This paper investigates the American publics patterns of favorability toward community fallout shelters and the patterns of preference for community or private shelters. National opinion studies between 1960 and 1966 revealed overwhelming support for the idea of community shelters. National studies between 1961 and 1963 showed about half of the public preferring community shelters while 30 to 40 per cent preferred private shelters. In general, those opposed to civil defense are opponed to its specific programs. Those groups favoring the idea of community shelters. Those opposing the idea of community shelters but preferring them over private shelters for protection were likely to be the socially unattached and the unprotected. Men, more than women, tend to oppose the idea of community shelters while preferring private shelters for protection. Women, more than men, tend to favor community shelters and also prefer them for protection.