Job done- storage shelter installed

The project to install a fire shelter, I mean storage shelter, has finally been finished.

Along time ago I had the side of a solid sandstone bank excavated to install a built on site fire shelter. Unfortunately after lots of promising when it came to actually doing the job the contractor withdrew. I have been looking for a suitable shelter ever since. I finally located one that didn't need an on site crane to unload. 

The shelter came on the back of a truck, which unloaded the shelter painlessly into the excavated area. 

 The shelter was then entombed with many tonnes of soil and that is held in place by a lovely rock wall using sandstone from our site. The meters thick soil and rock that surrounds the shelter will ensure that it remains safe and cool in even extreme environments.

The only thing above the ground is the fire rated hatch and the air exchange pipes. These pipes use a solar powered fan to constantly replace any stale air with fresh air during daylight hours. This prevents the build up of stale potential dangerous air. During use these pipes are isolated by the use of two valves that can be operated from within the shelter.

The shelter is located close to our house in a protected area with easy access. 

It is satisfying to have finally completed this project. After a few years of very wet conditions and amazing growth in the surrounding bush we now have an extra level of "insurance" just in case we ever need it. 

The little lady has become obsessed with cheese making as her new hobby. We will install some temperature recording equipment to see if our shelter can double as a cheese cave.