Introduction to Finding Nuclear Bunkers for Sale
With escalating global tensions, climate disasters, and viral outbreaks, many preppers and survivalists are researching nuclear bunkers for purchase. However, finding reputable sellers and avoiding bunker scams requires diligence. There are numerous factors to weigh when assessing potential bunkers such as construction, placement, size, features, and costs. Online resources like We Love Prepping provide valuable guidance on researching sellers, models, pricing, and reviews. This comprehensive guide will overview the expanding bunker market, types of shelters, ideal search strategies, estimated pricing ranges, properly vetting sellers, comparing key attributes, preparations for occupancy, ongoing maintenance, optimal locations, and final advice for preppers seeking their own underground refuge.
Types of Nuclear Bunkers and Shelter Options
There are several styles of nuclear bunkers and fallout shelter options to consider:
Underground Bunkers
Underground bunkers built into mountains or buried offer maximum protection. Thick earthen coverage shields from radiation, EMPs, thermal impacts, and conventional attacks. Popular choices are Rising S Company or Utah Shelter Systems.
Shipping Container Bunkers
Converted ISO shipping containers make budget-friendly options like Disaster Bunkers. While less shielded than underground, they offer modular, portable protection.
Decommissioned Missile Silos
Repurposed abandoned missile silos like 20th Century Castles provide unique, historic options. Their remote locations and thick concrete walls offer natural resilience.
Luxury Bunkers
For the well-funded prepper, companies like Vivos offer state-of-the-art luxury with pools, gyms, theaters. But the premium comes at a cost.
Basic Barebones Bunkers
Simple, budget-focused shelters from sellers like BombShelterSupply.com prioritize utility over comfort. An affordable starting point for novice preppers.
Prefabricated Shelters
Pre-built survival pods from companies like Atlas Survival Shelters offer fast assembly. Lightweight, mobile designs suit short-term scenarios.
DIY Home Bunkers
Ambitious do-it-yourselfers can build their own bunker using plans and supplies from Hardened Structures. Allows custom designs.
Key Features to Look for in an Ideal Bunker
When comparing options, seek shelters with these essential features:
Fortified Construction
Robust construction with thick concrete, steel, or lead-lined walls and ceilings shields from radiation, EMPs, blasts, and forced entry. Look for proven military or industrial methods and materials.
Air Filtration and Ventilation
Advanced systems filter nuclear, biological, and chemical agents. Redundant fans circulate clean air. CO monitors maintain safe levels. Examples are NBC Filters and Blast Valves.
Water Purification and Plumbing
Wells, tanks, and treatment systems like Envirolyte provide safe drinking water. Graywater systems recycle used water while blackwater systems treat waste.
Food Storage and Cooking
Stock Mountain House meals, Augason Farms grains and freeze-dried produce. Install propane or Rocket Stoves. Grow mushrooms in low light.
Power Generation and Utilities
Solar, wind, generators, and batteries offer renewable power. Use Powerfilm panels and Goal Zero Yetis. Have fuel reserves.
Security Systems and Surveillance
Controlled access, blast doors, and perimeter sensors boost defenses. Thermal cameras like FLIR systems enable monitoring. Store firearms responsibly.
Communications and Antennas
Stay informed with HAM radios, satellite phones, and antenna arrays for TV and internet. Install EMF shielding. Allow external reachability.
Medical Facilities and Supplies
A clinic with cots, basic equipment, and ample supplies handles injuries and illness. Stock prescription meds, OTC remedies, trauma gear.
Recreation Space and Community
Make prolonged time endurable with space for exercise, games, reading nooks, and community gatherings. Allow productive hobbies.
Access Tunnels and Exterior Defenses
Multi-level bunkers have tunnels between sections. Build earthworks, berms, trenches for added protection. Deter hostile advances.
Consider Northern Regions for Bunkers
Cold, remote northern areas have advantages:
- Less maintenance for underground structures in permafrost
- Isolation from densely populated zones
- Remaining active missile silos in some areas
- Lower risk of natural disasters like earthquakes
- Easier ventilation and cooling
- Canada and northern Europe allow foreign buyers
Ideal existing locations include the Dakotas former missile fields, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and northern Saskatchewan which are remote but still accessible.
Where to Search for Nuclear Bunkers For Sale
The enterprising bunker hunter has numerous options:
- Specialty bunker seller websites like Hardened Structures
- Classified ads on generic listing sites like Craigslist and eBay
- Survivalist web forums like PrepperForums
- Real estate agents familiar with remote, off-grid properties
- Search around decommissioned ICBM fields
- Contact local excavation contractors for custom builds
- Smaller companies selling DIY bunker kits like BombShelterSupply.com
- Attend prepper conventions and trade shows to network
- Check international listings in Canada, Europe for more options
Don't limit yourself to just a few websites. Cast a wide net and leverage connections in local prepper communities.
What's the Price Range for Nuclear Bunkers?
Bunker costs vary widely based on size, features, and location:
- Used individual missile silos - $300,000 to $1 million+
- New custom built luxury models - Over $2 million easily
- Basic barebones shelters - $50,000 to $150,000 range
- Prefabricated shelters - $15,000 to $100,000+
- Remote location and land value impact costs (rural areas cheaper)
- Luxury amenities and features increase budgets fast
- DIY and used options under $100k work for budget preppers
Factor in any needed repairs or upgrades post-purchase too. But don't equate budget with quality. Even affordable options can serve their purpose.
