How To Build A Sustainable Survival Shelter (Step-By-Step Instructions)

Extreme weather conditions can strike at any moment.

And there could be a time when your house might not be able to sustain them.

Most houses are not built to withstand extreme hurricanes, floods, or thunderstorms.

Having a sustainable shelter that can withstand the elements and provide protection is crucial for ensuring your survival in times of crisis.

But building such a shelter is no easy feat. 

It requires careful consideration, planning, and execution.

In this article, I will walk you through every step of the way – so you have no hesitation before start building your shelter.

You will be able to start working on this project with confidence.

Before you do this, however, there is something you need to consider…

Assess The Challenge

Creating a sustainable shelter involves overcoming several obstacles.

If you go into this unprepared, you will probably give up halfway through.

I am not saying this to scare you, but to make sure you are committed to completing this project the right way – without half-assing any step.

First things first, you need to ensure you don’t break your local building codes and regulations. 

Consult with local authorities and experts to ensure you’re following the rules.

If you are not careful, it can also be very expensive.

You need to be prepared to keep your ear to the ground, and look for eco-friendly or recycled materials that are readily available in your area to reduce expenses.

Does this sound too bothersome?

If not, then let’s dive into how you can start right away.

Pick The Right Spot

Selecting the right site for your sustainable shelter can make a huge difference in its effectiveness.

To make the decision, think of the type of terrain you’ll be building on. 

Look for areas that are flat and stable, and steer away from areas that are prone to flooding or erosion. 

You should also take the natural resources available into consideration.

Look for areas that are close to water sources or areas that have a lot of sun or wind.

Finally, consider accessibility.

Make sure the site is easy to reach, and not too far from your house.

Look for areas that are close to roads or other transportation options.

Once you’ve found your spot, you can move on to the next step:

Adhere To The 4 Sustainability Principles

The main difference between shelters and houses is that they are going to run on electricity.

We are building these things to have a way to survive when the grid goes down.

You need a different way to retain heat in the winter and stay cool in the summer.

The four key principles when creating a sustainable shelter are:

  1. Energy efficiency,
  2. Renewable energy,
  3. Water conservation,
  4. And waste management. 

To maximize energy efficiency, ensure proper insulation, and utilize passive solar design principles. 

Renewable energy sources can reduce dependence on non-renewable ones. 

Consider solar, wind, or micro-hydro power, and invest in energy storage solutions to ensure you always have power when you need it.

Harvesting and conserving water is also essential. Install a rainwater collection system, and make sure to use water-efficient appliances and fixtures.

Lastly, incorporate waste management strategies, such as composting and recycling, to minimize waste generation and promote a closed-loop system.

Make Sure It’s Stable

Your shelter has to be able to survive anything.

The foundation, walls, and roof must be robust and resilient to withstand extreme weather conditions. 

Begin with a strong foundation, using materials like reinforced concrete or stone. 

Reinforce walls and roofs with sturdy framing and sheathing materials, such as steel or engineered wood.

Design your shelter to resist wind by incorporating aerodynamic features and anchoring the structure firmly to the foundation. 

Earthquake-resistant construction techniques can include shear walls, moment-resisting frames, and base isolation systems.

These things can be complicated, especially if you haven’t ever done this before.

If you’re not 100 percent certain you will be able to complete this step safely, consult with a local expert.

And make sure they are aware of the appropriate techniques for the local regulations and soil.

Implement Passive Cooling and Heating

Passive cooling and heating techniques can help keep your shelter comfortable and livable year-round.

Building orientation and layout are particularly important.

Orient your shelter so that it receives maximum sun exposure in the winter, and minimum sun exposure in the summer. 

This can help keep your shelter warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Using natural ventilation can also help keep your shelter comfortable year-round. 

Make sure to design your shelter with plenty of windows and doors to allow for natural airflow.

Another way to control the temperature without electricity is by incorporating thermal mass and insulation.

If you can, try to incorporate every option.

Ensure Security and Defense

Ensuring security and defense is crucial for any sustainable shelter. 

It might seem impossible for a shelter without electricity…but there are many ways to do that.

The first one is to make your shelter “invisible.”

In other words, to camouflage it and keep it concealed from potential threats.

Plant trees or shrubs around your shelter to help it blend in with the surrounding landscape.

Implementing perimeter security measures can also help keep your shelter safe. 

A simple fence can do wonders to protect you from intruders.

But if you want to go a step further, design a safe room inside your shelter.

Make sure the room is well-ventilated, has a secure door, and is stocked with emergency items such as food and water.

