The Basics of Storm Shelters

Everyone knows that storm shelters can provide protection during extreme weather, but there are other benefits as well! Here are some storm shelter basics to remember.

If you live in Tornado Alley or a part of the country prone to hurricanes, installing a storm shelter in or near your home is a wise investment. A storm shelter won’t only protect you and your family during extreme weather, but it can also add considerable value to your home. But there are a few variables to keep in mind when constructing a storm shelter.

First, there are two styles of shelter - above-ground and underground. Underground shelters have the advantage of additional protection from the ground around its sides and floor. It is much more difficult for an underground storm shelter to be damaged by storm debris. However, an underground shelter does have the added risk of collapsed debris blocking your only escape route. Above-ground shelters do not share that problem. However, they can be hit by debris from all sides.

There are benefits and drawbacks to both types of safe rooms, but the important thing to remember is that both types are made from similar materials and have the same degree of security.

A safe room is different from your standard in-ground shelter, but provides similar advantages. A safe room is described by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as “a structure that provides protection from harsh storms." All safe rooms are designed in compliance with federal laws and must meet strict safety requirements.

Investment in a Storm Shelter

There are some financial considerations to keep in mind if you're about to build a storm shelter in your house. As far as home improvement and repair projects go, storm shelters are not particularly expensive. Additionally, a high-quality storm shelter is a solid investment for your home, depending on design and placement.

Underground Shelters

Chances are your home is not designed to withstand hurricane-force winds or tornadoes. Building a storm shelter in your home or on your property helps ensure that your family is prepared for any hazardous weather.

Underground shelters made from prefabricated galvanized steel or concrete are the most common types of storm shelters. This is also the more affordable option because it is installed outside of a home, requiring little or no renovation. However, this means access to the shelter requires you to leave the house, which is not ideal in dangerous weather conditions.

Basement Shelters

The basement shelter is a popular alternative to a storm shelter. These shelters are installed in existing basements. Many storm shelter manufacturers simply reinforce a portion of the basement with steel walls or concrete in order to withstand extreme winds or the destruction of the building.

While basement shelters require some renovation, the structure is still separate from the actual house so the construction process is comparatively minimal.

Secure Rooms for Hurricanes

Hurricane safe rooms provide protection from the high winds associated with these tropical storms, but they are not recommended for tornado-prone areas.

A hurricane safe space is a bedroom or bathroom situated on the first floor of a home. Its walls and ceilings are reinforced with steel that is fixed to the foundation of the building. Once built, these safe rooms are absolutely unnoticeable, but the cost to renovate is much higher than the other shelter options listed here.

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