Doomsday bunkers and safe rooms have become increasingly popular among the rich and famous [0560dcef]. Celebrities like Mark Zuckerberg, Kim Kardashian, Shaquille O’Neal, Tom Cruise, and Bill Gates have all reportedly built bunkers or safe rooms to ensure their safety in the event of a disaster [0560dcef] [78123673]. In New York City, where space is limited, some people have converted closets and bathrooms into safe rooms [0560dcef]. The demand for safe spaces extends beyond the wealthy, with around 29% of adult Americans spending $11 billion on doomsday preparations in a 12-month period [0560dcef]. Safe rooms can range from basic hardened walls and locks to more luxurious features like air filtration systems, food supplies, and backup energy sources [0560dcef]. While the primary concern for most people is security rather than an apocalypse, the fascination with doomsday bunkers and safe rooms continues to grow [0560dcef].
Fortitude Ranch, a constellation of survivalist compounds, is capitalizing on this growing interest in doomsday preparations [78123673]. The ranch offers franchised timeshares for individuals who are worried about the end of the world [78123673]. The West Virginia branch of Fortitude Ranch is located on a 50-acre property near the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests [811c6d5b]. Members pay a fee ranging from $2,000 to $20,000 to join and annual dues of $1,000 [811c6d5b]. The property includes dormitories, a bunker, and an underground shelter stocked with food and weapons [811c6d5b]. The ranch's motto is 'Prepare for the Worst, Enjoy the Present' [811c6d5b]. In addition to providing a safe space, Fortitude Ranch also raises chickens, sheep, and rabbits for food [811c6d5b].
The rise of survivalist compounds like Fortitude Ranch reflects the increasing interest in doomsday preparations and the desire for a sense of security in uncertain times [78123673]. These compounds offer individuals a place to retreat in the event of a disaster, providing not only physical protection but also a sense of community and shared purpose [78123673]. While some may view these preparations as extreme or unnecessary, others see them as a practical response to the potential threats and uncertainties of the modern world [78123673]. As the doomsday economy continues to grow, it raises questions about the future and the motivations behind our fascination with the end of the world [78123673].