Final Thoughts

I understand that this is a lot to take in one go.

It took me a long time, and I consulted with many people to write this article.

Read this again and again if you have to.

Building a sustainable shelter requires careful planning, adaptability, and a commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

But you don’t have to feel overwhelmed.

Take this one step at a time.

And if you think you have to, consult with a local professional to make sure your shelter is stable.

Remember, you are not designing a second house – you are ensuring you have a place to survive in harsh conditions.

Keep this in mind and you will create an incredible shelter that will help you make it through anything.

Surviving a Nuclear Attack – What You Need to Know

On March 24, 2023, tyrant Kim Jong-un boasted about a nuclear drone, that can cause a “radioactive tsunami.”

Supposedly, this drone can remain unseen by moving underwater.

And it can create mass destruction.

Folks, I haven’t seen a more pathetic person than Kim Jong-un.

He is short, fat, and looks like a teenage boy.

And despite being the leader of a whole country…no one takes him seriously.

This is why he might pull the trigger.

He is willing to risk the balance between the U.S. and North Korea for a dick-measuring contest.

But there are more nuclear attack threats for the U.S. other than Kim Jong-un.

Russia just moved its nuclear weapons outside the country for the first time ever.

This was issued in response to the conflict with Ukraine…but how sure are we that Russia doesn’t have ulterior motives?

Who’s to say that they will not turn these nuclear weapons facing our way after they’re done with Ukraine?

If history has taught us anything…it’s that each war crime brings the next one like a string of dominos.

I don’t know where we should expect a nuclear attack from…

But I know one thing…

This is a real threat.

And yet, if you ask anyone in the street about their plans in case of a nuclear attack, they will tell you that “everyone would die anyway.”

So there is no point in preparing for it.

But they are wrong.

With the right preparation, you and your family can survive anything.

And I will show you exactly how to do that in this article.

Preparing for a Nuclear Attack

The first step is simply knowing the potential sources of nuclear threats in your area.

Whether they are military bases…

Nuclear power plants…

Or other facilities that handle radioactive materials…

These are the places where an attack could cause the most damage.

So this is where the enemy is most likely to strike.

If there are any places like these close to your area, take note of them.

Once you have a basic understanding of the risks and scenarios, you can create a nuclear emergency plan. 

Let’s see how you can do that.

Finding Shelter

In the event of a nuclear attack, finding suitable shelter is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself. 

You need to find a place to live in for one or two days – so you can survive without having to evacuate.

Depending on the type of nuclear weapon used and the distance from the explosion, the ideal shelter may vary.

In general, however, the greatest shelter will be located underground, in a thick-walled building, or in a reinforced concrete structure. 

Ideally, the shelter should be as far away from the blast site as possible and should have as few windows as possible.

Once you’ve found a suitable shelter, you are ready for the next step…which is where most people will make a fatal mistake…

Protecting Yourself from Radiation Exposure

One of the biggest risks of a nuclear attack is radiation exposure.

It can cause a range of health problems including cancer, radiation sickness, birth defects, and many more.

To protect yourself, it’s important to understand the different types of radiation and their effects on the body. 

Alpha and beta particles can be stopped by clothing or a thin layer of material.

While gamma rays are much more penetrating and require thicker barriers or protective gear.

A nuclear attack will most likely cause every type – so you need to be prepared for every type.

To protect yourself and your loved ones from gamma rays, you have to use protective gear like masks, gloves, and suits. 

A gas mask with a HEPA filter can protect against inhaling radioactive particles.

While gloves and suits made from materials like rubber or plastic can protect against skin contact with contaminated surfaces.

If you wait to look for these things after the nuclear attack…you will just not find them.

Everyone is going to be looking for them.

Stock up on protective gear and essential items before a nuclear emergency occurs.

Remember, the better you prepare, the better you’ll sleep at night.

In addition, it’s important to decontaminate yourself and your surroundings – just in case.

This may involve washing exposed skin and hair with soap and water, discarding contaminated clothing and objects, and sealing any contaminated areas to prevent the spread of radioactive particles.

But What If You Become Exposed?

Have you ever heard the phrase “If you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans?”

Sometimes no matter how well we are prepared…our plans fall short.

It’s something that everyone has to accept.

To ensure you haven’t become exposed to radiation, use a radiation detector.

You can find one for under 100 bucks on Amazon.

These devices can measure radiation levels in the environment and in your body.

And they can help you determine when it’s safe to exit your shelter or take other actions to protect yourself.

If you do experience radiation exposure, it’s important to seek professional attention as quickly as possible.

