SigMT

e two-bedroom, one-bath dwelling sleeps six people on four bunkbeds and a queen size bed in an adjacent area. A large storage culvert holds supplies, from blankets to beans and beef bouillon; additional storage lies beneath the floor. According to owner David Meyer, the home is sufficiently equipped for "two people to go down there and never come up for nine months." Considerable planning went into the design and fabrication. Energy comes from solar panels and a backup diesel generator when sunlight is scarce; in all, 32 batteries provide power. A state-of-the- art Swiss-made HVAC system ensures fresh, contaminant-free air. Because of the underground location, the inside temperature stays a constant 55 degrees. Water from the Madison Aquifer, according to Meyer, is "about as pure as you can get." Two 2,000-gallon cistern tanks, a submersible pump, and a well 940' below ground provide a constant water supply. Two septic systems eliminate waste from the kitchen and bathroom sinks and flushing toilet. Appliances include a microwave, four induction cooktops, several space heaters, a television, and refrigerator. A "free to air" satellite antenna and receiver can pick up stations from all over the world if local disaster strikes. All furnishings, including the ample supply of food and necessities, are new and included. Outside, cell signal is available and the views are "really spectacular," says Meyer. "You actually have two mountains here," noting that the property comprises three parcels that could accommodate additional homes. David and wife Vicki had planned to build a one-story house above the bunker before health issues compelled them to leave Montana. Had they stayed, they envisioned adding a shed with trash incinerator, ham radio tower for two-way communication, and aquaponics garden. David, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and retired corporate pilot, and Vicki, a former flight paramedic, also considered adding an FAA-certified helipad for emergency egress from the mountain. Meyer is, however, certain the home would withstand any natural disaster—fire, hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake, nuclear bomb, or Yellowstone eruption. "It's a 100-percent safe structure" built into solid granite, he says. Paul Seyfried of Utah Shelter Systems says the Meyers' home is sound: "Structurally, you can run freight train traffic over corrugated steel pipe…10-gauge corrugated steel pipe, 12 feet in diameter, can safely be buried to over 45 feet deep and still handle heavy live loads, including blast and shock from a nearby nuclear explosion." The property includes more than 90 acres and two mountains, providing beautiful views and ample access to wildlife. Communication and entertainment are delivered by free-to-air satellite and receiver, television, and DVR. SiG MT 28

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