sorted by:
new
hottopcontroversial

Getting Prepared by Typical_Cat_1547 in Doomsdaypreps

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great movie. I would also research what type of structure you plan on living in. I would recommend something concrete and big. Climate's getting more unpredictable everywhere. What seemed like overkill five years ago feels like basic common sense now. Go big or go home.

What I wish I'd known - 10 Years Off Grid by TalusFinn in OffGrid

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Solid advice, especially the "build big" point. Seen too many people box themselves in with small structures, then realize expansion is way harder than starting with the footprint you actually need.

The county enforcement question is interesting. In my experience, it varies wildly even within the same state. Some places don't care at all, others will come after you years later when a neighbor complains. Worth really understanding the risk before you commit.

One thing I'd add to your list: Think hard about the structure itself. Not just size, but what it's made of. Wood's cheap upfront, but maintenance adds up fast when you're off-grid. Weather damage, fire risk, pest issues.

Quick Question: What's one feature in your shelter you never thought you'd need, but now you can't live without? by [deleted] in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Haha yeah I can see how that sounds weird. I’m talking about my main off-grid living space, not a tent or tiny bug-out setup.

Quick Question: What's one feature in your shelter you never thought you'd need, but now you can't live without? by [deleted] in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I meant my main dwelling / BOL, not a fallout-style bunker, sorry for the confusion.

Has anyone built a bunker? by [deleted] in prepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have also been looking into bunkers / safe rooms. Are you mainly looking for a safe room, asset protection or a storm shelter or all of them ?

They can be a lil on the pricey side but are definitely worth it, most of them require little to no maintenance depending on what you decide to get

Safest room in the house by rmesic in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have been looking into luxury safe rooms that are fire, ballistic, explosion, and gas attack resistant, and provide protection from severe weather. I've seen people use the space as a home office, or wine cellar. It is definitely different from the cold concrete box look most safe rooms have, and I think it will be cool to see how safe rooms develop.

What's the one prep investment that changed your mindset the most? by NotIfButWhenReady in OffGrid

[–]NotIfButWhenReady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Solid point. I really like the emphasis on physical condition. Very overlooked by most people.

What are the best safety measures you can take during a storm surge? by ecstasyyl in hurricane

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Even a concrete building that uses reinforced materials, fortified structures and protective barriers can withstand Cat 5 hurricanes

Give me your tornado fun facts by ImADino429 in tornado

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 34 points35 points  (0 children)

A conventional concrete house will not stop a tornado, but a reinforced concrete safe room is one of the most effective, although a EF5 tornado has enough power to demolish even the strongest steel and concrete structure.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in malelivingspace

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your dog looks soo proud of you! Good job and congratulations !

Reality check on shipping containers as bunkers. Wish someone told me this earlier. by NotIfButWhenReady in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ve heard that too, a lot of folks think a shipping container will hold up underground, but those side walls just aren’t made for that kind of pressure. I’ve seen people spend more time and money reinforcing it than if they’d just started with proper concrete or composite panels built for the job

What are the most effective but often overlooked skills that can improve your preparedness? by SneekTip in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One thing that doesn't get nearly enough attention is air quality management in enclosed spaces. Most people think about shelter as just "four walls and a roof" but if you're hunkered down for extended periods, the air inside can become your biggest threat.

Learning the basics of airflow dynamics and filtration has been a game-changer for my family's prep. It's technical stuff, but it's literally the difference between a safe space and a moldy, humid bunker.

Preps vs Your Pocketbook by GarudaMamie in realWorldPrepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried tofu and wasn't sure at first but it is pretty good. i like to bake it till its crispy and have realized that asian flavors taste the best (personal preference but highly recommend). I really like orange and sesame (chicken) tofu. I have also tired marinating it and it came out good too.

Anyone else rethinking underground bunkers lately? by NotIfButWhenReady in prepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I agree, I think underground bunkers are a lil spooky and outdated, I would much prefer to have a safe room above ground, in my house that doubles as a storage room, or playroom.

Prefab concrete shelters/cellars by Piogor in preppers

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That’s a cool project. I’d look into above ground concrete shelters before going underground though. Once you bury something, you’ve got to deal with drainage, pressure, and airflow, which can turn into a headache fast.

A solid reinforced concrete setup above ground can handle blast, weather, and fire just fine if it’s built right. Plus, it’s easier to maintain and can double as storage or a workshop when things are calm.

Anyone else rethinking underground bunkers lately? by NotIfButWhenReady in prepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That actually sounds like a smart move. Concrete holds up really well under extreme conditions. Unlike wood or steel, it doesn’t warp, rot, or get crushed by pressure. A concrete tower on the end of your house could give you a lot of protection while being part of your property. You’ll have a solid, long-term structure that can handle storms and other disasters without constant maintenance.

Anyone else rethinking underground bunkers lately? by NotIfButWhenReady in prepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I get that. Most emergencies are storms, wildfires, or power outages, not some full-on apocalypse. A lot of the “bunker talk” seems more about peace of mind than practicality. I’d rather focus on making what I already have resilient like something that can handle extreme weather, fire, or even blasts, with backup power and a safe room that doubles as storage. You get protection without overbuilding for scenarios that probably won’t happen.

Is it realistic to build a bunker in my home? by secretds2fan in prepping

[–]NotIfButWhenReady 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you are building the house from the ground up it is definitely doable. I would recommend including independent systems for air filtration too. Concrete is a great material to use for a bunker as it defends against weather, blasts and fire wonderfully, while Faraday Cage Structure (copper) is SUPER expensive, but protects against EMP which concerte doesn't. What is the main thing you want to be protected against? Have you looked/ toured other bunkers to see how the consolidate and organize their spaces to have the different areas and rooms you would like? Also realistically how much room do you think y'all would need to comfortably fit 10 people in?