1. Part 2

2. Public/Private Bomb Shelters
When the Randhurst Mall was built in the early 1960’s, they added a bomb shelter in the basement
It was supposed to be able to protect all the residents of Mt. Prospect, IL from nuclear attack

3. Private Shelters
To protect their families, some Americans built bomb shelters in their homes
Many were built in secret to prevent neighbors from trying to come in during attacks
It is estimated that more than 1500 private shelters were built during the Cold War

6. Shelter Construction
To provide maximum protection, most shelters were built below ground with concrete blocks
Many were built below patios and driveways to provide extra protection
Some hid the construction from neighbors, claiming to be building swimming pools or remodeling their homes

7. Shelter Supplies
Public and private shelters were stocked for a minimum two-week supply of essentials
Water
Food
Sanitation facilities
Radiation meters
Medical supplies
Radios, books, games, etc.

8. Drinking Water

10. Survival Food

11. Sanitation Facilities

12. Geiger Counters to Measure Radiation Levels

13. Dosimeters to Measure a Person’s Cumulative Exposure to Radiation

14. Medical Supplies

15. Private Shelters in Rockford
It is estimated that less than a dozen private bomb shelters were built in Rockford
Most builders did not apply for permits or register their shelters with local or federal civil defense
Two of these Cold War era bomb shelters are known to exist today

16. Local Shelter Locations

17. Private Shelter off Rural St.
This small house looks like the rest on the block
But under the driveway is a secret bomb shelter
It was built in the 1950’s by the Richard McGaw family

18. Mrs. McGaw Explains Why They Built Their Bomb Shelter
“It was a scare at the time, you wanted to be one of the safe ones.”
“Everyone was made to feel that there would be an atomic war and since we had two little children we felt we should build one.”
“The neighbors laughed at us at the time and if they (the government) came out with something like that again, I would be like them.”

19. A door in the basement opens to the small entryway
5 ft. high, 3 ½ ft. wide, and about 16 ft. long
The original foundation ends with the red floor
Entry to the shelter is on the left at the end of the passageway

20. Shelters had a sharp bend, or turn, to enter to protect the shelter from heat and radiation
The entry to the shelter on the left would be covered with an asbestos curtain to give further protection

21. The shelter has storage for supplies
The shelves on the right could also be used for children’s bunks
Equipped with an electrical light
Shelter was about 10 ft. wide, 8 ft. high, and 16 ft. long

22. The shelter and entry way are completely protected by thick concrete block, even over the entry way and ceiling of the shelter
The dirt and driveway above provided additional protection

23. Area of Underground Shelter