Vetting Sellers to Avoid Bunker Scams
Carefully vet any sellers:
- Get references and contact former customers if possible
- Verify licenses, permits, certifications
- Hire inspectors and structural engineers for assessments
- Tour in-person and conduct radiation tests if able
- Favor sellers active on trusted sites like We Love Prepping
- Avoid claims that seem exaggerated or prices too good to be true
- Review contracts extensively and have lawyers assess
- Consider escrow services to secure large payments
- Beware high-pressure sales tactics or fear mongering
- Verify photos match the actual property and claimed features
- Start small with DIY resources before large purchase
Watch for these red flags:
- Vague claims of "military grade" or "government approved"
- Photos that are too glossy or don't match descriptions
- Missing or invalid licensing and certifications
- Bad reviews and lack of verifiable references
- Unwillingness to allow thorough inspections
- Constant warnings of imminent disasters or conflict
A trustworthy seller will welcome questions and transparency. Take your time and don't rush into a bad decision under pressure.
Key Factors When Comparing Nuclear Bunkers
Weigh these vital factors closely:
Remote Location
Maximize distance from densely populated areas, coasts, and nuclear plants. Seek a defendable site.
Shielding and Structural Integrity
Verify construction meets specs. Test for leaks. Inspect supports and seals.
Self-Sufficiency Features
Water, air, power, and food reserves enable autonomy. Prioritize these.
Communications and Monitoring
Stay informed on world status. Monitor internally for hazards.
Accessibility and Deliverability
Allow entry for maintenance and supply deliveries. Have alternate exits.
Expansion Capability and Scalability
Accommodate future growth in space, power, water, ventilation.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
Renewable energy and recycling systems reduce supply runs.
Noise Attenuation and Climate Control
Comfort features make long stays tolerable and support essential systems.
Comprehensive Security Precautions
Controlled access, surveillance, defenses thwart intrusions.
Analyze the strengths of each bunker across these key benchmarks. Don't settle for facilities lacking in critical fundamentals.
Preparing Your Purchased Bunker for Occupancy
To ready your bunker for active use:
- Stock 6 months+ of shelf-stable food, water, hygiene supplies, medications
- Install and test security systems like Faraday cages, blast doors, airlocks
- Setup and test renewable power sources like solar arrays or generators
- Ensure ventilation meets occupancy needs. Test air filtration and CO sensors.
- Add furnishings, lighting, and storage organizers for comfortable living
- Install communications systems like HAM radios and sat phones, add antennas
- Practice emergency and evacuation drills for readiness
- Develop community rules if sharing the bunker with others
- Make any remaining essential construction improvements
- Address permissions, easements, road access if needed
Conduct extensive shakedowns before relying on the bunker for safety during disasters.
Maintaining and Operating Your Nuclear Bunker
Ongoing bunker maintenance best practices:
- Inspect routinely for leaks, cracks, or structural issues
- Service generators, filters, plumbing per manufacturers' guidelines
- Cycle and replenish food/water supplies before they expire
- Perform frequent radiation checks and air quality monitoring
- Maintain rigid access control procedures and security
- Hold quarterly emergency/fire/evacuation drills
- Keep communications devices and charging systems operational
- Stock spare parts for critical equipment like generators or water pumps
- Maintain comprehensive maintenance logs to spot trends/problems
- Have trusted community members trained on repairs if empty for periods
- Budget for ongoing improvements like added solar capacity
Don't neglect maintenance tasks. The integrity of your systems could mean life or death. Schedule regular upkeep and upgrade aging or insufficient equipment promptly.
Choosing an Ideal Location for Your Nuclear Bunker
The optimal location offers:
- An extremely remote, difficult to access area
- Low risk of natural disasters or severe weather
- Outside immediate blast or fallout zones from likely targets
- Stable moderate climate for easy year-round access
- Close enough for reasonable supply deliveries
- Near existing facilities like abandoned missile silos
- Underground rather than easily targeted surface builds
- Proximity to community of like-minded preppers
- Avoidance of regions with nuclear power plants
Top-tier locations include Black Hills, SD, Sand Mountain, NV, the Upper Peninsula, MI and North Saskatchewan. Take geography, logistics, resources, and neighboring threats all into account.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Purchasing a Nuclear Bunker
When seeking your own personal underground refuge:
- Learn the types of bunkers and typical pricing
- Vet sellers thoroughly - demand transparency
- Hire experts to inspect construction and engineering
- Make self-sufficiency features like water, power, air a priority
- Select extremely remote but still viable locations
- Budget extra for ongoing maintenance and upgrades
- Utilize prepper communities for advice and referrals
- Use resources like We Love Prepping for guidance
- Test rigorously before relying on the bunker's systems
- Balance practicality, comfort, budget, and longevity
- Focus on fundamentals before luxury add-ons
Finding the right nuclear bunker takes extensive research and diligence. But the resulting peace of mind makes the effort worthwhile when disaster strikes. With careful planning and smart design choices, your family can ride out the worst crises in secure underground comfort.
