how long after an event for things to die down

[grumpy old man]

i know that they aren't bulletproof but would make a good base and you could live a reasonable normal life style if the is an nuff of you's to defend it and keep watch smoke wouldn't be a problem
as if any one did come by you would have the advantage.
if you were attacked everone who can't fight could have an inner core for protection and you could set traps and a charges and even a moat around and sand bag the roof for defensablie postions