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Essential Tips for Buying a Storm Shelter in Alabama

Living in tornado-prone areas of Alabama makes having an effective storm shelter a necessity. But with so many shelters available, buyers may feel overwhelmed by the choices and the important decisions they must make.

This blog article will cover why a storm shelter should be considered an investment, why aboveground showers are superior to belowground ones, what to include in an Alabama storm shelter, which cities in Alabama are most at risk during tornadic activity, and why Valley Storm Shelters offers the best storm shelters in the state.

If you're looking for tips on buying a storm shelter in Alabama, keep reading to learn more!

Why Do You Need a Storm Shelter In Alabama?

When living in tornado-prone areas, it is essential to have a storm shelter as a layer of protection. Storm shelters protect families and their possessions against the powerful forces of nature. For example, those living in Alabama can purchase an underground shelter designed to withstand severe storms and survive multiple categories of tornadoes.

In addition to providing peace of mind during violent wind storms, purchasing an underground storm shelter also serves other purposes, such as storing emergency supplies like food or water filters that could be used during long power outages or natural disasters. The right storm shelter will provide reliable structural integrity no matter what disaster hits your area.

No one should take for granted living in tornado-prone areas and having access to sturdy shelters when harsh weather comes knocking at their doorsteps--having proper safety parameters already established can help minimize the chances for potential tragic outcomes if ever faced with such a life-altering event!

For those who live in tornado-prone areas, such as Alabama, having a storm shelter is an essential safety measure to guard oneself against Mother Nature’s fury. Let’s discuss why aboveground shelters are now considered much safer than belowground.

Why Aboveground Shelters Are Better Than Belowground

Aboveground shelters offer several advantages over belowground ones for those living in tornado-prone areas. Compared to belowground structures, these shelters are more cost-effective and often come prefabricated with weatherized walls, reinforced concrete frames, and galvanized frameworks that can survive EF5 storms. Additionally, they require much less installation time than building a shelter inside your house or into the ground—often only a day compared to other structures, which can take weeks or months. Aboveground shelters also provide greater versatility since most models come equipped with interior room options like benches and shelving. This improved accessibility ensures that occupants have easy access during extreme weather events while simultaneously providing nearby residents peace of mind knowing they are safe from potential danger outside their homes.

For those who reside in tornado-prone areas, an appropriate storm shelter is necessary. Alabama, specifically, has stringent regulations for all types of storm shelters for the health and safety of its citizens. When looking for a storm shelter in Alabama, it is important to understand the local laws and guidelines to ensure your structure meets safe construction standards.

When outfitting your home with an adequate storm shelter, consider all available options and determine what best fits your situation; from below-ground basement cellars to aboveground reinforced concrete shelters with preassembled steel doors, there are several viable solutions ideal for Alabama’s weather patterns and geographically diverse landscape. Also worth keeping in mind when selecting a shelter is that while installation methods may vary – such as anchoring systems or modules designed specifically for particular soil conditions – the most up-to-date regulatory requirements must be adhered to at all times; this helps guarantee consumers stay protected during severe storms ahead.

Things to Include in Your Alabama Shelter

Buying a storm shelter in Alabama takes careful consideration and planning. Those living in tornado-prone areas should not only evaluate the value of purchasing a shelter but also include certain items to ensure they are equipped for severe weather events.

Keep an emergency kit with supplies like food, water, flashlights, batteries, and blankets beside the shelter entrance for easy access during times of need. Additionally, it is important to consider having proper communication tools such as phone chargers or a HAM radio inside your storm shelter when storms arrive quickly. Consider outfitting your Alabama shelter with coverings that protect from ultraviolet rays, like shade cloths or strong poly-carbonates, when installing windows; this will enhance comfort levels while protecting against possible debris impact from outside sources during intense storms again.

Storm season in Alabama can be a difficult time of year, so it's important to find the best way to stay safe. One of the most effective ways those living in tornado-prone areas can protect themselves is by investing in a storm shelter.

