HS Pacfic NorthWest Homepage 1 : Risk Assessment - What We Do

Hardened Structures Hardened Shelters LLC is a Design & Construction Program Management firm.

Our Team consists of a core group of Independent, specially trained shelter design firms for the architectural design, structural engineering, blast engineering, EMP / HEMP shielding, CBRN, HVAC, electrical and alternative energy designs.

Reference Standards for Shelter Design include FEMA 453, "Design and Guidance for Shelters and Safe Rooms", along with Swiss Government publications on shelter design.

All construction is performed by a special group of geographically specific licensed general contractors. These independent design firms and general contractors have had specialized shelter design and build training before they can become part of the "Hardened Structures Team".

The Hardened Structures Team has successfully delivered shelter projects world-wide for over 21 years.

The Hardened Structures Project Development Process

Hardened Structures uses a Balanced Survivability approach to mitigate the full spectrum of risks.

The first steps in determining the feasibility of constructing a Hardened Structure in a specific location is to completely understand the client's priorities/goals/budget, thoroughly examine the site and its surroundings, be fully aware of all regulatory agencies having jurisdiction and to conduct a full Risk Assessment. Once this information has been assimilated, the development of the Hardened Structures Feasibility Study can be completed and submitted. This study is a condition precedent to establishing a Program of Requirements, which then allows the Client to modify the Program or continue to the next phases. The planning, design and construction of a Hardened Structure is technically specific, complex, and is executed through the following phases:

1. Client Interview/Site Assessment
2. Feasibility Study "Personal Protection Plan"
3. Client Feedback on Protection Plan
4. Project Program Design Narrative
5. Design Documents¹
6. Client Review/Comment/Approval of Design documents
7. Technical Construction documents and equipment specification
8. Construction Management Planning
9. Pre-Construction; bidding, coordination, staging, equipment ordering
10. Permitting (if requested)
11. Construction²
12. Client Move-In
13. Systems Orientation

Because it is impossible to protect against all threats and hazards, adopting a balanced approach in designs that considers intended functions, threat mitigation and budget is imperative. There is no one-size-fits-all and there is no formula of security features and programs that will ensure 100% safety against all violent attacks or natural disasters. Designers and owners must understand the limitations of designed facilities and proposed countermeasures. Mitigating measures or countermeasures are specified to meet a particular anticipated threat, not all possible threats. At Hardened Structures, our teams design your facility to achieve a Balanced Survivability, ensuring that no one system or component is the "Achilles heel." No matter if it is a regional natural disaster, nuclear and/or EMP event, armed assaults, or any civilization altering scenario, our experienced teams of architects, engineers and project managers can design and construct your facility efficiently, covertly, and cost effectively.

¹ All design is performed by independent, licensed and specially trained architects and engineering firms.

² All construction contracting is performed by independent, specially trained, fully-licensed general contractors.

Hardened Structures Pacific NorthWest Website Link