Rapid Deployment Modules will withstand severe weather.
We see it regularly on our TV sets and in online news stories. A family’s home is standing strong and firm one day, and then the next day it’s been flattened by a tornado or hurricane.
The family is devastated and has nowhere to go. They have no other family in the area and can’t afford to stay in a hotel for more than a couple of nights. They might be able to set up a tent, but that’s hardly a suitable solution. It looks like a FEMA center is their only option until the insurance company can get their home rebuilt.
Someday soon, however, some families might have another choice. A company called Visible Good, selected by the U.S. Army through a grant program to design an extreme weather shelter, has created a Rapid Deployment Module (RDM). This nine-foot by 14-foot base unit can be assembled in about 25 minutes with no tools or training necessary. None of the pieces weighs more than 20 pounds.
It’s projected to last 10-20 years, with the exception of the roof, which will probably need replacing in three to five years. The RDM has hard walls, insulation and locking doors like a conventional building, but it’s compact and packs into its own floor. This makes it easy to ship to places such as the Gulf of Mexico, where some RDMs are currently being used in the oil spill cleanup efforts.
Currently, the cost is $15,500 for the base unit, but I’m guessing that price would come down (perhaps significantly) if they start to mass produce them for individuals. The base unit is designed so that it can attach to other prototype units, including a shower unit and a latrine unit, sort of like legos.
Tell me what you think of the Rapid Deployment Module. Is this the type of thing you might be interested in purchasing once the price comes down? What do you see as the advantages or disadvantages of owning something like an RDM? I’d love to hear from you about this.
A 14′ diameter yurt runs about $6K. and for the the RDM price, a 30′ is still only around $11K. As mention in other comments, a tiny home on wheels would be a better value on a personal level and maybe even at the FEMA level. Also consider, by the time the conditions would appropriate to bring in the RDM, a canvas tent would be substantial enough as well with a much less price point
Your OUT of your mind!!!
I heard one person say that you can go directly to a shipping port and purchase an 8′ X 20′ used, weather tight shipping container for about $ 500.00 . He didn’t mention shipping charges .
When I wanted one , I searched the internet till I found a local company that sold and delivered an 8′ X 20′ dry box for $ 2200.00 . So I bought one . I have enough room to set up another one so I am contemplating buying again . They also sell brand new containers and modified ones ( windows , residential style doors, roll up doors ,etc . The price for a standard new 8′ X 20′ runs about $ 3000.00 . Modified ones ( to your specs ) of course will be more spendy . However far less than 15 grand .
I just don’t see the value in an RDM , until the price comes way down
Too expensive!!! With the wave of “Tiny Houses” and downsizing, there are plenty of less expensive options out there. I know this because in a few months I plan to move across several states. I will be setting up a small living space there while the “real” house is being built.
Buy tent. For those prices, you could buy a pallet full of them.
The price would need to come down to about $2000 and the roof has to be more than a tarp before you will sell any of these. The concept as it stands is ridiculous
I have a motorhome for both recreation, “bug out” and emergency shelter. Expensive yes but multipurpose and self contained. Jon.
If you closely at the last picture, you will see that the tarp is just being used to shade, or camoflage, the RDM. I do agree that I could buy a “tiny house”, with more room for less money. The price would have to come down dramatically.
For an RDM it is overpriced for what looks like to be just some plastic walls and a tarp roof.
I’ve got a 10×20 carport made of nylon I’d trust further than that.
Way over priced for the size but that is big government and price is probably based on how many different times it is used over the lifespan. Does not look good for extreme cold, heat maybe but roof too flimsy for extended cold use. Lived in many an Army tent during winter manuvers probably would be better then them.
I had a shed built to my specs driven over 60 miles to my house and placed exactly where I wanted it for $1,200.00. There is no way anybody I know would pay that kind of price. You’d have to be out of your mind.
Way over priced you could have a shed delivererd and set up for maybe $2,000 .
Tuff Shed could build one for less than half the price!
Are you kidding?? Try one seventh the price!
I think anybody that looks at this idea is lost touch with price of what it should cost. I can build one better for a lot less.
Rapid deployment ? -to the local landfill !!
Maybe an undeveloped nation after an earthquake – Unless the Clintons get there first and steal the units, then resale on the black market. What happened to the inflatable unit, 12-15’wide and 30-40’long? Toilet outside, food community, showers community etc. Ye Jest!!