When purchasing a storm shelter for your home, there are certain factors you'll want to look for and consider. According to FEMA standards, any aboveground shelter should feature 4-welded angle corner braces and properly sealed doors with three deadbolts per door jamb and latches that can withstand pressures up to 7500 lbs/sqft (pounds per square foot). The walls should also be made of thick steel reinforced concrete or have an equivalent value with proper reinforcement members incorporated into their design.

Major Cities in Alabama That Should Consider Investing in Storm Shelters

As towns and cities in Alabama are prone to tornados, investing in storm shelters is an important life-saving measure. Major metropolitan areas like Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, and Montgomery should all be considering purchasing storm shelters for their citizens' protection.

The key to buying a dependable shelter lies in the quality of its materials; those made with reinforced walls of steel or concrete offer vastly superior resistance compared to cheaper products made from plastic or other insubstantial materials. When browsing different selections, it pays to examine the weight rating that a given shelter can bear without deforming - this will be essential information when assessing whether your chosen model has adequate strength capabilities for protecting against damage caused by heavy debris hurled by storms, etcetera.

Finally, don't forget about practicalities like how many people can fit inside – one has enough room for four adults while larger models may hold many more people comfortably– ventilation provisions and access ramps which could prove useful if the entranceway requires climbing up steps, etcetera. Overall, plenty of thought is required before making such a major purchase, but unsurprisingly, well-built storm shelters remain one of society’s best defenses during severe weather events.

For those who live in tornado-prone areas of Alabama, investing in a storm shelter is essential to avoid the potential impacts of extreme weather. Though they offer protection against dangerous conditions, storm shelters come with a range of considerations – but there are steps that individuals can take to ensure they make the soundest decision when buying one.

When purchasing a storm shelter in Alabama, it is important to understand all costs associated with installation and maintenance. Considering the size and type of your family or community's needs is also necessary for choosing an appropriate model. Furthermore, pay attention to certain features and construction details, such as door accessibility and waterproofing elements internally or externally installed lighting solutions, before making any purchase decisions.

Additionally, taking special precautions when shopping for your preferred model will provide added peace of mind throughout ownership - look out for brands certified by FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and ICC (International Code Council). With these measures taken earlier in the process, you can avoid costly problems down the road due to inadequate craftsmanship when selecting your ideal safe space from extreme weather events like tornados.

Why Valley Storm Shelters Has the Best Storm Shelters in Alabama

As anyone living in tornado-prone areas knows, you and your family must come before all else. Thankfully for Alabama residents, Valley Storm Shelters offers the best state-of-the-art storm shelters designed to keep you safe from even surrounding tornadic activity.

Valley Storm Shelters takes pride in its products, utilizing innovative engineering and reinforced construction specifications to ensure each shelter can handle even extreme weather events without issue. With an emphasis on safety protocols such as lightning rods and ventilation grills duly installed on every model they produce, you can rest assured that a Valley Storm Shelter will offer a level of protection far beyond industry norms.

Furthermore, these professionals have put together several tips for those seeking out quality storm shelters, including researching materials used in production and proper installation procedures, which are key factors when it comes to longevity across potential uses over time.

Valley Storm Shelters has a team of trained personnel overseeing product research and development that is specifically towards meeting Alabamans' needs. We understand local weather patterns like hail size or wind speed capacity, making our shelters unparalleled by any other producer within this field today. Valley Storm Shelters stand above the rest effortlessly because of our careful planning & inspection. When you need to stay protected during this 2023 spring tornado season, let us help.

Call Valley Storm Shelters Today

Living in tornado-prone regions can be scary, especially if you don't have a storm shelter to protect yourself and your family. Fortunately, with the help of Valley Storm Shelters, finding the perfect storm shelter for your needs has never been easier! Whether you're looking for aboveground or belowground shelters that include all important features, such as ventilation systems and fireproofing materials - Valley Storm Shelters is here to help. So when it's time to invest in a reliable Alabama storm shelter - call Valley Storm Shelters today!