What Are Tornado Shelters?
As the name suggests, tornado shelters are fabricated to withstand severe weather conditions and to protect you and your family. Any tornado shelter you choose, be it interior or exterior, should be able to endure high winds and flying debris, the main damaging elements of tornadoes. Shelters are usually constructed from fully-welded steel or concrete, and securely anchored if it is not an underground installation.
Today’s shelters are constructed to meet strict safety standards from the National Storm Shelter Association, or NSSA, which follow the standards of FEMA 320 and ICC-500.
Read below to find out more about the different installations types and the pros and cons of each.
Exterior Tornado Shelters
Exterior tornado shelters are available in two versions, underground and above ground. Each style has both benefits and drawbacks. Read on to see which one may be the best one for your home.
Underground Tornado Shelters
Underground storm shelters are thought to be the ultimate in protection from severe weather. What could be more secure than being out of harm’s way, right? Underground shelters are made from steel and reinforced concrete to provide exceptional stability against leaks and corrosion.
Since they are underground, these tornado rooms offer protection from damaging wind and flying debris. They also do not interfere with your living space since they are out of sight. However, there are several things to consider in thinking about an underground space:
- Accessing the shelter may be difficult for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
- Not ADA compliant.
- Rain and water may enter the space if not properly sealed and waterproofed.
- Fallen debris may block the entrance.
A below ground shelter will be more expensive than an above ground model, due to construction and excavation costs. However the safety and protection can make them more worthwhile.
Above Ground Tornado Shelters
Exterior above ground storm shelters can be a good alternative if an underground shelter isn’t feasible. They offer protection and suitability in a cost-efficient and faster installation. Constructed from reinforced fully-welded steel, these shelters can withstand up to F5 category winds of 250 miles per hour. They are securely anchored to a concrete base following guidelines from the NSSA.
Ease of access is the predominant feature of above ground units. Since they don’t need steps or a ladder to get into, older family and people with disabilities can access the safe area more easily than underground shelters. You don’t have to worry about water collecting inside, and they are vented to allow for air circulation. And since they are above ground, they are more easily located before and after the storm.
To provide the most protection, proper construction and installation is imperative. Shelters must be FEMA compliant and built to code. It must also be correctly anchored to the concrete slab, else storm protection may be inadequate.
Interior Tornado Shelters
You may not have room or the ability to add an exterior tornado shelter to your home. The good news is that safe refuges are available for the inside of your dwelling that can offer the same protection as outside shelters. Let’s find out more about these interior shelters.
Above-Ground Interior Shelters
One of the added advantages of the above-ground shelters mentioned above is their capability of also being installed in the inside of your home rathe than being outside. Having your shelter inside your dwelling can save you time getting to safety without having to go outside.
Interior tornado shelters are built to the same strict FEMA and NSSA standards as exterior models are. They can be installed in various parts of the home including basements, closets, garages, or even a specially designed area. Shelters are designed for different levels of occupancy, so you can make sure all family members and even your pets can be safe and have room without being cramped. Interior shelters have been installed in places like apartment complexes and office buildings.
Below-Ground Interior Shelters
Looking for a shelter that combines the security of underground placement and the convenience of interior accessibility? Then an underground garage storm shelter is the solution. If you have a garage or even an outbuilding with a slab concrete floor, this type of shelter can be installed into your existing dwelling. The concrete floor is marked and cut, and a small excavator will dig out an opening for the unit. It is then placed into the opening and backfilled with concrete to stabilize the install. A steel lid is bolted onto the slab to complete the shelter installation.
Which Shelter Should I Choose?
Deciding on the best tornado shelter for your home and family will depend on several considerations. The first thing is to see what type of shelter your property is best suited for. Underground shelters are the safest type of shelter, but if your soil is too rocky or there is a high water table, below-ground shelters might not be practical. Also if you have a small property, an above-ground shelter might fit your location better.
Having a shelter that is readily accessible and easy to enter is also important. If there are elderly family or those that have mobility issues an above-ground shelter may be the best option. Above-ground shelters can also be installed either outside the home or in the interior. Above-ground shelters are usually less costly and easier to install than below-ground shelters.
Finally, the type of shelter you choose can be based on personal safety comfort. You may want the extra safety of an underground shelter or be more at ease with the convenience of an above-ground model.
Tornado Preparation & Cleanup
Tornados and severe weather can happen quickly and without much advance warning. It is important that your family has a plan in case you need to act fast to prepare for incoming weather. Staying tuned to local weather alerts via TV, radio, or smart phone is key to preparing and staying safe during the event. After the storm has passed and the all clear is given, you can use our article How to Clean Up After A Hurricane, Tornado or Flood to repair and clean up any damage that you may have sustained to your home and property.