can survive a few days without water and weeks without food, but you can only survive three minutes without air. If you’re working on turning your basement into an airtight shelter, air recycling and quality should be two of your top priorities. They won’t be sufficient for processing all the air in your space, especially if the basement is completely airtight, but they can remove some of the strain from any filters you’re using. Some houseplants can also help manage your air purity, converting carbon dioxide to oxygen and filtering some toxins from the air. In these cases, you’ll need a self-contained air storage and recycling system or a set of high-end filters that will remove dangerous impurities from the air before allowing it to cycle into your shelter. If you’re sheltering after a nuclear explosion or from an airborne viral threat, you won’t want to bring in air from outside as it could be laden with potentially fatal contaminants. Remember that starting with a solid, safe environment will help ensure you and your family have the best chance of survival if or when the time comes to make use of your basement as a survival shelter. If humidity is an issue, invest in a dehumidifier to keep the space drier. If you have water seeping through your concrete walls, consider stripping the walls and painting them with a waterproof coating before replacing the drywall and insulation. Determine the water source and work on blocking it. Water in your basement can come from several sources, ranging from water leaks in the walls to the ambient humidity. If left too long, water intrusion can also encourage mold and mildew growth, which is dangerous for anyone sheltering in the basement since exposure to mold and mildew spores can cause respiratory illness, and it can be especially hazardous for anyone with preexisting respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This can be a massive problem if you’re going to use your basement to store supplies, let alone as a survival shelter. And since this room is often below ground level, water lingers instead of drying or evaporating. Deal With Any Moistureīasements are notorious for dampness and moisture because water can seep in through the walls. There is nothing wrong with bringing in an expert, especially when your safety might be at risk. If you’re not sure what to look for, consider hiring a contractor or building inspector to help you complete this step. You don’t want to hole up in your basement or store your emergency supplies there if it caves in on you at the first sign of trouble. Look for signs of structural instability - cracks in the walls or floor or drywall falling off the walls - or signs that water is leaking into the space. Take the time to clean out your basement so you can inspect it from floor to ceiling. Basements can be fickle, though, and it’s essential to make sure the room is structurally sound before you use it to ride out a disaster. If you get into a sticky scenario, all you have to do is head downstairs and seal the door behind you. Using your basement as a survival space is certainly convenient. What do you need to do to turn your basement into a livable survival room, and what mistakes should you avoid as you’re setting up this new space? Here are some tips to keep in mind. If your home has a basement or cellar, you may already have the foundations of a viable survival zone. After all, a bunker might end up killing you. If you’re considering setting up a survival space in or around your home, don’t jump immediately to digging a hole in your yard and setting up an underground bunker. Your Identity Theft Protection Game Plan.57 Scientifically-Proven Survival Foods to Stockpile.53 Essential Bug Out Bag Supplies, 2nd Edition.27 Crucial Smartphone Apps for Survival. ![]() 144 Survival Uses for 10 Common Items (FREE Book).
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