There is a lot to be said for a fallout shelter, and remember that a suitable structure will also give protection against fire, tornadoes, earthquakes and blast.
It could however be argued that a fallout shelter is less needed now than in the cold war era.
At that time there was considered to be a risk of large scale attack with numerous nuclear weapons. Shelter would then be vital, evacuation not being feasible if a large part of the country was affected.
Todays risk would appear to be terrorists aquiring a single nuclear device. Evacuation after use of such would be feasible as most of the rest of the country should be unaffected.
IMHO spending on just a fallout shelter might not be justified, unless it is designed to also withstand earthquakes, tornadoes, fire, and civil disorder.
An all purpose "doom shelter" is more worth considering.
I am aware of one in the UK.
It consists of an underground concrete shelter with 3 high security entrances. Food, water, and fuel are stored sufficient to shelter a family for several months.
It is designed to withstand the following
A direct hit with a conventional explosive bomb, such as a vehicle bomb parked adjacent.
A nuclear weapon detonation a few miles away.
Fallout
Extreme weather, including collapse of nearby buildings.
Attack with chemical or biolgical weapons.
Criminal or terrorist attack with automatic weapons, grenades, and demolition charges.
Edited by adam2 (06/13/12 08:24 AM)