You can get a very large wood shed delivered to your property that offers more for less money, that two guys could easily put together. You could easily enlarge it by putting several together and all for less money. You can even have sleeping quarters on top floor, windows, doors, shower, potty. Sorry,
not sure what the benefit is for this.
Overpriced,you couldn’t sleep in it in south Mississippi it would be entirely too hot in the warm months,it is not defensible ,no field of view,,,,not very practical for too many reasons for me.I appreciate you throwing it out here where we can see it.I am always interested in your products and ideas,can’t afford them,but keep them coming. Thank you Frank,for all you and your team do. i am a former Marine,retired/disabled line of duty police officer,and you are on top of things.our country is in big trouble.
Absolutely a horrible design and way over priced. Tell me what kind of shelter can you put together without tools that will stand up to really severe weather? How portable is this? 9 feet wide would require permits to haul it somewhere. Seems nothing better than a gimmick. As many people have said, having a bugout location with a shelter in place is probably your best option. Cost is always a factor, regardless of your plan. That’s why you need to find like-minded people you can trust to join together and share the costs. If your only option is to stay put, a permanent severe weather shelter that allows for basic necessities is a better plan than this shelter.
I’ve worked in developing countries as an Agriculture economist and Banker. I’ve looked at many different solutions for storage and shelter facilities. The best I’ve seen so far is in this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb1pdvvoVoQ
That is a neat shelter. Just had ahought, though, what if something malfunctios and it gets wet before set up or there is not enough water to pump into it for set up. Does water come with it? What if the water container is damaged? Just a thought.
The red cross helps people and fema sometimes helps people. They should buy some of those for emergency situations. Somebody said some people can’t afford more than a couple nights in a motel, how is someone to afford to buy one of these.
I looked into these a while back; I LOVE the concept but like so many of these neat ideas it is priced way beyond my ability to afford : ( I think for most of us it’s a used RV or nothing.
Would not stand to a cat 2 or 3 hurricane in Florida. It would blown away. Not mentioning that one could not withstand the heat in such a box.
A big waste of money.
HILLARY SHOULD BE IN JAIL!!!!
better yet, lock her in that box in the Florida heat.
Just kidding!!
JUST ANOTHER TYPICAL GOV’T FIASCO
FUNDED BY LEGAL USA TAXPAYING
CITIZENS. WE BORN & RAISED IN TORNADO
BELT, ALL HAD STORM CELLARS IF THEY
PLANNED ON SURVIVING ! DOUBLED AS
CANNED FOOD STORAGE. CLOSE 2 SEALED
HAND DUG WELL W/ OWN PUMP. ELITE
HAVE THEIRS, FEMA CAMPS & BELOW
GROUND TUNNELS & ABODES FUNDED
BY US. SHIPPING CONTAINERS, BURIED
OR SECURED BEST BUY 4 NOT ALREADY
PREPARED. GOD BLESS LUSATPC’S
Too damn expensive. shoddy piece of junk. I had a solid 24,000 pound, 8×10 concrete tornado shelter delivered from Illinois to Oklahoma for $5,600 and installed. It is an above ground shelter with a steel door. I have emergency water, food, small electric generator for several days worth of shelter. Yes it is in place and anchored by 3/4 inch rebar three feet long crisscrossed and concrete poured down to one foot as well. It is above ground for wheel chair access as well. Here is the link : http://www.safesheds.com/
Great concept, far too expensive though. What does it look like on the inside, is there a way to heat it or cool it in the summer? Ventilation?
I went through a tornado in Mn in March that leveled much of the town. Good thing the portable house lasts 10 years. It took an extreme amount of time to get everyone out of “temp” housing. I suggest focusing on rebuilding faster. An that roof is not made for a Mb winter!
Why in the name of anything sane would that green canvas be attached the way it is? First good wind to come along will take this thing with it.
As always…Only the RICH WILL SURVIVE…….the rest of us will be in a red cross shelter like someschoolgyn. Thank God for the Red Cross.
Intershelter.com, way better and about the same price, can withstand 20 ft of snow on top, hurricanes, etc and will last way more than twenty years
No place to store it. Too expensive. The metal sounds appealing–if one has the room as they are larger, lockable, less expensive and can be used right away to store things for survival one could even set it up with solar panels for electricity. It could be painted with camouflage paint and would accommodate more people. Plus it would be more secure. A window and inside/ outside locking mechanism could be arranged. It could also be insulated. One could have bicycle(s) for transportation ….
To expensive. I am 62 and not in good health. The setup would be more than I want to tackle. A good 4man tent takes minutes to set up and has about the same security. If all hell breaks loose you would want to be very mobile. Firearms needed to protect home and family.
