Storm Shelter FAQs

Why should I consider an underground shelter?

The shelter is installed inside a garage/carport and you do not have to get out in the storm to access the shelter. More people are killed by lighting each year going outside in the storm to get into a shelter than by the actual tornado. If you have no real preference for a shelter type, and have a garage or carport, we will always suggest the underground garage/carport shelter, as it has been proven to be the safest option.

Where can these models be installed?

These shelters must be installed under a roof, typically inside a garage, carport, shed, barn, etc. They can be installed in existing homes and new construction. It must be under a roof since all the ventilation is in the lid. It can't be rained on because with the vents in the lid, on top of the shelter, the water will run into the shelter. All the ventilation is in the top of the shelter and any water on the lid will run into the shelter through the vents. However, when properly installed, the shelter is raised between ¾" to 1 ½" above finish concrete grade to divert ground water away from shelter lid.

What sizes are available for the underground shelters?

Custom sizes are available upon request, but the standard size options are:

• • Regular: 3' wide x 6' long x 4.5' deep - accommodates 6

• • Medium: 4' wide x 7' long x 4.5' deep - accommodates 9

• • XL: 5' wide x 8' long x 5' deep - accommodates 13

The main difference when considering the correct size shelter is the width of the shelter. With a 3' wide shelter, you cannot sit directly across from each other because your knees will be touching. In the shelters that are 4' and wider, you can comfortably sit directly across from one another.

The shelters are all the same except for two things:

• • The XL has metal steps that retract against the wall when not in use, allowing for added space inside.

• • The regular and medium have wooden steps, covered with padded carpet that can be removed when not in use, allowing for added space.

The regular and medium are both 4.5' deep where the XL is 5' deep. The capacity is determined by the FEMA formula of 3 sq. ft. of shelter space per person.

How do you install the shelters?

Our process is the most in-depth and safest in the industry. We completely fill the area around the shelter with concrete, including the use of an electric agitator to force concrete under the suspended shelter. For additional strength and safety, we utilize steel rebar to secure the new shelter to the existing slab, essentially making the new shelter and concrete part of the existing slab.

How long will it take to install?

Our underground garage shelters install in one day, from start to completion.

Can I install the shelter myself?

Will this model take up usable space in my home or garage?

The shelter takes up no usable space from your house or garage. It sits directly under the car, and the only space required to install it is the space it would take to park a car. The shelter is typically installed just inside the entrance to the garage/carport. This location is by design.

By having the shelter just inside the garage door, with the lids on the end of the shelter nearest the garage door, rolling inward, a typical vehicle in a typical garage would never have to be moved to access the shelter.

Will my shelter leak in a rainstorm?

Our underground garage shelters have an excellent record against leakage. We take great precautions to avoid a leak because once installed, these shelters are not intended to be taken up for any reason.

Once fabricated, every welded seam in the shelter is tested with a 2-part dye process. The dye is applied to every welded seam, on both the inside and outside of the shelter, and sits for 24 hours with the dye on it. If the welds are not complete and solid, the dye turns a color in that area, telling the fabricator that the weld is not solid in that area.

When the welds are proven to be solid and consistent, the exterior coating is applied to the shelter. This is a very high tech, two-part blend of epoxy and tar. It is the best coating for metal currently available and is the exact same blend that the Army Corps of Engineers requires that submersed bridges and oil wells be covered with. This is an excellent and proven water barrier and it prevents water penetration and corrosion.

I've heard underground shelters are dangerous. Is this true?

No. This style/model of shelter is the safest option available, and this is proven by extensive testing and actual severe storm results. Shelters in the garage/carport floor have been used in the Midwest for decades.

There are no records on file of any injuries, much less a fatality, in a properly built shelter, installed correctly. As with all our products, this style shelter has been tested to meet or exceed FEMA-321 and ICC-500 criteria. FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), which is managed by the national government, would not approve any style, model, or design which had the slightest potential for failing to protect the occupants.