While there is no cure for radiation sickness, hospitals can provide supportive care to manage symptoms and help your body recover.

In addition, regular checkups and monitoring can help detect any long-term health problems that may arise afterward.

The effects of radiation can last for years or even decades.

And they may require ongoing attention and monitoring.

However, with the right support and resources, it is possible to recover and rebuild after a nuclear attack.

This may involve working with local authorities and community organizations to

  • Clean up contaminated areas
  • rebuild infrastructure
  • and provide support for survivors

Overall, protecting yourself from radiation exposure requires a combination of knowledge, preparation, and guts.

By understanding the risks, preparing for the worst, and staying informed and connected, you can be better equipped to face this daunting challenge. 

Remember folks, every little bit can make a difference in an emergency.

Does Your Family Refuse To Prep? Try This

I’ve heard the same thing many times…

“I want to convince my family to prep with me, but they just don’t want to cooperate.”

If this happens in your household as well, I have some good news…

There is a simple way to fix that.

Preparing for emergencies is not something easy.

If you don’t have your family’s support, then you will most likely burn out.

You simply can’t do everything yourself.

But how can you convince your loved ones to take their survival seriously?

Shouldn’t that be the first ones to care about that, anyway?

Well, as it turns out…no.

Psychologists have repeatedly talked about this.

It is very common for humans to neglect their own safety.

But it is extremely rare for someone to ignore their loved ones’ safety.

This is the reason that people neglect to take their medication so often.

But no one ever forgets to give their dogs their medication, for example.

People value their loved one’s safety more than their own.

It’s quite a paradox…

But this is what happens.

And you can use that paradox to convince your family to take control of their survival.

How?

Well, it’s in the way you communicate with them.

Don’t make prepping about them.

Make it about the whole family.

If you talk to your partner, explain to him or her that it is for their children’s safety.

If you talk to your children, show them how they can help their parents.

You will instantly see a shift in how they view prepping.

They will be happy to assist you with whatever you need.

This might be manipulative to some…

But what is wrong with helping someone take control of their survival?

A lot of people nowadays put way too much trust in the government.

When SHTF, however, the government might not be on our side.

There could be a time when we have to do everything ourselves.

When that time comes, we have to be ready.

Prepping is necessary to survive these times.

So don’t let your family take their survival for granted.

Use this simple method to convince them to start preparing.

3 Ways To Produce Power Without Electricity

Time and time again we have witnessed our power grid fail to work in emergencies.

Whether it’s from a storm, an earthquake, or a tornado, power outages are very frequent in the U.S.

If we want to be self-sufficient, we have to reduce our reliance on the grid. 

One way to do this is by exploring alternative energy sources.

These sources are not just environmentally friendly but also allow us to generate our own power.

In this newsletter, we’ll take a look at three popular alternative energy sources: solar, wind, and biomass.

  • Solar Energy

Solar energy is one of the most widely used alternative energy sources.

And is ideal for preppers who want to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

Solar panels convert sunlight into energy.

And with advances in technology, they’ve become much more efficient. 

Installing a solar panel system can be a bit costly at first…

But over time, it will pay for itself as you no longer have to use the power grid for electricity.

  • Wind Energy.

Wind energy is another popular alternative energy source, especially for those who live in windy areas. 

Wind turbines generate electricity by harnessing the power of the wind. 

Just like with solar panels, wind turbines can be a significant upfront payment, but will be reducing your electricity bills in the future.

Additionally, wind turbines are relatively low-maintenance and have a long lifespan.

  • Biomass Energy.

Biomass energy is a type of renewable energy that is generated from organic matter, such as wood chips, agricultural waste, and sewage. 

It can be used to generate electricity or heat houses.

Unlike solar and wind energy, biomass energy is often used in rural areas and is ideal for preppers who have a lot of land and want to make the most of it.

I believe that every prepper should have at least one way to produce natural energy.

Whether it’s from the sun, wind, or biomass, the decision is up to you.

It will vastly reduce your reliance on the grid, and you will be saving important resources in the future.

Do you produce your own energy in your house? I’d love to hear about it!

Take These Documents With You When You Bug Out

If you are ever forced to bug out, you will have to face a harsh reality:

Anything you don’t take with you might not still be there when you come back.

Important documents might be destroyed, stolen, or simply lost.

That is why you should keep a USB file with every essential document in your bug-out bag.

Most preppers have already taken this precaution…

But they don’t usually know if they’ve covered everything.

That is why I will share a small list with you, that contains every important document that you should always have.