Around here you can buy a seatrane for about $2,000.
U r right….army junk is always passed down 2 us at inflated prices . ..God Bless!
Speaking from the advantage of having 30 yrs. law enforcement experience, “a chain is only as safe as it’s weakest link”. That cloth roof looks like it can be cut open in a minute. It takes burglars 1 quick cut to get thru a car’s convertible roof. Being almost 50 yrs in Florida, the roof might only hold up to bad weather if the sloped sides face the wind.
I have a lg. 3 man pop-up dome tent that is pretty much as safe (meaning not very safe). But, my tent pops up in 5 seconds & folds up into an inch thick light weight case that I can carry with my backpack & I’m nearing 60. Some places even sell 1 in camo.
I do thank you for showing us this & asking our opinion. I’m always appreciative of your emails.
I moved to Mississippi & I had never been in a Hurricane. So I purchased a 7 X4 X 6 Steel Safe Rom! We rode out Katrina in 2015 & no problem ! But the cost was $ 10,000
Too expensive and too heavy. Although, to each his/her own, it may be ok for the right type of person, environment, location etc. I’ve comfortably stayed dozens of times hunting in the wilderness for 3 weeks at a time in a very good quality 15’x20′ canvas tent that I could have set up my self. Experienced every type of weather. No problem. The canvas tents are over 40 years old and are family hand-me-downs that have been cared for and still work great! Tent, frame, stove, flooring, tables, cots altogether weigh less than 500#. Our hunting party has 2 of these plus smaller ones and one home made latrine. The new cost would be around $3500. I’m sure there are newer used out there. A good prepper is going to determine whats a good shelter for him/her and their family based on their financial, emotional, spiritual, and physical situation. Blessing on finding the right setup for you and yours!
This looks really good for an emergency; I especially like the door (much nicer than a shipping container) and shade, and the possibilities of adding a latrine and shower. But where could you possibly store it where it would actually be easily accessible in case of that emergency? If you had the kit waiting for an emergency and then your house is destroyed, probably this kit would be as well, right?
I love the concept and the price isn’t a deterrent. In case of a tragedy, not sure I would have the clarity or time to hunt, gather and construct a shelter. Count me in.
Will it ‘undeploy’ so that it can be used as a temporary shelter for different events?
The ‘concept’ is good, especially if insulated well, but other comments are quite correct in pointing out that the shipping containers provide shelter for a fraction of the cost, especially for long term.
There are larger “shipping” containers available for $2,000 that are made of metal, are used, and available locally from any drayage company.
They do not require any assembly, and can be dropped off at any level location.
There’s even a “container City built in Las Vegas (just east of downtown), where an entire mall is constructed of these containers.
I agree too expensive. I would like to get a container but I can’t seem to get anyone to call me . I went on computer but no luck.
i am going to be looking around for the right kind of land. for the price of that shelter i could buy a lot somewhere in rough country where i might find a cave. l live in texas tornado alley so i’m use to that kind of weather. my concern is there is more active volcanos in the chain in years, yellowstone park has been, being watched for years as the cap is raising if the earth is beginning to fight back there will be nowhere to run.
I dont see that being a good source. I am better off getting a freight container dropped off. They are also way cheaper.
If the crap is that bad roads and vehicles to move or deliver anything are going to be challenged?
I am 75 and lived back in Indiana where and emergency shelter was an underground shelter. These proved to be the least expensive, fast to get into when tornado threatened, or even fire. The near future problems really concern large earth changes or all sorts, take your pick. Flood, earth shakers, storms of all kinds, fire you name it is about to fall on all. Being covered with vulcanic dust 10 feet deep oh well! Just do what you think best for your location and hope you have good neighbors .
too expensive, would be better if it could be buried for more protection like fall out shelter
I strongly believe that this type of emergency housing unit has a lot of vlaue. I would consider ownership for the right price.
Check out ‘tiny houses’, small homes built on trailers, some for 10% of that price, in a couple of weeks of salvaged materials…something there may be an abundance of after an ‘event’.
I would love to have a couple of those, but not at that Price
I also agree with Mary that this unit would most likely be destroyed if your house was destroyed. Lets say it is not, you might as well paint a big bull’s eye on it and tell everyone you have food and water because you are in their mind a “prepper”. I still think a bug out plan in a large scale disaster with food and water with a tent and things needed to survive and going to location already planned out is a better plan until things settle down from whatever the disaster is.
