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Kansas Storm Shelters: Your Ultimate Guide to Tornado Safe Rooms

In the heart of Tornado Alley lies the Sunflower State, where the possibility of tornadoes makes storm shelters in Kansas a must-have for many homeowners. Our comprehensive guide dives deep into Kansas storm shelters, discussing types, features, and benefits to help you choose the perfect safe room solution for your home.

April 09th 2024

Top Storm Shelters in Kentucky: Your Ultimate Safety Guide

A safe and secure refuge can protect you and your family when natural disasters strike. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the world of Kentucky storm shelters, exploring options such as underground storm shelters, tornado-safe rooms, and the overall installation process to help residents remain prepared when emergencies occur.

May 15th 2024

The Benefits of Above-Ground Storm Shelters: Convenience and Accessibility

When nature unleashes its fury in the form of severe weather, having a reliable storm shelter is a lifeline for families in tornado-prone areas. Storm shelters offer unparalleled protection against high winds, flying debris, and collapsing structures, ensuring your family's safety during challenging moments.

Feb 14th 2024

The Science Behind Storm Shelters: How They Protect Against High Winds and Debris

When Mother Nature unleashes her fury in severe weather, there's nothing more crucial than having a safe haven to protect your family. Storm shelters are pivotal in shielding lives during tornadoes and extreme weather events.

Dec 25th 2024

The Best Storm Shelters In Georgia .

Nov 02th 2023

Secure Your Home With Valley Storm Shelters In South Carolina .

Oct 20th 2023

Why Invest In A Montgomery, Alabama Storm Shelter

Montgomery, Alabama, has been no stranger to treacherous weather - it can transform the skies in minutes, leaving families searching for shelter. To beat the stormy odds, we want to give you some ideas to provide total protection from the elements, starting with a strong storm shelter. Ready to take on any weather Montgomery has to offer? Read on to learn more about storm shelters in Alabama.

Sept 13th 2023

Safeguard Your Home with Louisiana's Finest Storm Shelters!

Live free from the fear of Louisiana storms by installing a secure shelter in your home. Not all are created equal, and the proper shelter will protect you and your loved ones and enhance the value of your home. Read more to learn how to survive Louisiana storms in style and how to shield yourself from their wrath.

Marcb 25th 2023

Choosing the Right Storm Shelter Tennessee.

Feb 20th 2023

Prepare for the 2023 Storm Season: Benefits of Investing in a Storm Shelter

Feb 01th 2023

Springtime in many parts of the United States means tornado season is just around the corner. If you live in an area susceptible to these destructive storms, now is the time to start preparing.

Essential Tips for Buying a Storm Shelter in Alabama

Jan 20th 2023

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.

Essential Tips for Buying the Perfect Storm Shelter in Memphis

Jan 10th 2023

Choosing the right storm shelter in Memphis can be a difficult task. With so many types and options available, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. In this article, we'll walk you through the basics of storm shelters and the available types and provide considerations and tips for selecting the right one. So, if you're interested in learning more about choosing the right storm shelter, read on!

Benefits and Tips For An Above Ground Storm Shelter in South Carolina

Dec 08th 2022

At Valley Storm Shelters, we offer custom-built storm shelters to residents throughout South Carolina that guarantee safety during inclement weather events.

How To Find The Best Storm Shelters For Sale In Arkansas

Oct 11th 2022

Tornadoes are responsible for over $400 million in damage to homes and structures yearly. You're likely looking for solutions if you live in a tornado-prone area like Arkansas. A storm shelter can provide a secure place for you and your family to go when a severe storm strikes your home.

How To Identify The Top Storm Shelters For Sale in Oklahoma

Sept 20th 2022

Those living in Oklahoma are likely already aware of some of the dangers that come with tornado season. High-speed winds can destroy your patio furniture, break windows, tear off roofs, and much more. Additionally, storm season brings about the worry of your precious items like photos and heirlooms if you have to evacuate or hide out when the storm hits.

