There are fundamental necessities that are required for each person to feel comfortable, safe and secure. By closely attending to these needs before the disaster, the occupants will feel less stress, and they will be more able to remain emotionally stable during adverse conditions.
Personal space
Each person should have room for their personal items. Storage space should be provided under each bunk. Each person should have their own personal supply of underwear, socks, clothing, shoes, personal medications and hygiene items.
Entertainment
Store reading materials, games, educational materials, writing materials, toys and other items to keep the occupants occupied. Store a favorite toy for the children. Store a musical instrument such as a guitar or violin and encourage singing. Tell and read stories to the children.
Reassurance
Talk about the future and reconstruction plans. Tell the occupants what they should expect to see after the event. If you have perceived a blast, prepare them for the possibility that their home and neighborhood may have been damaged.
Communications
It is psychology imperative that you have outside contact. Listen to the radios, but plan to transmit sparingly on your CB or ham radio, as transmitting on these radios requires a great deal more power than when they are in the ‘receiving’ mode. If others that you know have shelters, plan to use the same frequencies.
Physical Exercise
Encourage everyone to exercise. You may wish to include an exercise machine in your shelter. Everyone should have a turn turning the crank on the ventilator.
Light
Light requires battery power. It is absolutely mandatory, however, that there be one light on at all times for the sanity and safety of the occupants. Carefully monitor your battery system to insure enough power to get through the first 3 weeks of the disaster.
Warmth
Dress warmly. Cold people will not be happy or stay healthy. If properly installed, underground shelters should stay at a temperature between 45 and 65 degrees F.
Rest
Rotate sleeping into three shifts. Provide comfortable mats and warm bedding. Store earplugs for light sleepers. At least two people should be awake at all times. People need to ventilate the shelter, continually monitor the radio, take radiation levels and guard the shelter.
Privacy
Provide a separate area for the toilet and personal hygiene. You may wish to place curtains on the bunks, but be sure to leave adequate ventilation room.
Comfort Foods
Store a two week supply of foods that need little preparation. Store some ‘comfort’ foods and items that are familiar to the diet of the children. Make sure everyone is drinking enough water.
