Why Do You Need Underground Storm Shelters?
Do you have a safe spot to take shelter if a tornado or hurricane strikes? Is it close by? Could you be there in a matter of seconds? A safe room provides life-saving guard in a harsh storm. The underground storm shelters or safe rooms are gaining popularity considering the recent tornado outbreaks.
During a tornado, the safest place to be is underground. Although basements offer excellent protection, they are nonetheless vulnerable to falling debris falling. Completely underground storm shelters offer the most reliable protection from intense storms, although they could be tough to construct in flood prone or densely populated areas.
A safe chamber and an in-ground shelter are not the same but they serve the similar purpose. A safe room, according to FEMA, is "a structure that will give protection from storms." All safe rooms are built according to the federal rules to meet specific safety needs.
Every safe chamber is designed to resist winds of up to 250 mph and over 3,000 pounds of force, which is stronger than an EF-5 tornado. They are typically built in garages or basements. To provide the best level of wind protection, a conventional safe room is built of fiberglass and steel. Concrete foundations are also used as anchors in all shelters.
There are two types of safe rooms: underground storm shelter and above the ground. Both should meet the same safety standard and must be built using the same materials. Underground storm shelters have a modest benefit than above-ground shelters. The debris from a tornado or hurricane will only hit the shelter top, not the sides. Above-ground shelters are vulnerable to debris from all sides. Both have their benefits and drawbacks, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that they both give the same level of security. Make sure your shelter has a NOAA weather alert radio, as well as other recommended emergency items, to keep you informed and attentive.
If you're thinking about creating a shelter in your home, make sure you evaluate all of the costs and benefits. Check with the company during the construction process to ensure that it complies with all FEMA and NSSA safety regulations. Because no regulatory organization inspects safe rooms to assure quality, it's always advisable to work with a reputable local provider.
At EF5 Tornado Shelters we built safe rooms and shelters according to all the federal guidelines and regulations. For your requirement in OKC, see us.