More than half of the United states is located in a territory commonly known as Tornado Alley. This strip of land located between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, has more tornado activity than any other area in the world. There is a market wide agreement that properly designed storm shelters are extremely effective in the defense against not only tornadoes, but an array of severe weather events and similar destructive occurrences. The following information has been collected in hopes of giving you the tools to protect yourself and your loved ones. Learning from the past is an important tool in both future growth and longevity.
History of Storm Shelters:
The history of storm shelters tends to coincide with fallout shelters, of which were designed to protect against nuclear warfare at the start of World War II and the Cold War. During the early 1950s, Congress authorized the widespread building of a system of shelters. The goal; proactive defense against both Nuclear war and natural disasters. By the early 1970s, the government heavily shifted focus to civil defense based in protection from natural disasters. After the devastation of Hurricane Hugo and the Loma Prieta Earthquake in California, FEMA broadened from disaster relief to preventative measures.
Design and Effectiveness:
Storm shelters and safe rooms feature many effective designs and composition materials. The most common materials used, are typically centered around a wood/steel design. However, many equally effective designs use reinforced concrete and fiberglass. The size of your shelter should be based on your available space and number of people you expect to house.
TornadoSafe Certified Storm Shelters:
Our new line of TornadoSafe Certified Storm Shelters are created with the highest quality and excellence, starting with the design and manufacturing process. There are three major types of Shelters available; The Above Ground Garage Shelters, Above Ground Bolt Together Shelters (Great for custom space restrictions) and the Underground Garage Units. They are all available in an array of different sizes to accommodate each individuals needs.
Features and Specifications:
Each Storm Shelter is constructed of heavy duty steel and Meets/Exceeds FEMA 321, 360, and ICC 500 protocols including impact testing, design pressure testing and uniform load structural pressure testing. The majority of tests performed were conducted at Texas Tech University's National Wind Institute and/or Intertek-ATI Building & Const. to ensure reliability and effectiveness. Each shelter features a secondary exit/or reversible entrance-way to ensure accessibility. With built-in 8" custom designed air vents and powder coated exterior/interior, it is difficult to not feel protected once inside.
Having a protective space in your home will not only give you peace of mind but will serve multiple purposes. We recommend storing emergency supplies, such as Water, Wise Company long term food, a weather-band radio, and medical supplies. Its also a perfect place to store your Solar Generators when not in use! If you have any questions or concerns about the new line of Storm Shelters, we are just a phone call away (877-548-3387) and are happy to offer our expertise!