Why Valley Storm Shelters Has The Best Storm Shelters For Sale In Mississippi

Sept 05th 2022

We know that researching storm shelters for sale in Mississippi is no easy task. Plenty of companies out there claim to be the best and strongest. At the end of the day, you want your family to be safe, and you want to know for sure that you’re getting a great storm shelter. Read on as we describe four reasons why Valley Storm Shelters has the best storm shelters for sale in Mississippi.

5 Ways To Stay Safe From Summer Storms In Tornado Alley

July 25th 2022

What are your first thoughts when you hear that a summer storm is coming? Are your first thoughts getting your car in the garage and pulling out the flashlights? We get it! But it’s essential that you take a few extra steps to keep you and your family safe from the damages summer storms can cause. So read on as we discuss some steps you can take to feel prepared, especially if you live in a tornado-prone area.

Why Valley Storm Shelters

July 05th 2022

Are you looking for a storm shelter that holds up? Maybe you’ve been shopping around for the best storm shelter on the market. If you’re wondering what makes Valley Storm Shelters stand out from the competition, we’ve got you covered. We’ve got more options, quality testing, and so much more. So keep reading as we describe all the reasons that Valley Storm Shelters is the way to go!

Spring Tornadoes That Struck The South In 2022

June 10th 2022

Every year, there are approximately 1,000 to 1,200 tornadoes a year in the United States. In fact, the U.S. is home to more tornadoes than any other country in the world, and at least every state averages at least one twister per year.

March 04th 2022

Last year, a significant tornado disaster struck Nashville, which has led us to want to share more information about how to prepare for a tornado in Nashville, TN, and other high-risk areas. When a tornado strikes in your area, we know just how scary that can be — especially when it happens with no warning.

Do You Qualify For The Alabama Tax Credit? Here’s What You Need To Know

Feb 12th 2022

Have you heard of the Alabama Storm Shelter Tax Credit Act? In conjunction with the Alabama Department of Revenue, Alabama Emergency Management Agency has developed provisions for the Alabama Tax Credit, which directly benefits those affected by tornadoes and extreme weather.

2022 Storm Shelter Buying Guide

Jan 07th 2022

Growing up in Tornado Alley, you’re likely already aware of the dangers associated with tornado or thunderstorm season. For example, you likely already know that high-speed winds can turn your patio furniture into dangerous projectiles during a storm. In addition, you probably worry a lot about the state of your important documents and cherished photos when it comes to evacuating during a storm or hiding out when the weather turns severe.

How Valley Storm Shelters Can Save Lives From Devastating Tornadoes

Dec 22th 2021

Starting December 10, 2021, Kentucky was hit hard by one of the worst collections of twisters across the Midwest and the South. This unusual storm leveled entire communities and ended in death and devastation. Four tornadoes in all hit the state, including one with a long path of roughly 200 miles. Over 300 National guard members went from house to house to check on people trying to survive the storm and help remove some of the fallen debris.

How To Stay Safe In A Tornado Shelter?

Dec 4th 2021

Tornadoes are one of the most devastating storms that can happen to a community.They are unpredictable, and they can ruin lives in just minutes. Luckily, there is a way to stay safe during tornadoes: storm shelters! Storm shelters are typically located below ground near houses or buildings so that you have protection from debris caused by the tornado. This blog post will provide tips on how to stay safe inside of a storm shelter, what precautions should be taken before entering, and what it's like being inside one with an impending tornado approaching.

Can A Tornado Shelter Keep You Safe?

Nov 25th 2021

The media is full of reports about the devastation that tornados can cause. Tornados are often called "the most violent storms on Earth," and they have been known to tear homes from their foundations, overturn cars, disrupt communication systems, and even take lives. If you live in an area with frequent tornadoes, the chances are good that you've experienced one first-hand at some point or another. So when these storms come roaring through, it's essential to know what steps you should take to protect yourself and your family members.

Should You Invest In Above Ground Shelters?

Nov 08th 2021

Storm shelters are crucial when you live in tornado alley or are at risk of getting hit by a hurricane. If you’re often faced with the harsh reality of severe storms that frequently hit your area, then you’ll definitely want to invest in a storm shelter. Are you confused about the kinds of shelters on the market and aren’t sure which option is best for your family? Here we will discuss the benefits of above ground shelters and why we think they are the best choice when it comes to keeping your family safe.