  1. Identification Documents. This includes your government-issued ID such as a passport, driver’s license, and birth certificate.
  1. Emergency Contacts. List of important contacts of family, friends, doctors, and emergency services.
  1. Health Records. Keep a record of your family’s history. This should include prescription medications, allergies, and any previous surgeries or treatments.
  1. Records Statements. Anything tax-related, accounting documents or anything that is essential financially fits this category.
  1. Estate Planning Documents. This includes your will, living will, durable power of attorney, and any other documents related to your assets and finances.
  1. Your Property Documents: Deeds, liens, and package policy documents should be kept in a safe place.
  1. Vehicle Papers. Keep every necessary paper of your vehicles in a separate folder.

If you don’t have any of these 7 documents, you may find yourself in a bad situation.

Your bug-out bag should contain a USB stick that includes everything.

But this is not enough,

You should also keep several physical copies of these documents somewhere in your house.

Remember, we prepare for any eventuality.

Just as your physical copies could become lost, so could your digital ones.

The point is to stay safe no matter what.

If you have multiple versions of these important documents, then you will not have anything to worry about.

P.S. Can you think of any other essential documents? Hit reply and let me know!

Are We Being Warned About Something?

Over the last couple of months, there has been a lot of weird stuff happening…

Take the events in Ohio, for example.

A train that was carrying vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic chemical, derailed from its course.

And this caused a scary fire, releasing dangerous chemicals into the atmosphere.

If you watched the news, you probably saw the massive cloud of black smoke that covered the sky.

Every resident within a one-mile radius was instructed to evacuate.

Scary…

But that’s just a fraction of the last few month’s events.

Like the balloon from China.

It is obvious that it was a spy.

And even though we took it down, it probably gathered the information the Chinese wanted.

We will probably be hearing more about it in the near future.

As if that wasn’t enough, a huge earthquake happened in Turkey and Syria.

More than 40,000 people died in the ruins.

This wasn’t in the U.S., but the aftermath of the disaster shocked the whole world.

Everyone is uneasy these days – and rightly so.

Who’s to say that the next disaster will not happen somewhere near us…

Or, God forbid, to us.

They say that once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern.

And lately, there is a weird pattern going on.

It’s almost like God is trying to warn us.

Something big is coming.

I don’t know what it is or where it will hit us from.

But I do know that it can’t hurt to stay prepared.

As preppers, we prepare for anything.

Even for events that no one sees coming.

Why You Should Be More Worried About The Earthquake In Turkey

My heart ached as I watched the news a few weeks ago.

They were showing the aftermath of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.

More than 40,000 innocent people lost their lives.

The survivors barely made it…

But they didn’t have a house to return to…

Most buildings were destroyed during the earthquake.

The news were showing children trapped in the ruins for more than 100 hours.

When they finally got rescued, they were exhausted.

This time it wasn’t our children…

But tomorrow, it might…

Because, behind this massive catastrophe hides something that should be making every American worried.

If more people knew about this, they would not be able to sleep at night.

The magnitude of the earthquake isn’t the one that destroyed so many families…

People’s greed did.

You see, the area where the disaster happened is one of the most vulnerable ones in Turkey.

Why wasn’t it properly built against earthquakes?

Was it simply a miscalculation?

Well, as it turns out…it wasn’t.

Expert civil engineers from different countries say that these buildings were built with insufficient protection.

Why would the contractors not build them properly?

This is where things start to make sense.

Before construction starts, contractors are paid a certain amount.

They then use a percentage of that amount to shop for the materials that will keep the building steady.

But if they use less than what is necessary, they keep the remaining amount for themselves.

The Turkish government is suspecting that this is what happened.

And they have already arrested more than 100 contractors.

Some of them even got caught at the airport while they were trying to flee.

But what does this have to do with the U.S.?

Well, who’s to say that our contractors are not doing the same thing?

People’s greed knows no boundaries.

If a similar earthquake happened in one of our states, the consequences could be even  more catastrophic.

There are a lot more people in the U.S…

And the houses are built much closer to each other.

If an earthquake hit somewhere in their area, unsuspecting families could be destroyed overnight.

That’s why everyone should be prepared for the possibility of an earthquake.

Teach yourself and your loved ones basic earthquake drills.

And always keep a bug-out bag ready.

You can’t ever be too careful with these things.

If someone you know doesn’t take prepping seriously, share this post with them.

You will be doing them a massive favor.

Your Grocery Bills Are About To Increase (Unless You Do This)

If you are an American, chances are eggs are not ever missing from your house.

There was some bad luck around eggs, however, that will make you reconsider your breakfast options.

