Shelter Maintenance

Survival shelters & equipment cannot be looked upon as things we purchase and put away. Survival is a ‘way of life’. We must continually be alert to current threat and thinking of ways to better our situation. All survival items must be kept in a ‘ready’ state.

Yearly

• Rotate food supplies (look for bulging cans and outdated supplies)
• Inspect water supplies, yearly (look for growth, bad smell)
• Inventory spare light bulbs
• Inventory other supplies (post war as well as expedient)
• Lubricate and check hatch latch for proper function
• Inspect gasket on door,
• Inventory & rotate medicines & first aid supplies
• Check oil level on LUWA
• Paint any areas of corrosion
• Turn on all radios & check for proper function

Semi-annually

• Change batteries in smoke alarms
• Inventory & rotate dry-cell batteries (D, C, AA, AAA)
• Eat, sleep and stay in shelter for 24 hours.

Quarterly

• Inspect water level in lead acid batteries quarterly
• Scrub & disinfect counters
• Wash bedding regularly.
• Inventory clothing for seasonal and size changes

Monthly

• Regularly (monthly) charge and maintain batteries.
• If using a dehumidifier, check water level regularly
• Check water collection bottle on LUWA regularly
• Check floors for signs of rodents
• Charge dosimeters monthly
• Check radiation meters for proper function
• Remove all dry-cell batteries from appliances (flashlights, radios, meters)
• In areas of high humidity, check regularly for mold
• Clean guns & check for proper function