When installed properly, as our guidelines require, the shelter is sitting above the concrete slab. This prevents any water that might enter your garage/carport from cleaning your garage, your vehicle, rainwater, etc., from running into the shelter. This slight elevation diverts water away from the shelter rather than allowing it to run inside it

Are the shelter walls strong enough?

Yes. The shelter frames are constructed from steel square tubing and 11-gauge metal walls and ¼" steel plate lids. Some companies use a thinner 12-gauge metal. The difference might not sound like much, but the 11 gauge walls do not flex and give nearly as much as the 12 gauge walls when pouring concrete around them.

To further strengthen our shelter walls to prevent flexing, walls are fabricated with steel angle iron stiffeners on the outside of each long wall. Other than to stiffen the sides and prevent flexing, the exterior, horizontal angle iron also serves as additional concrete anchors when encased in concrete during the install. We use ¼" steel plate for the lids for added safety and strength.

Has this model been tested?

Yes. This has been tested at Texas Tech University to meet or exceed FEMA 360/361 and ICC-500 criteria.

If I store my car above the shelter, could it fall through the lid?

No. All sizes of the shelter have a 3' lid. This allows the lid to easily stay under the car without hitting the lid when pulling in and out. Our lids are ¼" steel plate. The lids will withstand the weight of a vehicle tire. Driving on the lids continually could cause them to warp, and not roll properly, if driven on constantly. However, the vehicle will not fall into the shelter.

What is the difference between a one-piece or two-piece lid?

Some companies have a one-piece lid. A one-piece lid is not considered the best design. It requires free and clear space outside of the shelter area for the lid to open.

With our two-piece lid, the lid opens within the space of the shelter, and does not need free space outside the lid to open. Also with the two-piece lid, each part of the lid can be opened from inside the shelter and pushed off the shelter if needed.

Our locking system is also simple, smart, and practical.

While some companies use locks, push buttons, spring operated hinges, etc., we simply opted to use two, heavy duty, solid steel, slide bolts, which can be operated from both inside and outside the shelter.

Our testing and studies have proven to us that keyed locking mechanisms and push buttons with springs do not perform well in simulated storm conditions. It has been proven that only slight impact, with minimal force, can and often will displace springs and cylinders in locks, preventing the occupants from being able to exit the shelter.

By simply using two, heavy duty, solid steel slide bolts and solid steel tubing for the housing, there are no fragile parts or components to our locks on the lids that could possibly be damaged upon impact, altering their function.

What is the material that the benches inside the shelter are made from?

All of our underground garage shelters have a bench going down each side. Our benches are wood, covered with padded carpet. Metal benches could be dangerous during a lightning storm.

Can the benches be moved within the shelter?

Yes. The benches can be totally removed or can slide from one side to the other as needed, which shelters with metal benches don't allow due to the benches being fixed to the shelter.

Is there light within the shelter?

Yes. The lights are added for your convenience and run on D batteries.

Is there air flow within the shelter?

Yes. The lid has passive air flow around all edges of it. Additionally, we have included a D battery-run fan in all shelters. The fan is not required for you to breathe, but is for your comfort.

What if during the storm a heavy object is blown across the exits, blocking my ability to leave the shelter?

Your shelter includes a hook on the back wall and a come-along. This is simply an extra feature and will likely never be used or needed. This is a hand winch, which attaches to the back wall of the shelter and to the front lid. Should it be used, it would assist in pulling the front door open. With the design of our shelter doors, which roll and are inset a little from the shelter frame, it is virtually impossible to be unable to slide the lid open, even with debris on top of it.

How do you finish the shelter's lid and walls?

The lids and interior of our underground garage shelters have a two-part finish process. Most companies simply spray an industrial grey primer on the walls of their shelters, but we take it a step further and apply a second coat of white enamel paint.

This coat of paint adds a lot to the shelter. Not only does it look much better than a shelter with a primer finish, it is much easier to keep clean. It also brightens up the inside of the shelter, and makes it easier to see when inside it.

Is there a warranty?

The underground garage shelters come with a 20-year warranty against leakage.

Should I get an above ground shelter?

