For persons living near or in potential blast areas, we recommend a dogleg type entrance. This creates several 90 degree turns that gamma radiation must negotiate before striking shelter occupants. In addition, 50 lb. bags of grain and 8 gal. water containers can be stacked in the horizontal run for effective shielding against prompt neutrons, present within 7,000 feet of surface zero of ground burst nuclear weapons.

View from bottom of a 48 in dia., 60 degree entrance, looking up at the steel hatch. Inclined stairs are safer and easier to use than a straight vertical ladder.