Survivalist in South America

Hello,

I'm living in Brazil, and first, I would like to say hi to you all - so, HI!

Living here is almost like living in a war zone, and human adaptation to the environment is outstanding! This is a country where warlords and criminals have all the weapons, and civilians don't have easy access to firearms. How I miss the US for this reason.

Anyway, since I'm here, my urge to go off the grid is growing. I have some preparation in survival skills (as a pilot), and I'm a third-generation Air Force military.

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Sometimes I go into the wilderness alone and spend one to three days, but now I'm really looking to build an off-grid place (bunker), where I intend to live and just get to a nearby city for supplies while it still exists. And this is my primary goal here with you all: to get help on how to build my bunker with the few resources I can get here and be prepared.

What I'm looking for:
- A very straightforward blueprint to build a bunker that I can use as a home too. This bunker must have its own water and air treatment systems, electric generators and batteries, hydro farm, chickens for eggs, gauges to measure everything inside and outside (temperature, oxygen, pressure, wind, etc.), and a disposal system with recycling (e.g., take the gases and use for fire and heat), supply storage.

I intend to build this in a place above 1,000 feet. So, if one of you has some links to help me achieve that, it will be more than appreciated. I have five books on survivalist skills, but none touch the environmental differences for this area (for instance, I have to use a WAC as a map).

So, the first thing: To start building the bunker/house - all ideas are more than welcome.

Thank you all, and if you're around, or want to get around, I'll be glad to be in touch.

 

Whew! Big job and something that will keep you busy for years to come... I assume you have chosen your location already? I'm in North Idaho so above 1000 feet is no problem here but there? I've no clue. I would think drainage would be a major and first concern. As far as a structure (bunker), there are some FEMA and other docs around that show the 'how to' portion of it. I guess this is a bugout location or are you looking to live there full time? I'll attach a few of the FEMA books I have on hand to help get you started. This is a huge project, hell, just getting a structure as a start point is huge. I think break this down to bite size pieces, don't try to eat the whole elephant at once. How I would do it first is, how big a structure is necessary and how deep do I want/need to go down or perhaps the question is, how deep can I go down? Water table? Perhaps don't do it underground, maybe into side of hill? Can I get heavy equipment into the location to dig? What is the building materials you want or can use for structure? Huge galvanized drainage pipe make ideal underground bunkers but costly and must have road access and heavy equipment. Perhaps use logs? Are stands of usable trees on the property that can be harvested? Can you use a chainsaw? I was going to make a bunker type root cellar using logs from my property on some sloping ground using an excavator and tractor.

I'm sure you have some idea of what type of structure you want or need and perhaps our best help initially would be to shoot holes in your idea and/or add to it.

Of course, money, time, and effort are the deciding factors here, and, of course, everything is simply not possible. We got a lot of experience here on the monkey with almost everything, solar, electrical, generators, communications, etc... Also, check out our library, tons of resources! Attached is FEMA book that might have some ideas.

BTW Welcome!

 

Many thanks, Bandit99! Cheers to North Idaho!

Your responses have been incredibly helpful and given me a lot to consider. Here's what I'm thinking so far:
I'm planning to settle in the Mantiqueira Mountains, which range in elevation from sea level to about 9,000 feet. The area I have in mind is accessible through a small, dirt road passage.

My goal is to live there full-time, starting with a small cabin to acclimate myself to the environment. I plan to raise some livestock as well.

I'll be doing most of the cabin construction myself, which will be a significant undertaking!

For the bunker structure, I'm considering concrete and steel. Since I'll be utilizing the mountain slope, I don't anticipate needing a deep foundation. This will likely involve a lot of welding. What are your thoughts on this approach? I've attached a rough map of the area for your reference.

There are numerous water springs and water tables in the area, which I plan to utilize. Thankfully, there's no risk of water tables near the planned construction site, which will be built directly into solid rock.

The only livestock I intend to raise are chickens for eggs and pest control. I also plan to establish a good plantation, taking advantage of the surrounding trees and plants.

You're absolutely right, Bandit99. This is just the beginning of a major project, and I'm sure I can learn a great deal from you.

Thanks again for the warm welcome and the initial tips! I truly appreciate it.

 

Welcome!

Not sure of what sort of weather or tree canopy you have to deal with, but is there a spring or stream with enough flow and drop to set up a micro-hydro generator? Might be better than wind or solar.

 

Hello Techsar!

Yes, you are right! There is, and the flow/height is enough to power a small water turbine (more than 65 feet high). I already found a supplier for a low-cost and easy installation hydro-power station. Even knowing the hydro generator I will use is robust and reliable, I do apply, if possible, the "rule of 3". That means I just feel comfortable with trinary solutions, where, if one fails or gets broken, the other two will be ready to go.

Since the area I'll be settling in has a lot of wind at the top of the mountain slopes, I'll also use wind power. Solar power would be a problem since there are just a few hours of direct sunlight. Therefore, I was thinking about implementing a recycled gas-powered micro-plant, just in case. It would be a win-win since I'll already be using the disposal/recycling system to heat, burn, and, why not generate energy when not venting to the atmosphere?

In fact, this will be the only system I'll be able to fix if I can't go outside.

Please, keep coming up with ideas. Your input is extremely helpful to me so I can cover everything in the best way possible. Thank you!

Sincerely,

 

Welcome from the State of Alabama, and glad to have you as a member! There was a member of this forum that lived in SE Asia and was building a bunker, I can't remember his name but I'll try and look him up.

 

You might be thinking of Asia-Off-Grid? Sadly, he passed...but some of his postings may spark ideas that may be helpful!