I agree with Robert. When I think about a disaster, in my mind, it would be safer to have a secret place that you know of, or a secret location/area. I read a book about WORLD WAR III a while back, and in the book, it said that after the bombs drop, going to a safe location is VITAL. In the book it mentioned safe areas including LITCHFIELD COUNTY CONNECTICUT because even after the H-Bombs drop, Litchfield County should be far enough away from any fallout due to the fact that there are no military installations anywhere near to NW Connecticut and so no bombs should fall there. In theory.
And since I live in Connecticut, that is where I would go with my survival food, tent, sleeping bag and a gun and my sword.
If things get really bad, having a unit like the one above would truly paint a target on you. It’s a sad fact but very few people actually prepare for a disaster. So what does this mean to the people who do prepare? Like myself? Am I responsible to save other (strangers) people. No sir. If it came to it, and you helped someone, ten bucks says they would turn on you and kill you and take all your stuff. I know it’s sad but Darwin said it best….”Survival of the Fittest”. Only the strong and prepared people will survive. Or am I wrong. You MUST isolate yourself from the masses or prepare to lose everything you’ve worked for.
This is all well and good if 1. you survive a disaster, 2. where the unit is stored is not destroyed, this 82 yr old now could not get to it if it were flat on the garage floor, 3. what are the details of what the unit is constructed of ? 4. could it be stored flat on the garage floor and my Smart car parked on it?? toilet facilities–outhouse is good and once your home is rebuilt, plant a tree over the hole, but who is going to dig the hole for the outhouse?? we are talking community cooperation after a disaster. 5. I’m thinking of one of those little campers my car would be able to pull. 6. no one has mentioned a weather warning saying GET OUT!! take heed. 7. store disaster survival goods with different family members in order to survive (food, paper goods etc. make sure you have a bag of rags to take care of necessities) Remember what your grandparents had to do during the depression. Mine had a deep well (who has them anymore?) but they were the water supply and the milk, plus butter and eggs went into a bucket and lowered into a well and kept fresh. set up a bed outside with a tarp over it to keep away the dew. 8. I’m 82 and I pray I don’t experience a disaster.
I’m almost your age and have the same questions, response, etc. Today sure isn’t like it used to be. We raised our own gardens, canned what we grew and picked wild as well as selling some to others. A tarp or some kind of home built shelter or a barn on a different property. Heck, if this thing is close to other buildings on your property it might too end up miles away or be in splinters. Anyway, not for this price!
Good idea, but, I have been designing sheds and know that the price of material for floor walls and a hard roof would run about 1500 dollars. When you add door, windows and insulation it could easily go to 2000. That is before pre assembly. An 8’x16′ structure would have nearly the same square footage and at 8′ wide could be moved fully assembled via trailer on the highway if necessary without wide load permit. The floor 2 8’x8′ pieces would be assembled and used as the pallet/s to hold everything else.
With 2k for material, 2k for labor to assemble and 1k for sales, shipping and handling the total should not exceed $5000 which is more in the ballpark of what most people can afford and an unassembled kit should be less that.
JFJ, you are just riding the same wave of HIGHWAY ROBBERY!!!! I was a contractor and before that, a framer! First off, the actual price of lumber is closer to $400, maybe 500 if you go wth T1-11. And as far as $2000 for labor???? I hope your plumber is reading this so he can charge you $250 to clear you sink drain and not feel guilty!!! 8-10 hours max to build something like that. So if you charge $200 an hour…….. Ahhhh nevermind. The world, including on here, is full of crooks!!!!!
Government spending…NO LIMITS
No need to think long. The cost is way to high.
Not for any prices stated here, would rather do a yert or similar item that is portable. Price would have to be in the 1500-2000 range per module if you need 3 to be workable (habitat, toilet, and shower)
I think this is a great thing to have, I think the cost of it will need to come down somewhat to make it easy for us regular guys to be able to buy it. I also think that by having being able to connect others to it is a another good part to this. I have to also agree with some of you about the roof, but you could most likely do something with it. ok that’s my story …
After years of contemplating a better disaster relief shelters…I came up with a great idea. Problem is, if I share my ideas… someone else will find a way to profit from them. Unfortunately, this is the way of the world, and why so many inspirational ideas never come to be realized. The shelters mentioned are simply to expensive.
