Backyard underground fire shelter and cellar specialists Cellars Down Under can provide fully-engineered designs to suit a range of personal requirements.BUSHFIRE shelters are a priority topic of discussion after the tragic fires in Victoria.
Since 1985, Cellars Down Under has been constructing and refining in-ground structures for bushfire shelters, wine cellars and secure storage units.
The waterproof cellars are all engineer-designed to meet Australian standards as well as local government requirements and regulations.
Soil testing, relevant planning and building permits are also taken care of prior to construction.
Cellars Down Under proprietor Danny Macdonald said shelters should be located in a cleared area close to the house, as unhindered access needed to be maintained.
The four-metre by three-metre bushfire shelters feature a fireproof airtight door, vents, emergency lighting and auxiliary air supply to provide a short-term refuge for a family of four adults and two dogs.
However in a bushfire situation, the shelter should only be needed to save lives for the emergency period as the fire front passes, so could accommodate as many people and pets as can reasonably fit.
The dual-purpose vents allow entry of air from outside and can be switched to prevent smoke and heat entering the cellar.
To provide for a range of emergency situations, the cellars are supplied with enough auxiliary air for two adults to survive for a day and a half.
Extras including a water supply and lighting can also be installed if required.
Based in Gippsland, Cellars Down Under can provide shelters Australia-wide.
For an on-site inspection and quote phone Danny Macdonald on 0409 016 497 or Jeanne Hesz on 5148 2458.
The website www.cellarsdownunder.com provides a brief outline of the business and is in the process of being further developed.
