Additional Coverage:
- Nuclear bunker sales increase, despite expert warnings they aren’t going to provide protection (newsbreak.com)
Private Bunkers on the Rise Amid Nuclear Fears
Bernard Jones Jr. and his wife built an elaborate home with a bunker to prepare for any disaster. With global nuclear threats rising, the market for private bunkers is booming.
However, experts warn that bunkers create a false sense of security and distract from efforts to prevent nuclear war. Government disaster guidelines recommend taking shelter in sturdy buildings during a nuclear event.
Ron Hubbard, CEO of Atlas Survival Shelters, argues that bunkers are essential for all types of disasters. He has seen a surge in sales driven by international tensions.
Government Advice: Seek Shelter in Existing Buildings
Radiation experts emphasize that fallout can be prevented by seeking shelter indoors away from windows. They advise staying inside for up to two days before evacuating.
After a false alarm missile alert in Hawaii, the government has stepped up efforts to educate the public on nuclear attack preparation.
Nonproliferation Advocates: Bunkers Deceive the Public
Critics of bunkers argue that they undermine efforts to eliminate nuclear weapons. They emphasize the long-lasting and intergenerational health effects of radiation and the futility of trying to survive a nuclear exchange.
Political Costs of Discussing Bunkers
US leaders have avoided discussing bunkers for decades due to the negative political consequences. Congressman James McGovern advocates for a freeze on nuclear weapons and the eventual elimination of all arsenals.
A Home with a Bunker: Mixed Feelings
One family who purchased Jones’s former home is aware of the bunker but hasn’t used it. They appreciate the sense of security it provides, despite not being particularly concerned about nuclear war.