I think this is impractical for the price when you can get a Travel Trailer or Motor Home for less and be mobile. I am retired and live in a Motor Home
Too expensive for now, might be destroyed by the same storm that destroys the house. A really good multipurpose tent might be a good option and less expensive. Mountain climbers survive in tents OK. Tent would need to be stored in similar safe location from same storms as this unit. But what do I know-I had to survive in foxholes for awhile in my life-I’m still here. :)
At 15M too costly. May need 360 degree sight line. May want painted in surrounding environment colors.
Our cities & counties get more than enough money from us, and should be building us Emergency Housing/Food/Essentials so we don’t need outside help (Camps). People could volunteer in their areas, so all in the area help for the good of their neighbors in the area. It would be there in times of need. Actual people of the area in charge NOT employs of the areas.
Great, a poster-boy for FEMA. Do you really think that this portable 2 person prefab will be for the general public? When you wakeup from your nap this bad dream will fad away too.
First it will take a forklift truck to move it. It can go up with just two people; but once it is set up it will be difficult to move.
Always build a better mouse trap and the rats will come too.
I think a dome is a better design. But I like the concept. If it were affordable and could be stored at a bug-out location securely, it would be good. But a dome would not have to get a new roof every 3-5 years. Our emergency shelter currently is a 5-th wheel trailer but they are more expensive and need just as much maintenance – if not more. I like the ability to set it up without tools or expertise – but that box looks a bit overwhelming to transport. Connecting modules would be ideal. Without electricity or plumbing and the tiny size, the price is way too high. A soft roof is not practical in the areas where most of us would be bugging out either. But it’s a start in the right direction.
I agree. Good start but with a peaked or domed roof. As with all new designs, they are too expensive and demand will bring down the price. When your home is destroyed for whatever reason, you would feel safer with 4 walls and a roof to separate you from the elements and the wild things. Good idea, just needs some adjustments and refining.
I like it! Should they be mass produced, I believe the price would come down to where the average person could afford it, but I also agree with Mary that if your dwelling is destroyed, the “unit” would be destroyed also, unless it was kept in a relatively safe place waiting to be utilized. Hmmmm……………
All we need to do is add numbers to the outside of this prefab house and put barbwire around it and you can call it home – FEMA STYLE.
I agree with everyone else. It’s a great idea but the price is to far out there . Bring that 15,500 to 1,500 or less them we will talk about getting one.
I dont ever think it will come down to 1,500 dollars but it might come down to 9-10 thousand dollars. They couldnt afford to build the thing for 1,500 and ship it to you for that amount. You need to rethink this.
Tena, why are you even thinking about getting one anyway? Do yo9u think that these prefabs have a true value out in the open? If you want to go camping take a tent.
They look great but if you had one and your home was destroyed the unit would be destroyed also.
If my home is destroyed, do you really think I would want to live in something like this? I would be living in a Comfort Inn as close to my damage home as possible. Or I would stay with a relative.
the unit would stay in it’s compact form and constructed After the damaging event
Tornadoes do some very strange things. This as well as your house might take a flying trip to where ever! Bathtubs with a baby in it one time went fling and the baby survived! Also, a bit too expensive. I f you do get one, how are you to secure it from the storm or thieves, etc? (I’m lucky that I have A morton shed on another location with a trailer inside if I need to hit the trail!)
That’s great but seriuosly – $15,500 is a ways towards a new house or even a new mobile home – it can buy you a new travel trailer or a pretty good sized used one they’d have to come way way down to make them affordable for the average person
I have to agree with Peggy. The price would have to drop significantly. Also, there would have to be a local sales center with sufficient supplies of shelters to cover the disaster area. These would work under ideal situations, but we all know that the aftermath of severe weather leaves the area in less than an ideal situation. Because of the price and the projection that you could also buy additions, I would have to say that this is impractical, and would prefer a self-contained, tow-behind camper.
I think the price would have to be at least halved say in the 6000-7500 to even be viable for most people. Great idea and concept, but a little pricey as it stands.
Just my humble O
The price would need to drop significantly in order to pay cash for it. It looks like a terrific idea especially if you can connect them together for larger families.
This looks great. I hope the price drops significantly to make it more affordable. Would be a great sence of security to own one of these.
Owning a gun would be a better security. Why would you want to live in a temporary prefab when there are hotels, motels, and apartment available? Come on people think beyond the question. Think ahead – it is call your future. Don’t make mistakes that you have to live with; plan for the future. Think about 1 week, 1 month, 6 months, 1 year, 5 years, 10 years 15 years, 20 years ahead. As you do you will realize you will always be looking at 1 week ahead with designs on the future.