What Makes The Strongest Storm Shelters?

Oct 23th 2021

When facing extreme weather, you want nothing but the very best and strongest storm shelters available. Don’t compromise on safety if you live in an area that has frequent storms or extreme weather. The key to surviving the worst storms is to have the strongest storm shelters installed and a plan in place. At Valley Storm Shelter, our shelters have been tested more than any other shelter manufacturer. Let’s dive into some of the many solutions we have to ensure your family’s safety and prove to you that we have the strongest storm shelters available.

Your Guide To Southern Storms and Why You Need A Tornado Shelter

Aug 23th 2021

There are typically more than 1,500 tornadoes recorded yearly in several parts of the United States. If you’re a homeowner in tornado-prone areas of the country, it might be time to invest in a tornado shelter to keep you and your family safe. Residential tornado shelters can keep your family safe and secure some of your most valuable items, like keepsakes, birth certificates, and legal documents.

Summertime Storms and Shelter Tips To Give You Peace of Mind

Aug 10th 2021

The National Weather Service wants to ensure that people who live in severe weather areas are prepared for extreme weather. So if you’re struggling with what to do before, during, and after storms, or just need some summertime storms and shelter tips to help you feel more prepared this year, you’ve come to the right place!

Why Storm Shelters Do Not Have to Be Underground Anymore

July 18th 2021

When a colossal tornado strikes the nation, everyone assumes that nothing aboveground can survive a direct hit, especially with winds up to 200 mph that can rip homes right off their foundations.

5 Reasons Why You Need A Storm Shelter

June 20th 2021

If you live in an extreme weather area, where tornadoes or hurricanes or severe lightning storms can strike at any moment, then safety and preparedness are probably really important to you. No one lines feeling unprepared when those heavy storms hit, but too often, people hesitate to invest in the safety of our homes and our families.

How to Prepare Kids for a Storm

May 26th 2021

Storms can be absolutely horrifying, especially for kids. Events like these make a more significant impact on children than on adults, making it difficult to calm them during and after a disaster. Informing and educating them by calmly explaining what’s coming up and what you’re doing about it helps create a less anxiety-ridden experience for them.

Valley Storm Shelter Saved Lives During Alabama March 2021 Tornadoes

April 9th 2021

On March 17, 2021, AccuWeather's Bill Wadell was in Chilton County, Alabama, looking out over the terrible damage a tornado caused in the town. The power was knocked out, and the damage in the communities throughout Alabama after the tornadoes was extensive. These storms destroyed several homes near Fairfield, Alabama, and even as storms and lightning were rolling in, families are still trying to salvage what they could.

Tornado Season Is Approaching - Here’s How To Prepare

March 20th 2021

If you live in a tornado season, you’re well aware that tornadoes can strike at any moment. However, typically they occur most often in the spring and summer months. Tornadoes can cause extensive damage to structures and destroy anything in their direct path. Spring is almost here, which means tornado season is approaching. Now is a great time to be sure you’re prepared for the season so that you can keep yourself and your family safe.

Why Above Ground Shelters Are The Best Option

March 08th 2021

Storm shelters are a must when you live in an area that is at high risk for tornadoes. If you live in tornado valley, the possibility of getting hit by a storm is real. Maybe you’re one of the many confused by which kind of storm shelter is best for you and your family. Valley Storm Shelters is here to help. We’ll break down some of the misconceptions and help you find the best shelter to give you peace of mind.

Safe Room Vs. Storm Shelter - What’s The Difference?

Jan 17th 2021

Tornado Shelters. Safe Rooms. Storm Shelters. Panic Room. Storm Cellars. You’ve heard a thousand names but aren’t sure the difference between them, or if there even is a difference. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about safe room vs. storm shelter and what to expect when you need to keep your family safe.

What to Do to Avoid Being Trapped Inside a Storm Shelter

Dec 17th 2020

uppose you live in an area prone to tornadoes and other natural calamities. In that case, you probably know that a storm can hit when you least expect it and that anything can happen during the unfortunate event. The only thing you can do is make sure your family is well-prepared for it.

