Black David S. - Survival retreats: a preppers guide to creating a sustainable, defendable refuge

Copyright 2011, 2018 by David Black

Cover: An artists rendition of an effective retreat, with high ground, difficult remote terrain, and a structure designed to provide cover and firepower from multiple directions and on all sides.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Print ISBN: 978-1-5107-2540-9

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-5107-2541-6

Printed in the United States of America

Contents

Foreword by James C. Jones

THE SUBJECT OF SURVIVAL RETREATS, BUNKERS, AND SHELTERS OF various types has been addressed in numerous fiction and nonfiction books since the beginning of the Cold War. Throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, the focus of the subject was primarily directed at sheltering from the blast effects and radioactive fallout that would result from the detonation of nuclear weapons. The twenty-first century brought with it a broader variety of threat scenarios that could require various kinds of shelters and retreats. Todays would-be survivor must prepare for a matrix of interrelated threats and multiple disaster situations that may require sheltering in place or evacuation to a near or remote location. While the need for a Cold War bomb shelter or fallout shelter was seen as a precaution against an event that might happen, todays imperatives for shelter and retreat concepts are necessitated by worsening and multiplying perils that are happening and cannot be ignored.

Every news cycle brings revelations of new storms, droughts, wildfires, crime waves, civil disorder, international tensions, and economic instability. The security of our homes and communities becomes more and more fragile and the necessity of having a safe place to go grows more imperative each year. Having the capability to isolate oneself and the ones we care for from epidemics, lawlessness, chaos, and other hazards while providing all of the necessities for life, safety, and health is the most important mission that any responsible citizen of todays world can undertake. The decision of if and when to flee to a preplanned retreat or to shelter in place is one of the most difficult and important choices that must be made during a truly massive and long-lasting disaster, but such a decision can only be made if the survivor has preplanned and established facilities for these options well in advance.

This book goes beyond simply providing the physical specifications and requirements of shelter building and retreat establishment. The equally important subjects of decision-making, budgeting, and realistic planning are addressed throughout. The first chapter, An Introduction to Survivalism, explores the philosophical foundations of survival thinking and the justification for preparedness. A section on the history of survival retreats through the ages reviews both successful and failed examples of various kinds of retreats from the Jews at Masada to the hardened bunkers of the Cold War era. The chapter on retreat strategies and management includes essential recommendations on how to select the right kind of retreat for the right kind of situation in the right location. Storage and stocking requirements for life-essential needsincluding water, food, medical supplies, and weaponsis detailed. The importance of and techniques for networking with others to build your survival community is also outlined.

The physical aspects of establishing a retreat are covered in detail in . An examination of the critical relationship of the purpose of the shelter to its location and requirements is followed by well-organized and detailed descriptions of multiple types of retreats and shelters. The exigencies of remote and isolated bug out retreats and urban shelter-in-place or bug in retreats are equally well detailed. The prerequisites for the location of a remote retreat site as well as the choice of an in-home safe room or shelter are well defined. The inclusion of well-selected photographs of shelters, bunkers, supplies, and equipment adds interest and clarification to each subject. Actual construction instructions, supply sources, and design recommendations provide the reader with everything necessary to build the retreat or shelter that matches their needs. Great attention is given to shelter and home security measures and devices, including locks, alarms, surveillance cameras, and reinforcements of existing structures. Providing adequate electrical power utilizing solar panels is covered as an important aspect of extended survivability. Essential information on providing alternative emergency communications using CB, GMRS, and FRS radio walkie-talkies is included.

What you need and how much of each necessity is the focus of the food sustainability and supplementation chapter. In addition to the basic lists of supplies and equipment, there are specific recommendations with references to sources and websites. This section goes beyond just stocking up to cover sustainable methods of water gathering, food production, and recovery concepts. The reader will also find a step-by-step table establishing each survival retreat requirement focus, and the needed supplies and budget costs based on visits to actual functioning retreats will be of great aid to the reader.

There is no doubt that having a safe and sustainable retreat or urban shelter is going to necessitate passive and active defensive methods and weapons. Basic fortification, tactics, and weapons application is therefore thoroughly explored.

The aspects of establishing immediate and improvised retreats while travelling is covered in the final chapter. This important aspect of retreat establishment is often overlooked. This chapter is based on practical experiences in national and international travel. Being away from home and fare from access to any prepared retreat or shelter possess a daunting and unique set of requirements for establishing a secure retreat on the fly. Terrorist targeting of tourist areas and the increasing unpredictability of weather related disasters and even local unrest and crime make being able to establish security and survivability in hotels and on the road as important as having a remote retreat or a safe-room at home. Various methods, devices and precautions are related to this aspect of sheltering are detailed.

Whether you are a hard core survivalist preparing for a major, long-term cataclysm or a prepper just seeking to improve your security and expand your options for surviving natural or manmade disasters at home or away from home, you will find plenty of useful information and realistic advice in this book.