I lived in an apartment. However, I wanted to live in a house. Why pay someone else to live on their property when I can own my own. Next, what do I need to do to make my home profitable and comfortable to live in. I took out all the old doors and windows and put in a solid door, for security, double pane windows to insulate the house better. I added insulation to the attic, texture coated the outside, put on a new roof, 40 year warrantee, and I put solar panels on the roof, (Thanks to Frank Bates insight), and I changed the outside sprinkler system. I changed my back yard to a garden and put drought resistant plants to the front yard, (I live in California, 4 years of drought.)
Now all this was part of my 20 year plans. I took baby steps. I planned check and plan some more before I made a move. Now I am getting ready for any disaster that may come along. I have already experienced several Earthquakes, fire damage, water damage, and wind damage. So yea, I plan for the future. I take everything with a grain of salt. I know that there are people out there that would love to take what I have. They would love to see me suffer just like them and I have plans for them too. You may build on your dreams; knowing that the tide may come in and wash it all away, that is life.
Disasters will come and go, you will get caught up in them one way or another; but it is how you survive and over come these disasters that will make you who you really are. You can be the ant or you can be the grasshopper; the choice is yours.
The Emergency Shelter is one of the best innovations I have seen yet. I’m also sure that for large families they can docked together so the whole family can have Emergency Shelter. The whole concept is brilliant! I also think you should have Emergency Shelters Carpenters and other personnel that can either build, Finnish the build. Even though I am 68 I can weld and I can do carpentry work and would love to be part of this for Florida or the whole country with our fellow american support personnel!
There is another emergency shelter that you can find at http://www.lifecube.org. I saw it on a TV show couple of years ago.
How in the world could one person alone assemb;\le one of these things? This thing needs a crew to assembe. I agree with the negative comments. A good comcept poorly realiized.
That tarp is pretty tacky looking. With the winds we have, it would be gone in no time. I like the travel trailer idea myself.
I make a similar product and yes it could be sold a little cheaper
I paid $13,000 cash for the home I live in today. I’m pretty sure I can build an emergency shelter fo WAY less than the ridiculous price shown here. DOOM & GLOOM don’t sell quite that well!
It is a very costly unit , but as you say this may come down when mass produced .
Frank,
Just another thought. It seems kindof strange that these RDM are being looked at right when we (this administration) is having a shelter crisis for the 50-70,000 illegals that have crossed our borders in the south. I could see the president using some of that 3.7 billion to buy a mess of these to shelter these masses until he can find away to make the citizens (with his pen). This was just too strange not to mention.
Frank,
Just about everything has been said on these RDM’S
More info, typical overpriced government project (like the 4000.00 toilet), and really would only be of use after the desalination has stopped and the cleanup can begin. There seems to be lots of competition for that need and several are mentioned by other good folks here. I could see the insurance companies adding say 5.00 a month to your insurance cost on homeowners policy (if you want them to drop ship one of these units at your site so you can help save some of your stuff afterwards and there by cut the cost of your claim with them. They are not really a bugout shelter as they seem too flimsy to last. Kindof reminded me of what we had as a hunter’s shack on your property. Better than a tent (because it has more weather -proofing on it). One of those POPUPS travel trailers would seem more practical since they are usually self contained. And it isn’t something you would buy in advance because (as stated) where would you keep it. Can’t be in the home as it would be gone or buried and not easily got to. It really seems more like a rapid deployment thing that is dropped off or could be dropped in a remote location for people to take shelter until help arrived. Well there is my two cents. Keep your eyes and ears out for this type of stuff as it helps with ideas to be generation and adds to everyone’s plans for when the SHTF happens.
Thanks again this is as always interesting to read about.
A more permanent solution will be arriving soon. Watch the “unfolding” of this emergency housing unit. Manufacturing starts soon.
www. ACTScsi.com Shows the unfolding of an “emergency housing Unit. Manufacturing starts soon.
Frank , 15,000. FOR THAT CRAP what are you guys smoking . yeah its a shelter but really lucky if you have
1,500. in material sounds like price gauging for those in emergency
I can buy a used hard walled travel trailer for I/4 the cost of this box. If it is 9 foot wide how is it transportable down the road without a permit. You would have to get a flatbed trailer to move it. Sounds like crappy FEMA junk at a government price.
It would be helpful is this article showed a picture of what is being talked about. I would rather see what is being discussed, and if it looks interesting or practical I would then be able to make a decision about the product or inquire about further information.
You’re right. I’ve added a picture and you can go to http://visible-good.com/shelters/ for more information.
