The Role, Function and Significance of Refuges/Air-raid Shelters in Our Days

Abstract

The rapid developments in military technology and military industry are forcing governmnets to prepare for the possibility of an upcoming war, even in times of peace. In a war fought with nuclear weapons protecting the civilian population is crucial. In order to do this successfully having a suitable preventive defensive strategy/plan can be a determining factor. The main objective of such plans is to save human lives and guarantee their survival after the initial blast. In case of a nuclear, biological, or chemical attack one of the most inportant countrywide defensive priorities is the immediate evacuation of civilians to a safe location. Local refuges/air-raid shelters are the first line of defense. Apart from protecting the ones inside from the initial effect of the WMD’s they are also capable of separating harmful substances from the outside world for a period of time, depending on their design. In this article I will present the most important knowledge about refuges/shelters and discuss the role, function and significance they have in our days.