February 10, 2002
1. Zilker park is the main public park in Austin. If you come down anybody can tell you where it is.
2. The shelter was used to demonstrate how people could build shelters in their back yard and how to stock them. The groundskeeper gave tours a couple times a month up until the mid-sixties. It was paid for by public money.
3. Not to big. It follows a standard CD plan. Check the included photos.
4. No, it's not open. But I called the groundskeeper and he had no problem letting me take a look.
5. Yes, There was a CD information packet that used to store pamphlets. You were supposed to take the packet home. There was also a little display explaining how the shelter was built. Also a lot of rat eaten pamphlets in the corner. No I didn't take them : (Believe me I thought about it. But I figured it wasn't mine even if nobody wanted it. And I thought it would be best to leave it be for the next person to see so they could get the same excitement of finding them. I was absolutely amazed at that everything was considering that it had been abandoned for so long.
6. It's well worth the trip... If you need further directions just drop me a line. This was a great thrill as this was my first purpose built fallout shelter to visit. I have a strange affinity for forgotten and disused places and this fit the bill nicely!

SHELTER FACTS
This prototype Family Fallout Shelter was built with federal funds by the City Of Austin and the Southwestern Headquarters of The Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization. The contractor was Maufrais Brothers of Austin. An underground fallout shelter of this size can be built for less than $2,000 under normal conditions.

Purpose of the shelter is for public education, research and demonstration--to show how a typical American family can protect itself from the dangers of radioactive fallout.

Capacity is a maximum of six persons for two or more weeks. An adequate amount of water, groceries and other supplies is included to suffice for that period of time. The shelter is constructed of eight-inch reinforced concrete. The hallway-entrance is separated from the living area by a 90-degree turn to stop radiation which travels in a straight line. A heavy metal locking door protects the stairway entrance. Filtered intake and exhaust vents provide fresh air protection against radioactive, bacteriological and chemical elements. Other features include sanitary facilities and a transister radio.

The color scheme for the interior and furnishing was planned with a definite purpose in mind-- to lend an air of harmony and yet give a feeling of cheefulness. The pale gold walls and vinyl flooring are accented by use of pumpkin, olive green and Tiber gold in the other furnishing. The custom-built furniture includes a storage wall for keeping food and supplies, a fold-down table, upper fold-down bed, a bolster-back single bed and two dining chairs.

PREPARE:
  Your family shelter and equip with two-week supply of food and water, first aid kit, battery radio.
  Evacuation kit for you automobile with food, water, first aid kit, battery or car radio, blankets.

LEARN:
  1. Warning signals and what they mean.
  2. Your community plan for emergency action.
  3. Protection from radioactive fallout.
  4. First aid and home emergency preparedness.
  5. Use of CONELRAD--640 or 1240 for official directions.