These are not storm shelters in the sense that they survive a storm. They are shelters that can be used if your home is destroyed in a storm. The seem promising to me but I think they need a bathroom of some sort. You can see one of them here:
http://visible-good.com/shelters/
Compare this item to the used overseas shipping container mentioned in a earlier comment. It is larger, (131 sf. vs 200-400) far more reasonably affordable, and while not ‘deployable’, it can be unobtrusively buried (and far more secure anyway by doing that).
With this product, in my opinion, you are greatly overpaying for something that does not represent enough utility!
In the final analysis, having something at this price point–should strictly be a fully self-contained unit…a sort of a Hummeresque-strong, secured, ‘turn-key’ proposition…not four walls, a floor, and a roof for 15K.
Does the unit(s) require a foundation.If not how do you keep the unit from moving or blowing away in a storm.
I have build a similar unit and city official required a full foundation.
I would buy one if it was a little bit more affordable.
I think this would be a major benefit to those groups _colleges, etc. – that travel to some remote places to help in building clean water sources, sewer facilities, etc. I hope the company has approached Rowan Univ. in NJ. They are known for their engineering work and they often travel to El Salvador to supply man power and knowledge. If they are light enough to put on a plane, they will be used.
yeah like 300.00
Might be a good investment when the price comes down. Are there code ordinances one would need to adhere to?
with the fact that it breaks down I’m assuming you would probably store it in your garage and if your house is demolished in a storm seems like you’re shelters going to go with it
Good idea, but would need to sell for 2500.00 or LESS, otherwise a piece of 10 ft.dia. corrugated culvert w/ owner-built end-wall and door-wall would be better. Partially buried [1 o r2 ft ] for stability. There are SEVERAL good-better Alternatives mentioned by the responders to your question, proving once again that ” Two Heads Are Better Than One ” John B. ca./u.s.a.
Well Frank,
I’m like everyone else, I’d like to know if they are linkable to each other, and are there any current plans to make one that would be a little more than it on the inside?
What is the size and weight of the stored unit? Can it be loaded in a vehicle (by the owner) to use as a bug out shelter incase of chemical spill or raging fire? AND still have room for family, pets, and supplies, too?
If you are using it for severe weather, where do you store it? In the basement and it is burried under house debris, above ground (garage or storage shed, maybe) and won’t those 20 or fewer pounds each pieces be in the next county along with your yard furniture?
I’m very interested once the price is reduced. Would like more info about other modules as they are available ( latrine).
Thanks.
Ken
This looks like it could be good temporary shelter for some parts of the world, in some climates. I wouldn’t want one personally, because it doesn’t look like it will stand up very well in ice and snow, or even wind. The roof appears to be made of fabric, and not well reinforced, so it would most likely cave in under any significant snowfall.
I thought the same thing about the roofs of these…lol, of course we don’t know the spec’s of these units except for 1, which is the “Overly High Price”! I’d spend $2,500 on a used ” Storage Container
used on ships. They are steel & if you leaked proofed them(sprayed a tar on it) you can even bury them as a
“Tornado Shelter” type dwelling. They come in 10×20 & I think 10×40 feet sizes. My dad bought one to store
dry foods for his “Parakeet Business” and all his goats
along with other farm animals. It stays dry & Rodent Free. So, A person could use one in a bind for far less than $15k~Look on youtube for what some have made these into! Beautiful Homes…lmao. blows your mind what they’ve done with these, Building blocks!!
Big thing is, the price is right…I don’t sell them, just want one for a Storm shelter. 1/2 in the ground w/ a few tie downs, you’d be safer. Just a thought….?
Donnie, where can I get information about these
containers? I am very interested in them. My husband is a minister and we do not own a home . this my be a cheaper way to go. I am 73 year old. My sister had one years ago and used it for many years.
Thanks
B Morris
Looks like a good idea if the price comes way down and you can add some solar lights or windows to bring light and air circulation into this RDM. It could be a good place to store your food storage in it now if it could be air-conditioned.
The idea is great, but the cost is more than our first brand new 3 bedroom single bath home 30 years ago. My question is: What protects it during the crisis so that it is available to use or assemble afterward? In other words, once it is purchased, what does the owner do to protect it for future use? Where should it be stored?
I think I would be more interested in buying the radip deployment shelter that sets up somewhat quick, water is required to wet the concrete infused walls, and a 12 volt battery to inflate the unit. its a seriously hardened shelter, has anyone seen these on the internet lately??
What the Hell does it look like? Is anything inside except an empty room? Where’s the commode, inside the kitchen? I’d like to see a picture.