How To Survive An EF5 Tornado

October 25, 2020

Do you live in a state that is prone to extreme weather and specifically prone to massive tornadoes? While many tornadoes are often only strong enough to slightly damage trees, soil, and houses, EF5 tornadoes are known as absolute monsters of destruction. They're considered the most powerful tornadoes on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, with over 200 mph wind speeds. They are the worst kind of tornados we can experience and almost

Your Guide To All Of Our Storm Shelter Options

October 10, 2020

If you’ve answered “yes” to the questions above, you’ve come to the right place. No one can blame you for not being an expert on all the shelter options in the market- it’s hardly something you buy every day. That’s precisely why you need to get it right the first time by choosing the right fit and sourcing it from a trusted supplier.

How To Build The Perfect Severe Weather Safety Kit

Sept 25, 2020

A severe weather safety kit consists of all the basic and necessary items your family will need to survive in case of an emergency. When disaster strikes, you want to make sure you’re prepared for anything.

Survive Any Storm With This Easy-To-Implement Info

Sept 12, 2002

When severe weather strikes, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. The worst thing you can do is panic, which is why we’ve compiled a short of list of easy to implement tips when you are stuck in a storm - be it a tornado, a hurricane, or a flood. Read on for tips to help you and your family survive any storm.

What Goes Into The Cost of Panic Rooms and Storm Shelters

August 12, 2020

A lot of people ask us what goes into the cost of panic rooms and storm shelters. The truth is that there are a lot of factors that go into the cost, so if you want a true quote, you’ll have to contact us and let us go over everything that you need. There are things that make Valley Storm Shelters stand out from the crowd, and here we go over everything that goes into the cost of building and installing a top-quality shelter.

Get A Custom Storm Shelter That Works For You

July 18, 2020

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again, but Valley Storm Shelters™ has developed some of the leading technology when it comes to custom storm shelters, and we’ve redefined the word “safe.” Our engineers work hard to make sure that our storm shelters are the safest on the market. We’ve gone above and beyond when it comes to testing, and we know the ins and outs when it comes to staying protected during extreme weather.

Everything You Need To Know About Home Tornado Shelter Options

June 22, 2020

At Valley Storm Shelters, we take pride in being the #1 home tornado shelter on the market. Part of it has to do with our commitment to offering only the best quality materials and constantly improving our engineering so that we remain the safest and most reliable. We also work closely with you, our valued customers, to make sure that every single detail of your home tornado shelter suits your needs and makes you feel safe.

Why A Garage Storm Shelter Is The Solution You Need

May 28, 2020

You already know that Valley Storm Shelters is a leading designer and manufacturer in producing the most secure aboveground safe rooms and flush mount shelters. When it comes to your family, you don’t want to compromise your safety - especially if you live in an area with frequent storms and extreme weather. You never know when a storm is about to hit and you want to have a plan in place for when the worst happens. That’s why we think having a garage storm shelter certified by Valley Storm Shelters is the solution you need.

Eight Things You Need In A Tornado Shelter

May 9, 2020

When it comes to tornados and other extreme weather, it’s better to hope for the best while you prepare for the worst. That’s where a custom tornado shelter comes into play. Though you hope you never have to use it, having a tornado shelter built by Valley Storm Shelters in the case of an emergency will give you that peace of mind you need.

How To Decide If You Need A Storm Shelter Underground

April 6, 2020

When you decide to install a storm shelter at your home, you have the confidence to weather any storm. Safety tested storm shelters and even survival rooms provide an extra level of protection that you might not even think you need. But do you really need a storm shelter underground?

How To Be Prepared For A Tornado In Nashville Tennessee

March 12, 2020

In light of recent events in Nashville, we thought it would be important to discuss exactly how to be prepared for a tornado in Nashville, Tennessee and other areas that are considered high risk for extreme weather. It can be scary when a tornado strikes, because it can happen with little to no warning...

