Can A Tornado Shelter Keep You Safe?
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.
This blog post will focus on whether a tornado shelter can keep you safe during a storm like this by providing tips for tornado shelters as well as information about how building codes may affect them in your region.
What To Know Before You Buy A Tornado Shelter
There's no doubt that tornadoes are scary and dangerous. The idea of a tornado shelter is comforting, but can it really keep you safe?
This blog post will discuss the different types of shelters, what they offer, and their limitations. We'll also answer some frequently asked questions about tornados and storm shelters to help you make an informed decision on your safety plan.
What Is a Storm Shelter?
A storm shelter is a building built to protect people from tornadoes, hurricanes, strong winds, and flying debris. When describing the features of a storm shelter with the goal of surviving tornadoes or hurricanes, "safe room" is a popular phrase.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has specific criteria for tornado shelters that you must meet in order to be safe. So before purchasing your storm shelter, make sure it fulfills these standards. Hint - all of Valley Storm Shelters safe rooms do!
The main criteria focus on performance requirements:
- Must be able to resist impact from airborne debris that comes into touch with the shelter due to high-speed winds.
- The structural integrity of this wire should be sufficient to withstand pressure from high-speed winds. Therefore, the structure should remain standing and not cave in.
Aboveground vs. Underground Storm Shelters
When deciding where to install a storm shelter, you have two options: underground or above ground. You should consider your family's requirements, your house's layout, and the condition of your yard when making this choice.
Aboveground Storm Shelters
Storm shelters can be placed above ground in your basement, closet, garage, or storage room. It may be hidden in the corner of your property or placed in a discrete area.
The benefits of above-ground storm shelters are
- They're simpler to reach in bad weather.
- There is no exposure to the elements.
- People with wheelchairs or mobility difficulties can access them more readily.
The disadvantages of above-ground shelters are that they take up space in your home or garage.
Steel is the most common material for above-ground steel vault shelters, as it can withstand high winds and resist damage from debris that may contact it at high speeds. Anchor above-ground shelters to a steel-reinforced concrete slab using bolts.
Underground Storm Shelters
Underground shelters are effective because many houses already have an underground cellar door that may be converted into storm shelters with modifications.
The main pros of underground storm shelters are protection from high-speed wind and flying debris.
The cons of underground storm shelters are:
- People who use wheelchairs, those with mobility difficulties, and elders would have trouble reaching it.
- If a storm is severe or fast approaching, having to leave your house to open the doors might be a safety issue.
- Mice and rats may get inside these types of shelters. If an emergency should arise, you don't want to encounter these unwanted visitors.
Underground shelters are not recommended in regions where flooding is common or when the ground beneath one's home is high. Underground storm shelters may leak at any time.
Don’t Construct Your Own Tornado Shelter
Because of the project's requirements and specificity, it is not a DIY project and should be left to professionals. An underground shelter would need you to dig up and construct a subterranean area.
High-grade steel is used to make an above-ground shelter. These shelter constructions are highly technical, need special knowledge on the subject, and must conform to all local regulations and FEMA criteria.
This is why it's best to purchase a storm shelter from a reputable business or have one built by an expert who understands the necessary standards to keep you and your family safe from the weather.
What To Stock In Your Storm Shelter
When it comes to tornados, you can never be too prepared. That’s why you should make a checklist and stock some essentials in your storm tornado shelters. Include items like:
- First aid kit
- Bottled water
- Canned and nonperishable foods
- Battery-operated Radio
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Games, puzzles, craft supplies to keep you and the kids distracted from the mayhem outside
Valley Storm Shelters Can Keep You and Your Family Safe
Valley Storm Shelters is here to assist you in achieving maximum safety in your house. Our first aim is to provide the safest, most dependable storm shelters and panic rooms available.
We provide the best shelters in the business. Our experts can collaborate with you to ensure that your safe room meets all of your requirements.
If you'd like to learn more about buying a storm shelter, come see us in Huntsville, Alabama, contact us at 256-890-4265, or communicate with us via email, and we'll respond as soon as possible. Don't put it off any longer! Reach out today.