The subterranean structure is probably one of your best defenses for the apocalypse. In the realm of structures made for survival, subterranean structures have been favored by survivalist for since the dawn of time. The benefit of a structure built underground is that 1) no one knows it is there, 2) it is the ultimate protection against ground attacks even a nuclear bomb won't bother you (much), 3) depending on the structure's construction, you may be able to survive for years or even decades underground. On the downside, 1) no one will know it's there so any chance of a rescue will be slim to none, 2) if your entrance is breached, you are pretty much S.O.L. unless you have a secondary entrance, and 3) if it is built wrong, then no worries… you're already 6 feet under so just consider it your grave.

There are two principle types of subterranean structures; a bomb shelter and a fallout shelter. Each one has its pros and cons, which I will elaborate on.

	A bomb shelter enterance

A bomb shelter is the primary type of subterranean structure. People started making these when army's started dropping bombs. The concept behind a bomb shelter is simple. Make a room under the ground. If there is a blast, it will destroy everything above you but your little shelter will remain just fine as long as you do not take a direct hit. A bomb shelter is not a comfortable place. It is generally built of cement and is barren of any luxuries. It is designed as a place to run to when the sirens start going off, let the bombs drop, and then come out and assess the damage. Because of this, the shelter is generally designed to be lived in for a week or two at the max. It is generally very small and can house most of your survival gear. Because of this, it is pretty easy to build one of these structures. You can even buy one pre-built. As stated before, a bomb shelter was not made for comfort and if you are considering building one, take into consideration how long you will actually want to hold out in the shelter. If you are planning on using this as your initial safe haven, and hold out until you learn where "the resistance" is forming up, this is the structure for you. It won't be luxurious but neither will bashing in the skulls of the undead for the next few years. For plans on how to build a suitable bomb shelter or where to purchase one, read our bomb shelter tutorial.

Now, a fallout shelter is very different from a bomb shelter. Fallout shelters were developed after the advent of the atomic bomb because of the fallout radiation. A fallout structure will generally be a large multi room complex built to be lived in for years, even decades. A good shelter will have underground sealed silos for food storage, a kitchen, an air filtration system, and a waste management system. A fallout shelter in all its glory will be expensive, will take up a lot of space underground, and will probably need to be built in sections. We suggest using various contractors so no one gets to nosy or wise to what you're up to. What it all comes down to is that an underground structure will keep you safe from all the craziness going on up on the surface. If you don't mind not seeing the sun and hiding up in a little hole then this is a viable option for you.

• Building a Bomb Shelter Tutorial