Modernizing an existing shelter is a process of converting and/or retrofitting a facility so that it meets current standards for safety, autonomy, and usability.
- updating the structure and airtight sealing,
- retrofitting with technical life-protection systems,
- upgrading the facility’s technical systems,
- integrating safety and life-support installations.
This is not just “renovating walls.” It is comprehensive system-level outfitting that enables safe occupancy under threat conditions.
Scope of Work
A) Structure and Airtightness
sealing partitions (gas-tight, water-tight doors and hatches) to ensure the facility is closed and isolated from external contaminants,
renovating wall and ceiling insulation and improving tightness at leakage points,
foundation and structural works when necessary—reinforcing anchor points or repairing cracks.
The objective is to achieve a state where the shelter is airtight, structurally stable, and ready for connection of technical systems.
B) Air Protection Systems (Filtration and Ventilation)
One of the most critical elements of modernization is retrofitting or replacing existing solutions with modern filter-ventilation systems:
- installation of an NBC/CBRN filter-ventilation system providing:
- mechanically driven ventilation with chemical, biological, and radiological filtration,
- maintained overpressure inside the facility to prevent infiltration of contaminated outside air,
- blast valves and protected air ducts.
These systems are designed as complete air-treatment centers with pre-filters and NBC filters, delivering safe air even during a CBRN event.
C) Power Supply and Emergency Systems
Modernization must ensure the facility can operate even when grid power is unavailable.
Primary and emergency power—grid connection and installation of:
a generator set and/or UPS systems,
backup batteries providing continuity for critical devices (ventilation, lighting, communications).
In practice, this often requires strengthening the electrical installation, adding an emergency distribution board, and implementing automatic transfer switching.
D) Fire Protection Systems
A modern upgrade also includes advanced fire protection, such as:
automatic smoke detectors and fire alarm systems (SAP),
water mist suppression systems or clean-agent suppression (e.g., Novec™ 1230),
integration with evacuation systems.
As a result, the shelter not only protects against external threats, but also safeguards occupants in the event of an internal fire.
E) Sanitary and Habitation Installations
Modernization also includes organizing and upgrading sanitary and living-support infrastructure.
Water and wastewater:
implementation of modern water solutions,
sealed wastewater tanks, pressure tanks (hydrophores), and pumps,
the option to connect to an autonomous water source (a well)—a major advantage for modernized facilities.
Toilets and sanitation:
chemical toilets or toilets connected directly to wastewater discharge systems,
installation of sinks, showers, and hygiene equipment adapted to isolation conditions.
F) Communications and Monitoring Systems
Modernization should also ensure the facility can communicate with the outside environment:
technical penetrations and sealed cable entries,
external antennas / GSM boosters, CB radio.
With this level of equipment, the facility becomes more than a “shelter”—it becomes an active crisis communications point.
Phased Modernization Sequence (Practical)
1. Technical condition audit
2. Airtight sealing and insulation
3. Safety installations
4. Sanitary and habitation installations
5. Communications and monitoring
6. Testing and technical acceptance
What Benefits Does Modern Modernization Provide?
- increased protection against CBRN contamination (filtration and overpressure),
- self-sufficiency — emergency power and an independent water source,
- fire protection at the level expected for an enclosed facility,
- improved habitability and safety — sanitation, lighting, communications,
- appropriately high autonomy in crisis conditions,
- operational readiness even when external utilities are cut off.