A basic 3-by-11 foot waterproof tarp should run you between $20-$40. Step 3: When completed, place waterproof material over each end of the shelter to form an overhead canopy - this should keep your shelter dry as well as catch any dropping fallout. It should be about two feet wide by three and a half feet deep - it's basically a crawl space and can double as an emergency exit for smaller individuals. Dig this trench just under the ground's surface with an opening to the surface at the end of it. At the other end of the trench, dig a five-foot-long ventilation trench to help circulate air. Step 2: Next, dig a five-foot-long entrance with steps or a slope down into the main area. A good shovel for this step should cost between $25-$50. As for length, 'Nuclear War Survival Skills' calls for 11 feet for four people, and another three feet for each additional person.

Step 1: Dig a trench three feet wide and five feet deep.

Ideally, it should be on flat ground and at least 50 feet from other buildings or trees in case of fire, 'Nuclear War Survival Skills' says.īe prepared to do a lot of digging because it's ultimately the soil around and above you that could save your life. How to build a DIY fallout shelter for cheap in 6 stepsįirst, scout out a location for your fallout shelter.

Working by hand, two people could build this shelter in a backyard or wooded area in two days or less, 'Nuclear War Survival Skills' says.īut anyone in good enough shape could probably complete the project on their own in a day by renting a backhoe and purchasing wooden poles from a lumber yard - it would likely cost under $1,000 depending on how many tools and equipment you need to purchase or rent. Some waterproof material, like plastic sheeting, canvas, or tarpsĪ shovel or backhoe for all that digging you'll be doing The book says you'll need the following to build this basic fallout shelter:Ībout 20 to 30 cut logs or wooden poles, at least seven feet in length and four to six inches in diameter This book is still one of the most comprehensive guides for building a DIY fallout shelter.

Cheapest nuclear fallout shelter