I love my scrambled eggs in the morning as much as the next guy…

But they are about to become so expensive that will they will be leaving a bad taste in your mouth.

As if inflation wasn’t enough…

The bird flu just affected 52,700,000 poultry in the U.S. alone.

This is not a small number.

Chickens are either dying or being put down because of that disease.

And eggs are already almost 3 times more expensive than what they were a year ago.

I also read that a fire recently broke out at an egg facility in Connecticut, and killed 100,000 birds.

It is almost like eggs are cursed.

They will keep getting more expensive.

How much more can our wallets take?

If you don’t want your jaw to drop every time you shop for groceries, I suggest you raise your own chickens.

Raising your own chickens is not just good for your wallet, but for your health too.

You will be the one who chooses what to feed them.

So you will know that they’ll produce nutritious eggs that are not filled with any weird hormones.

With just a little bit of effort, you can set up a small coop in your backyard and start raising a few chickens.

It’s a fun and rewarding hobby, and it will pay for itself in no time.

There are many breeds of chickens out there.

And you can even choose breeds that are known for their laying ability.

This will also give you peace of mind, knowing that if things come to worse, you will always have emergency food.

If you enjoy eggs as much as I do, this decision is a no-brainer.

It will help you feed your family nutritious eggs even when they become too expensive.

Are You Making This “Airport Baggage” Mistake?

If you have ever been to the airport, you have probably noticed that there is always someone with a massive bag.

It’s as if they are taking a whole month’s worth of clothing with them.


Up until recently, that person was my partner.

She would always stuff as many things as possible inside her bag.

And it would always exceed the weight limit.

This might be harmless in the airport…

But it is simply a glimpse of what would happen in a bugging-out scenario.

People always have a hard time deciding on what to bring with them, and what to abandon.

In a survival situation, most people would overpack, resulting in a bug-out bag that is too heavy to carry comfortably. 

This can lead to fatigue, injuries, and even abandonment of the bag.

As a prepper, you should know that you shouldn’t be carrying anything non-essential.

For example, a shelter and sleeping bag should be the first items on the list, followed by food, water, and medication. 

Clothing should also be prioritized, with warm layers for cold weather and lightweight items for warmer weather.

Anything that is unnecessary in emergencies should be left behind.

For example, books, electronics, or jewelry have no place in a bug-out bag.

I know that some people attach sentimental value to certain items…

But nothing is worth more than our lives.

Preppers should also regularly review and update their bug-out bag. 

Over time, gear or clothing can become outdated or worn.

And different items may become available that are more practical for bug-out scenarios. 

Updating the bag on a regular basis can help ensure that you have the most essential and practical gear when you need it.

The “Airport Baggage” mistake is something that a lot of inexperienced people will make in emergencies.

But if you follow these tips, you can ensure that you have a bug-out bag that is both practical and manageable to carry.

P.S. Did you find this newsletter helpful? Reply yes if so!

What Zombie Apocalypse Movies Can Teach Us About Surviving

There is a point in every zombie apocalypse movie, where the characters have to make a very important decision.

They are usually stuck inside a shelter, with few resources, while death is knocking on their doors.

And they have to decide between two options:

  1. Stay inside and try to fight the zombies
  2. Escape and look for food or other survivors

But they almost always go with option C: “Fighting among themselves.”

They start blaming each other and end up dying.

It happens so often that it’s almost comic.

But this might not be too far from reality.

When the stakes are high, people see blank.

It’s like when a cat freezes in the middle of the street when it sees a car approaching.

Staying calm is crucial in emergency situations.

If, God forbid, you ever find yourself in one, you will be called to make a lot of snap decisions.

You might have to decide between staying inside your house or bugging out…

Which items you will carry with you…

Who to contact…

These are very important considerations.

One wrong move might mean the loss of a loved one.

You can’t correctly judge your options if you panic.

It’s like when characters in the zombie movies fight each other instead of working together.

You have to stay level-headed.

I understand that this is not something easy, however.

When a tornado rips your roof out, or when a fire breaks out in your area, it’s not exactly a walk in the park.

Most people – and understandably so – panic.

This would not happen, however, if they already had a plan in place.

If you are a survivalist, then you are probably aware of the importance of preparation.

We try to imagine any disaster that might befall us, and try to stay ahead of it.

This could mean having a plan for bugging out scenarios…

Or having a plan for when the food in your grocery store runs out.

Whatever it is, doing preparation beforehand protects us from losing our shit in emergencies.

So let’s keep prepping and remain collected even in the worst of situations.