Buying a Storm Shelter – What You Need to Know

In Oklahoma, spring is rapidly approaching. This brings more daylight and warmer weather, but it is storm season also. For many Oklahomans, this is a frightening time of year, and it is also a popular time for them to start putting up a weather safety plan. For many people, this means investing in a storm shelter. We believed it is a good time to educate people about the things they should know and the questions they should ask before making a storm shelter purchase.

• Is it safer to stay underground?

If people need to look for refuge from a tornado, most people prefer to be underground. Being underground is tremendously safe. However, above-ground shelters are safe and easy to operate The Texas Tech Wind Institute in Lubbock, Texas, conducted a thorough study of all above-ground safe rooms in the path of the Moore tornado in 2013. They discovered 13 registered shelters in the path of the deadly tornado. None of the safe rooms were damaged or destroyed during the storm, and no one was harmed or killed within. In reality, no one has ever been killed in above-ground shelters according to FEMA standard and has passed testing at Tech's Wind Institute.

• Is an underground shelter safer than above the ground?

According to Texas Tech University research, both underground and above-ground storm shelters are safe. Despite the fact that they are considered safe, we advise people to use the built-in shelters. The reason is, while all shelter types are equally safe, safety is only achieved once inside the storm shelter itself. Impact from flying debris is the leading cause of fatality during harsh weather. You must leave the home and look for safety outside if you have an outdoor shelter in the backyard. As a result, you are particularly vulnerable to debris as well as the tornado itself. Storm shelters, which can be found in the garage, provide protection as you seek cover. All of our selections are fantastic, but this is the one we would propose.

Ensure that the storm shelter you buy complies with FEMA regulations and tested at Texas Tech's Wind Institute.

• Do your homework

This should go without saying, but do your homework on the companies you're interested in. Again, a lot of companies have started up in the previous years, and not all are doing good job. On Yahoo, Google and Facebook, you can find reviews. Inquire if the company will provide you with the names and phone numbers of any previous customers who can attest for your work. Don't just take the company's word for it.

We expect this information aids you in your decision-making. For more questions or issues, please contact us at EF5 Tornado Shelters. We will be delighted to assist your family in any manner we can for underground storm shelter.