It is proven that underground is by far the safest place to take shelter from a storm, but safe rooms work well for those who do not want to climb into a smaller shelter underground, might have a disability that prevents the use of stairs/steps, or need a larger type shelter for numerous occupants. Safe rooms work well for small businesses also. However, if you have no real preference for a shelter type, and have a garage or carport, we will always suggest the underground garage/carport shelter.

How does an above ground safe room keep me safe?

Above ground safe rooms are solid steel rooms that are attached to a concrete slab. These are installed on concrete slabs that must be a minimum of 3" thick. It is constructed totally with ¼" steel plate with a three-point locking system that includes an operating door handle and two heavy duty slide locks. It has horizontal and vertical structure bracing of 3" x 1 ½" formed steel channel.

Many companies build safe rooms with much more vertical interior bracing and attempt to convince clients that all that extra steel is required for safety. We chose not to add unnecessary, extra steel to the shelter that only costs more money and serves no legitimate purpose in function or safety.

What sizes are available for the above ground safe room?

Custom sizes are available on request, but the standard size options are:

• • 4' wide x 6' long x 6' tall - accommodating 8 people

• • 6' wide x 8' long x 6' tall - accommodating 16 adults

The capacity is based on FEMA guidelines of of 3 sq. ft. of shelter space per person from residential use. All safe rooms have a standard height of 6' tall.

How are above these models installed?

The installation is performed by drilling into the existing concrete slab and anchoring the safe room to the slab with bolts and epoxy.

Where can these models be installed?

Safe rooms can be installed inside or outside. If installed outside, a special size and type concrete pad is required to meet FEMA guidelines.

Have these models been tested?

Yes. Our safe rooms go through the most rigorous testing at Texas Tech University to simulate F-5 tornado conditions.Our shelters meet or exceed FEMA 321/360 and ICC-500 criteria.

Will I get locked in if debris blows in front of the door?

No. All safe rooms (other than the smaller pod) are standard with in-swing doors, 30" wide, that open inward so debris outside the shelter will not prevent the door from opening.

How do you finish the shelter's lid and walls?

All safe rooms are primed and painted inside and out with white enamel paint. Most companies simply spray an industrial grey primer on the walls of their shelters, but we take it a step further and apply a second coat of white enamel paint.

This coat of paint adds a lot to the shelter. Not only does it look much better than a shelter with a primer finish, it is much easier to keep clean. It also brightens up the inside of the shelter, and makes it easier to see when inside it.

What comes inside the shelter?

The standard safe rooms will come with a metal bench along the interior of the short wall and a lock adaptor for securing valuables.

Should I get an exterior steel flush shelter?

This option is perfect for the clients who do not have a garage or carport or for those who want more space within their shelter.

How will the exterior shelter keep me safe?

All exterior shelters are built from 11-gauge steel with steel tubing reinforcements along the sides and in the floor of the shelter. Our shelters are leak proof and have easy-open mechanisms to help with the heavy doors. The exterior shelters are anchored into the ground with 18" steel outriggers. These shelters are not meant to be ever be removed from the ground once the are installed.

What sizes are available for the exterior steel flush shelter?

Custom sizes are available on request, but the standard size options are:

• • 4' wide x 6' long x 6' tall - accommodating 8 people

• • 6' wide x 8' long x 6' tall - accommodating 16 adults

• • Hillside Option: 4' wide x 6' long x 5' tall

The capacity is based on FEMA guidelines of of 3 sq. ft. of shelter space per person from residential use. All safe rooms have a standard height of 6' tall.

Where can this shelter be installed?

This model is needs to be installed completely underground (must be flat ground). Once installed, our shelter will not protrude out of the ground.

There is also a hillside option that allows for a safe and attractive installation. The exterior shelters are anchored in place with 18" steel outriggers on each end. Concrete is poured around the bottom part of the shelter to cover the outriggers, and the remainder of the shelter is backfilled with the dirt on site from excavation.

How long will it take for the shelter to be installed?

The exterior shelters are installed typically within 4-5 hours.

Is it easy to get in and out of?

Our model includes wide steps with hand rails and non-slip steps. Additionally, each model has a steel flush door with a cylinder shock, making the heavy steel door easy to open and close.

