Is It Time For You To Build A Bomb Shelter?

As global tensions rise and threats of potential nuclear attack make headlines, more Americans are building fallout shelters. Bloomberg reports that bunker sales have increased both domestically and internationally following North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile test in July. One Texas-based bunker manufacturer says its sales have grown by 700 percent since President Trump's inauguration in January.

But these bomb shelters aren't cheap. Bunkers from Rising S Company in Texas start at just less than $40,000 for its mini 8-foot-by-12-foot floor plans. Its larger luxury models cost more than $8 million.

One incredibly swanky bunker in Tifton, Georgia, was recently listed at a whopping $17.5 million. Even the more "reasonably-priced" shelters like this 64-square-foot model by BombNado will run you about $19,000.

Watch: Is It Time For You To Build A Bomb Shelter?

So what are your options if you aren't in the market for one of these manufactured fallout shelters? The U.S. Department of Homeland Security says there are several measures you can take to protect yourself in the event of a nuclear fallout, even without a fancy bunker.

For starters, you're already ahead of the game if you have a basement in your home; 3 feet of soil is enough to protect you from the harmful gamma rays that result from nuclear explosions.

If you don't have a basement, try to get inside a structure made of cement, brick or lead, and head to the most interior room of that structure. (Note: Cars will not protect you from radiation.) Be sure to turn off any fans, air conditioners or forced-air heating units that bring air in from the outside and close all fireplace flues.

During periods of heightened threat, it's a good idea to have a two-week supply of bottled water and non-perishables, just in case.

If you think you've tracked in any radiation from outside, shower immediately to rinse yourself of the particles and avoid using any hair conditioner or body moisturizers, as these products will bind any remaining radiation particles to your hair and skin.

Watch more ways to protect yourself from nuclear fallout:

First photo credit: Mark Wilson/Getty Images