How To Keep Your Family Safe With A Panic Room

February 25, 2020

Most of us have seen the movie Panic Room, and hope that our families never have to go through something like that. Maybe you’re wondering though if a panic room can really help keep your family safe...

How To Stay Safe In A Severe Storm in Alabama

February 7, 2020

Do you live in the Alabama area? If you live in Birmingham, Mobile, Lake Martin, Dothan, Huntsville, Florence, or anywhere in between, then you’re probably used to the sometimes extreme weather changes...

How Do You Keep Safe In Extreme Weather?

January 2, 2020

Extreme weather can be really scary for you and your family - if you don’t have a safety plan in place. Chances are, even if you do live in the heart of a tornado area...

What Is A Severe Weather Warning? Your Guide

October 1, 2019

Do you live in an area like Alabama or Florida and are at risk of severe weather every once in a while? We’re betting that you’ll want to be prepared.

What To Do When A Tornado Warning Is Issued In Your Area

If you live in a high risk area for tornadoes, it is imperative that you have a safety plan in place. However, it’s important to know that tornadoes can happen anytime, anywhere, and sometimes without a lot of warning. Make sure you and your family know what to do when a tornado warning is issued in your area. Here we go over a few tips to help you feel more prepared.

Is it safer above ground? Your family’s safe place matters

Tornado season is upon us and during this time it is encouraged people prepare a safety plan in case of a weather emergency. In reviewing your safety plan, do you have a safe place for your loved ones and pets in a dire situation? Many have relied on underground shelters to take shelter when the conditions prove necessary. Are these the safest choices for the best protection from a possible tragedy? With modern technology, above-ground safe rooms have become a smarter choice for families.

A safe room is a hardened structure specifically designed to meet Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria and provide life-safety protection in extreme wind events, including tornadoes and hurricanes. According to FEMA, “above-ground safe rooms are …

Emergency Preparedness Checklist: 7 Items to Have in Your Storm Shelter

With an average of 1,200 tornadoes touching down in the United States every year, equipping your home with the full spectrum of safety measures is imperative. These precautions, however, do not end with the installation of an above ground storm shelter. Once your tornado shelter is in place, be sure to stock the structure with the following items.

Radio

Keep a battery-powered radio on hand to keep updated on the storm’s projection. Listening for weather alerts will inform you on how long to remain in your storm shelter.
Flashlights

A tornado could easily cause a power outage. Keeping multiple flashlights around, including a hand crank model will keep you out of the …

Top Considerations for Buying a Storm Shelter

It’s important to always be prepared, especially when it comes to serious weather conditions like tornadoes. Installing an above ground storm shelter will not only give you peace of mind for when disaster strikes, it could help save your life. For that reason alone, it’s vital to invest in only the highest quality tornado shelters you can find. Here are some considerations to bear in mind as you shop around for storm shelters.
Testing and Certification
Make sure that the company you work with goes through a rigorous testing procedure for each of their shelter models. You can tell if the builders are certified if they have established associations with independent organizations, such …

U.S. Tornado Destruction By the Numbers

There are 1,200 tornadoes in the U.S. every year on average, but in recent years they have been clustering far more often than usual. In the Southeastern states especially, tornado clusters have been extremely destructive and have caused multiple deaths and injuries just in recent months.

If you live in Tornado Alley or Southeastern states, you’ve surely seen the destruction firsthand and know how quickly these cyclones can appear.

Here’s some quantifiable data to show just how bad these storms can be:

On average, there’s only a 13-minute warning time before a tornado strikes. The can strike at any time, anywhere, as long as the …

Tornado Clusters on the Rise in the Southeastern United States

A single tornado can damage a mile-wide area for nearly 50 miles, which can be devastating to any person, animal, or building it its path. But tornado outbreaks, like the ones that struck the Southeast at the end of November, can wreak havoc on an even wider scale.

Over the course of just two days, at least three dozen tornadoes struck the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. So far, there have been seven confirmed deaths due to these tornadoes. Scientists and meteorologists have taken note of larger, more frequent clusters in recent years, but are not sure what the causes are.

