Why Finland Built A Massive Network Of Nuclear Bunkers – SlashGear

Of course, the construction and maintenance of these bunkers come with a significant financial cost. While the bunkers do undergo regular preparedness drills — which involve things like setting up bunks and toilets from storage — these large spaces often see regular use for more pleasant activities too.

Because many of these bunkers contain large open spaces, they can be set up as sporting arenas. These arenas can then be rented out to youth and amateur leagues to help offset the maintenance cost of the facilities. Some bunkers even contain Olympic-size swimming pools. Other businesses can also take residence in these shelters to support these ancillary functions, such as food and beverage stalls. There are even children’s playgrounds in some of the bunkers.

All of this activity means that the bunkers also contain large underground parking lots. In the event of an emergency, the parked cars could provide small private spaces for individuals and families, while the sporting areas can be cleared and the pools drained and converted into disaster shelters within 72 hours.

These bunkers are not sitting idly and filling with cobwebs. They’re useful public spaces, and regular use means they stay both clean and familiar. Of course, they’re also a constant reminder of impending doom. So what led to the creation of these bunkers in the first place?