Is there a chance of leaking within the shelter?

Our exterior shelters have an excellent record against leakage. We take great precautions to avoid leaks, because once installed, these shelters are not intended to be taken up for any reason.

Every welded seam in the shelter is tested with a two-part dye process, inside and outside the shelter. The dye sits for 24 hours on the shelter, and if the welds are not complete and solid, the dye turns a color in that area, telling the fabricator that the weld is not solid there.

When the welds are proven to be solid and consistent everywhere, the exterior coating (epoxy and tar) is applied to the shelter. This coating is the exact same blend that the Army Corps of Engineers requires that submersed bridges and oil wells be covered with; it is the best coating for metal currently available. It is an excellent and proven water barrier and prevents corrosion as well.

Does the shelter come with a warranty?

Our exterior shelters have a 20 year warranty against leakage.

Has the shelter been tested?

In addition to our leak-proof tests, our models have been tested at Texas Tech University to met or exceed FEMA 321/360 and ICC-500 criteria.

Is there seating inside the shelter?

The 6'x8' shelter has seating on all four sides, with the steps being in the center of the shelter. The 4'x6' shelter has seating on three of the steps, with the steps being on one of the 4' sides.

Is there light inside the shelter?

Each shelter comes with standard LED D battery powered lights. In addition, it comes with a battery powered fan, for your comfort.

What is the finish of the interior?

The interior has a two-part finish. Most companies spray a simple industrial grey primer, but we take it a step further and apply a second coat of white enamel paint. Not only does it look much better and brightens up the interior, it is much easier to clean.

Should I get an above ground multi-person community shelter?

This option is perfect for any business or organization who will want to provide tornado shelter and safety. Some great examples of past installations are schools, churches, and civic groups.

How will the above ground community shelter keep me safe?

These shelters are constructed totally with ¼" steel plate. Bottom anchor plate and top/side wall structure are built from supports of 3" x 3" x 3/8" steel angle iron, with 3" x 3" x ¼" steel tubing horizontally installed on each side of the shelter.

Side walls are 4' tall with a rounded ceiling, making the center height 8' tall. The retaining walls are 4' tapered on each side of each end wall. Doors have three-point locking system, keyed dead bolt and two heavy duty slide bolt locks.

What sizes are available for the exterior steel flush shelter?

Custom sizes and designs are available on request to match your spatial needs, but the standard size options are:

• • 10' wide x 24' long x 8' tall

• • 10' wide x 32' long x 8' tall

• • 10' wide x 40' long x 8' tall

• • 10' wide x 48' long x 8' tall (shipped in two sections and fabricated in the field)

• • 10' wide x 56' long x 8' tall (shipped in two sections and fabricated in the field)

The capacity is based on FEMA guidelines of of 3 sq. ft. of shelter space per person from residential use. All safe rooms have a standard height of 6' tall.

Where can this shelter be installed?

This model is typically installed outside a building, acting as an on-site storm protection. For example, outside classrooms, exits at businesses, or clubhouses within residential developments. They are installed using a two-part epoxy and embedded steel install method on a FEMA compliant pad.

Is it easy to get in and out of?

Yes - our above ground community shelters feel roomy and spacious. Our shelter includes two 36" wide outswinging doors that are handicap accessible.

Has the shelter been tested?

In addition to our leak-proof tests, our models have been tested at Texas Tech University to met or exceed FEMA 321/360 and ICC-500 criteria.

Is there seating inside the shelter?

Each standard above ground community shelter comes with perimeter and center row seating.

Is there light inside the shelter?

Inside the standard above ground community shelter, there is an overhead strip fluorescent lighting. There are also emergency exit lights and light switches inside each door. There is a factory installed blank electrical panel for electrical fixtures/lights.

What is the finish of the interior and exterior of the shelter?

Both the exterior and interior is finished with white enamel paint. Most companies spray a simple industrial grey primer, but we take it a step further and apply a second coat of white enamel paint. Not only does it look much better and brightens up the interior, it is much easier to clean.