Scientists have noted …

8 Warning Signs that a Tornado May be Underway

We’re living through that brief moment when hurricane season and tornado season overlap, which means that residents in the midwestern and southeastern areas of the U.S. need to be especially cautious.

When a tornado comes, there is often little time to lose. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says that the average tornado warning airs just 13 minutes in advance. Unlike hurricanes, tornadoes are much more sporadic and unpredictable.

Emerging from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can come and go in seconds, leaving serious devastation behind them. While it’s common to think that tornadoes only happen in tornado alley, every state is potentially at risk of tornadoes.

One of they keys to being prepared for …

3 Situations When You’ll Wish You Had an Above Ground Storm Shelter

If you live in tornado alley, you’re no stranger to the devastating winds that can sweep through your property in a matter of seconds. Although standard tornado shelters are underground, which makes sense as tornado winds are less likely to penetrate your basement, these shelters can still experience damage from the structures above. If the house collapses or suffers damage, that’s bad news for anyone seeking safety in the storm shelter below.

While above ground storm shelters may not seem like the safest options, rest assured, new technologies and building constraints have allowed manufacturers to create both indoor and outdoor above ground storm shelters that can resist harsh conditions.

Plus, in …

TEDx: Why Storm Shelters Do Not Have to Be Underground Anymore

Popular opinion in many parts of the country is that when a tornado is bearing down on a community, the only safe place to take shelter is below ground. Joseph has found that this flies in the face of 15 years of research done at Texas Tech University’s National Wind Institute investigating the safety of above-ground storm shelters. He discusses findings from the Moore, OK, tragedy as well as several additional benefits of above-ground shelters. In addition, he shows video of TTU’s Debris Impact Facility firing 15-pound, 2″ by 4″ wood beams at 100 mph to show what tornado debris can do to a normal home and how a storm shelter keeps occupants safe.

Valley Storm Shelters Featured on the Rick & Bubba Show

Valley Storm Shelters was recently featured on the Rick & Bubba show. Watch as Rick and Bubba put a storm shelter through a series of tests while their producer, Speedie, sits inside.

Oklahoma tornadoes: Aboveground shelters stood up in face of EF5 Moore tornado

Researchers who toured Moore after the May 20 tornado said above ground storm shelters held up well in the storm and can be a better choice than underground storm cellars.

Part of the terror of an EF5 tornado like the one that hit Moore on May 20 is the notion that nothing above ground can survive a direct hit and the 200 mph winds that rip homes off foundations.

But that’s not exactly true. Above ground storm shelters held up exceptionally well in the tornado and could be a better choice than a traditional underground storm cellar, said Larry Tanner, a research associate at the National Wind Institute …

What Are Saferooms

Saferooms are hardened structures specifically designed to meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) criteria and provide “near-absolute protection” in extreme weather events, including tornadoes and hurricanes.  In a typical resident installation the saferooms are anchored to the garage concrete slab or a concrete slab outside of the home.

Accordingly “FEMA strongly encourages homeowners and communities to build safe rooms, but cannot endorse or approve specific manufacturers or producers.” Saferooms manufactured by Valley Storm Shelters™ are among the strongest on the market. Each saferoom uses 1/4 inch steel plate (10.2 lbs per square foot) and 4” C- channel (5.4 lbs per linear foot) to construct our shelter. The C-channel …

Storm Shelter – Direct Hit

We conducted our own field test which we called “direct hit” in front of 80 spectators including the president of the Better Business Bureau, local building inspectors, and Emergency Management Personal as well as local media and other special guests. “direct hit” was a live, unrehearsed demonstration of our steel above ground storm shelter sustaining various types of assaults which could occur during an EF-5 tornado or intruder event.

What is the Best Storm Shelter

Here is what the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the Department of Commerce has to say about it:

“There’s no one authority to tell you what the best storm shelter is, nor can the federal government endorse a specific type of storm shelter as being ‘the best.’ However, safety standards for storm shelters and shelter components have been established by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that you will be protected in most tornadoes, while the National Storm Shelter Association has also established a shelter standard. The Wind Science and Engineering Research Center at Texas Tech University performs tests on shelters and various shelter components to see if they meet …