bunkers

Bunkers are fortified structures designed to protect people and essential resources from external threats. They are typically built to withstand artillery blasts, air strikes, or debris, and may protect against environmental hazards such as extreme heat, radiation, or seismic events. Bunkers can be subterranean, partially underground, or, in some cases, integrated into the landscape. They range from military fortifications to civilian emergency shelters and private escape spaces.

Military bunkers often serve as command posts, weapon storage, or protective positions for troops. They employ reinforced concrete and steel, blast doors, and air-tight seals to create overpressure protection and secure access. Modern variants may include independent power supplies, redundancy for life-support systems, advanced ventilation with filtration, and communication facilities. They are typically connected to larger defense networks and designed to remain functional during bombardment or EMP events.

Civilian and emergency bunkers, including fallout or storm shelters, focus on long-term habitability and clean air. Features may include filtered air intake, decontamination areas, water and food storage, waste management, and resilient plumbing. Construction requires attention to soil conditions, drainage, and maintaining air-quality during occupancy. In the late 20th century, many countries built public shelters as civil-defense measures, while modern examples often take the form of private or communal facilities for disaster preparedness and security considerations.