I WOULD LOVE TO OWN ONE OF THESE BUT THE PRICE NEEDS TO GO DOWN QUITE A BIT. I’M RETIRED AND LIVING ON A FIXED INCOME ,WITH LITTLE OR NO MONEY TO PAY EXTRA ON THINGS I NEED TO SURVIVE.
There are much lower cost tent style units that come in a trunk that doubles as a storage locker once deployed. They can be carried by 2 moderately strong men, as they are nylon/canvas. Yes they are less substantial, but very sturdy and long lasting for moderate or hot climates. Rotary has also sent them to cold winter places like China and Japan after massive quakes and the last tsunami. Shelter Box is the one company and there are at least 2 others that Rotary International uses and promotes for rapid deployment.
Yes, but could you put up more info and pictures. If you want people’s opinions you should give more info, a lot more than you gave this time.
You can get a better used or even new camper for less money that is fully self contained and mobile.
Can do the same thing with a $1,000 20′ steel shipping container.
I buried the thing in my side yard and for another $1,500 out fitted it into a REAL shelter
yes,definately interested.How much would they weigh?
Need more information as to the size when assembled, how many people needed to assemble, can it be anchored, color choice (if any), materials it’s made of, etc etc. $15,500 is way too high to buy not just one but to buy the adjoining units, ie, shower, latrine, etc. What kind of accommodations are inside; bunk beds, sleeping bags, emergency blankets? What about food and water storage? We need much more information!
Some of you sound as if this is your shelter from the storm. Its a shelter for AFTER the storm. Some mention a bugout shelter. It is useless for this since it is too big to move. I’d like to know the weight.
I saw the video a few months ago showing how to deploy this unit. I think the price is way too high for temporary housing and the average person. Some of us don’t have jobs yet to pay for it. This would be great in a disaster situation. It can last awhile since most disaster recovery takes years and sometimes decades.
I agree with most of the comments, need more details, but at first glance $15,500 is way too costly, not competitive at all when there are very good alternatives already on the market for about a third of that, some for less than $2K even.
The price is just too high. For $15K+, you could buy 10 canvas tents with alum. frames that are about 10′ x 12′. Another possibility is a “Kit-of-metal braces”—all you add
are 2 x 4’s, roofing, and greenhouse quality clear plastic film—makes a structure about 8 x 14—costs less than $500. Would take 2 guys about 1/2 day to build.
The RDM is a very interesting concept, especially if other modules can be attached but my main concern is how is the RDM anchored to the ground to prevent lifting by strong prevailing winds.
As with all the other commentators More detail information is required. The price would need to come down as well.
Looks like these need to be set up inside a basement or buried in the back yard since they look lightweight enough to blow away. Don’t wait until FEMA takes over what’s left of your life!
This emergency shelter appears to be a good idea but it does not appear to be sturdy. We Need much more information.
2nd that.
What good is it in the basement of your house? If you need shelter its probably because your house is gone. What good is it buried? How are you going to use it ? Even if you dug it up which will take much time and effort and then you have to get it out of the hole, it will be wet and rotted.
Yes. I would be interested in this type of emergency shelter if the price comes down. I would need to know more details about the structure and how it is assembled. Keep me posted.
I would be interested in an RDM if the cost was significantly reduced. Once the cost was reduced, I would also be interested in other prototype units, such as the shower unit and latrine unit, if they were also available.
I would be interested in this but I need more information as to what must be used to transport these modules. Are they stackable as well as connected to each other laterally? Can they be buried? What anchors them to the ground?
Yes!!!
Concept is great. Tough to evaluate design, capabilities without seeing details, drawings, etc. Can they be cascaded?
I would definately be interested in purchasing on of these once the cost comes down. Thank you
This is exactly what I am interested in! I want something available for people in situations like Sandy and Katrina, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunami……….it goes on and on. For me, a bug-out shelter has become important, I would love to see these in action.! Thanks
I believe this is a very good thing it I leave many people would take advantage of it in an emergency if prices come down. So that the poor could afford it.
It sounds like a great idea, especially for emergency shelter usage after a natural disaster. Instead of having people in tent cities where crime runs rampant and everything is unorganized and calamity reigns. FEMA could just setup a temp shelter right on the property where the house was, and the resident would be there to clean their property up and find their belongings to gather up and salvage what they can of their belongings.They would have an instant home and still be able to work and support their family till their home is rebuilt.then the RDM could be dismantled and stored till the next time it is needed.