How You Can Protect Your Family with a Fire Shelter

Posted: Nov 04, 2009 | Comments: 0 | Views: 34 | Bookmark and Share
Each summer the news media is full of accounts of the devastation caused by wildfires. In the U.S. the majority of these fires were in California, but in recent years wildfires are increasingly common nationwide. Australia has long combated enormous brush fires and many residents there have learned about the benefits of a constructing a personal fire shelter.

Sometimes also called fire bunkers, these small buildings are used as a safe place for family members who have not been evacuated by authorities at the start of a wildfire situation. Some use the shelters as a place for pets to be safe for a short period if the owners need to evacuate. Those who live in wildfire-prone areas may also opt to have a bunker available in the advent of the approach of a fire at night time as an extra security measure.

Unlike the fall-out shelters of the 1960’s, a fire shelter is not designed to be built under a home or in a basement. The shelter should not be near your house, trees, garages or other out-buildings and your neighbors’ property lines. The natural slope of the property and drainage outfall is also key considerations in the placement of the shelter.

It is possible to buy prefabricated basic shelter units and careful consideration should be placed on the size needed to accommodate your family. Primary is the need for careful calculation of the air space needed for each individual and how to best approach proper ventilation. Secondary considerations are whether or not the shelter will be used for overnight protection and the amount of supplies necessary for these accommodations.

A fire shelter can be constructed from a number of different materials, most commonly brick or concrete block. Fire proof blocks and bricks are available from most major home/construction supply sources. Another option is using pre-cast concrete tanks that are specifically modified for shelter purposes.

The Internet is a great resource for learning more about the use and construction of fire shelters. There are a number on online resources for materials and supplies. Spend a little time to learn more about how to protect your family from wildfires and one day you may find that the time that you have spent preparing will save your life.

(ArticlesBase SC #1419195)

Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    RSS
    Print
    Email
    Re-Publish

    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/how-you-can-protect-your-family-with-a-fire-shelter-1419195.html

    Article Tags:

    fire shelter

    ,

    fire bunker

    ,

    fire shelters

    ,

    bushfire shelter

    ,

    fireproof shelter

    ,

    fireproof bunker

    Start a worm farming compost bin right now and you'll generate a steady supply of rich, brown fertilizer high in nutrients and free of dangerous chemicals. Your flower and vegetable gardens will thrive and you'll save cash.

    By: Robert Sessions l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010

    Have you ever spent an evening of fun on a friend well landscaped patio sitting by the warm glow of their outdoor fireplace? I have and it made me want to be able to experience in my own backyard. I like to get involved in home improvement projects, but for many this type of project is a little overwhelming.

    By: samaeldafernas l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010

    For thousands of years people have enjoyed keeping plants indoors but what exactly are the benefits?

    By: Harvey McEwan l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 1

    Flower horticulture is getting much more a favorite by gardeners every single moment. Blossoms can easily brighten up everybody's moment. They smell wonderful, and they are an excellent activity. Flower gardening can be easy, low-cost, and hundreds of excitement can be seen.

    By: Ramsi l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 1

    Having an organic garden means growing organic plant food like fruits and vegetables. This will save you a lot because planting organic vegetables will not cost a lot. You can make a garden right at your backyard and you will be able to grow organic vegetables for your family. Organic foods are healthier because no chemicals were used in during the growth stage of the vegetables. And you will be able to help Mother Nature because you are using organic fertilizers for your garden.

    By: Clint Sidney l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 2

    Having a garden sounds expensive and can require a stiff investment: lawns, landscaping services, plumbing services, plants, fertilizers, water and a lot more. But fret not, because you can save a lot of money by growing organic plant food that, amazingly, can be found in your own household or can be brought directly to your local supermarkets!

    By: Clint Sidney l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 09, 2010 l Views: 6
    Bob Alexander

    Planting your own tomato seeds and watching them grow is a great way to start your garden while it is still cold outside. Browsing seed catalogs allow you to dream about next summer's harvest of baskets of bright red tomatoes.

    By: Bob Alexander l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 6

    As chimeneas become more and more popular, make sure you stay safe whilst enjoying these wonderful additions to any garden or patio. Here are some essential tips for how to use a chimenea.

    By: Alicia May Diamond l Home Improvement > Gardening l Feb 08, 2010 l Views: 3

    My Purple Pants. It is a griping story of one woman's journey from childhood abuse to freedom and fulfilment, happy with her own family. Samantha paid for others mistakes and made plenty of her own as she grew up and paid the price. But she did not give up and with the help of friends, finally broke the bondages of the first 30 years of her life to find peace.

    By: N Baulch l Health > Quit Smoking l Nov 23, 2009 l Views: 23

    Instead of losing your privacy, think about using Granny Flats to give your parents their own place, but have them in your home at the same time.

    By: N Baulch l Home Improvement > Gardening l Nov 05, 2009 l Views: 62

    Every year it seems as though wildfires are taking up more and more headlines. Depending upon where you live, you may be at more risk than other parts of the country that can benefit by having a fire shelter near their home.

    By: N Baulch l Home Improvement > Gardening l Nov 04, 2009 l Views: 34

    There are many things in both our personal and business life that can benefit from a legal opinion and that is when you need to pick up the phone and speak to one of the lawyers of Melbourne.

    By: N Baulch l Finance > Insurance l Nov 03, 2009 l Views: 10

    While there are plenty of benefits to negative ions, when using Ionic Air Purifiers, some of the mains things are that it cleans the air of mold spores, animal dander (think dog and cat allergies), pollen and other allergens.

    By: N Baulch l Health > Wellness l Nov 03, 2009 l Views: 14

    The economy is not what it once was and many people are now faced with what they have to do to care for their parents. Bank accounts can no longer absorb the fee of an expensive retirement home and people are being forced to move their parents in with them. Instead of losing your privacy, think about using Granny Flats to give your parents their own place, but have them in your home at the same time.

    By: N Baulch l Home Improvement > Gardening l Oct 25, 2009 l Views: 24

    There have been plenty of cars that have graced the roads over the years, but few of them have the reputation that Volvo cars have. For this very reason, they have become more and more popular. With money being tight for many families, they need their car purchase to last them a decade or more and this is the perfect car to do just that.

    By: N Baulch l Automotive > Cars l Oct 25, 2009 l Views: 53

    What is better than coming home after a hard day of work and putting your feet up by a crackling fire? The ambiance that is immediately added to any room is well worth whatever it takes to have a fireplace in your home.

    By: N Baulch l Home Improvement > Gardening l Oct 23, 2009 l Views: 8

    Add new Comment

     
    * Required fields
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    0