 

No, it wasn't Asia-Off-Grid, but his stuff is a good insight into living the Prepper lifestyle in a 2nd or 3rd World Nation. This guy was building a bunker in the space once occupied by the indoor portion of his swimming pool. He lived near a military airfield and was worried that it might be a target in a war. He also, bought a naval-style watertight door for the entrance. Apparently, he had very deep pockets. He was posting pictures of the construction project and then disappeared.

 

Hello @Wildbilly !

A toast to the magnificent State of Alabama!

Oh! Southeast Asia is quite intense. The wildlife there can be very dangerous. Where I am, I only need to be cautious of three snake species: the Coral, Cascavel, and Jararaca. Jaguars are rare in my area, and there are just two spider species to watch out for: the Black Widow and the Armadeira. In Asia, it seems like nearly every creature you encounter in the wild has the potential to be lethal. To be fare, Humans are the most dangerous.

However, both regions share the benefit of a bountiful environment, offering ample food, water, natural remedies, and resources.

@techsar and @sec_monkey - I’m sorry to hear about his passing.

I’ll keep you all updated on the project’s progress, so feel free to offer advice on what I’m doing well or where I might be making mistakes (which I'll probably do).

Thanks and see you soon!

 

Hello Dunerunner! Thank you!

You’re in the chilly Pacific Northwest, and I’m in the sweltering Brazilian Southwest. To be fair, the region I’ve chosen isn’t usually that hot, and due to the altitude and location aspects, I sometimes experience sub-zero temperatures in the winter.

I’m aiming to make the project as straightforward as possible, utilizing my tinkering and engineering skills.

I’ll keep everyone posted with photos, blueprints, and videos as the project progresses. My target is to complete it in under 15 months. We’ll see how it goes.

Sincerely,

 

Here I can buy an Hercules decommissioned aircraft for about 3k. You can bet I'll be using aircraft parts and instruments on this project.

Maybe an APU from a 737 would do wonders being part of my heating and tertiary gas powered generator. Who knows! Just got the idea.

 

@selvagem "Since the area I'll be settling in has a lot of wind at the top of the mountain slopes, I'll also use wind power. Solar power would be a problem since there are just a few hours of direct sunlight. Therefore, I was thinking about implementing a recycled gas-powered micro-plant, just in case."
I'm very interested in hearing about this 'recycled gas-powered micro-plant' when you get to it. Sounds interesting! Pity solar isn't a possibility as panels are getting better and better. So, you'll give wind a try? I haven't heard too much about people using wind since around here we get enough sun and it's more reliable, probably not as much maintenance too, but I really don't know to be truthful.

Ensure to post a few pictures when you have a chance! I assume the dirt road is passable with a truck/car so getting materials to build site will be possible?

 

Welcome @selvagem
Tall order you ask , and lots of time to have this done , Ive been at mine for 25 years in PNW Canada.
AME/pilot rotary wing type ,Can-Airforce .
Old now , but still toss wrenches and control the stick on no-tars
Sloth

 

Hi Bandit99,

Organic waste decomposes and creates usable gasses! If stored properly, these gasses can be valuable resources. In my setup, I'm planning to utilize organic waste in a couple of ways:

1. Nutrient-Rich Compost Tea: The liquid compost draining from the bottom will be used to supplement my hydroponic nutrient solution. This "compost tea" can provide essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for the plants.
2. Biogas for Power: The methane gas will be collected and used to generate electricity through a small turbine. This can also power both my stove and heating system.

Organic waste offers a variety of possibilities, but I'm focusing on these initial applications for now. While CO2 can be used in refrigeration or to enhance plant growth, implementing those systems requires significant effort and safety precautions ($$$$$$).

I definitely plan to explore wind power as well. There are many new, affordable, and reliable wind turbine options available, and wind seems plentiful in my location. However, hydropower will be my primary energy source, with wind and methane backup systems.

I'm still in the design phase for the organic waste container. To keep it simple, it will have three bypass valves at the top. These valves will release gas on demand or if the pressure builds too high. The gas can be directed to the turbine for electricity generation, the stove for cooking, or vented to the atmosphere as a safety measure if pressure exceeds capacity. Finally, a simple spigot at the bottom will allow me to easily extract the liquid compost tea.

This approach allows me to utilize organic waste for both energy generation and plant nutrition, creating a more sustainable system.

You might be thinking, "Flammable gas under pressure inside a bunker?". Here's the plan: There will be a pressure relief valve on the container, and the container room itself will be completely isolated from the main living area by a thick door and wall. Additionally, the container room will be equipped with sensors, pressure gauges, and a triple redundancy emergency shut-off system to prevent any poisonous gas buildup.

The bunker itself will be divided into five distinct sections:

1. Main Room: This multi-purpose space will house the living area, dorms, control panel, batteries, kitchen, bathroom, and storage.
2. Grow Room: Here you'll find the hydroponic farm alongside a chicken coop.
3. Workshop: This space will serve as a dedicated area for chemical lab, tinkering, and repairs.
4. Waste Treatment Room: This is where I'll manage the organic waste.
5. Air & Water Treatment Room: This room will ensure a clean and healthy environment by treating both air and water.

I understand this might seem like a lot, but rest assured, I'm prioritizing a minimalist, optimized, and secure design.

Always open to suggestions!

Sincerely,

 

Roger that Sloth! Now you have found a fixed-wing pilot and survivalist friend in the south! Haha! Good to know you are tossing wrenches and have controls! Oorah!

 

What are the gun laws like in your area? Do a high percentage of people own firearms?
Sorry, don’t know much about how these things work in South America.

Welcome to the forum!

 

If I was going to build into the mountainside the lowest point would be over 2000ft above sea level. It takes care of a potential odd ball but possible survival scenario. Make sure it has enough earth over your head to protect you from some high radiation. The world is crazy.
We are in the midwest but looking for some land in the mountains of Tennessee to build a nice hideaway.