We usually expect spring to be a time of the year where we get to explore the great outdoors and beautiful nature around us. But this year is not like the ones we’ve experienced before. The climate hasn’t been like what we’ve experienced in the past few years.
Heavy snow in places like Austin and Fort Worth, which rarely see snow, has made it clear that the weather is becoming more unpredictable. In fact, in most southern states like Texas and Oklahoma, weather can only be predicted a week in advance. Should a problem would arise, residents won’t have a lot of time to prepare for it.
One of the most common questions we’re asked is: what do we stock in our tornado shelters? While the answer can differ from house to house, it’s important to have our bases covered.
Just remember: your supplies for the safe room should be separate from home supplies in case an emergency occurs and you’re stuck in your shelter for hours.
When you envision tornado shelter rooms in Texas, you may be envisioning the standard in-ground shelters that were traditionally used. Although in-ground shelters can be the traditional and obvious choice, they may not be the best one anymore.
Multiple instances of fatal drowning and accidents led engineers to think of a better solution — and above-ground tornado safe rooms were born! Here’s your complete guide to choosing between the two options.
Why Below-Ground Shelters Were Preferred
In-ground shelters, as obvious by the name, are shelters that are built below the ground level. These shelters were usually reinforced with steel or concrete and usually has a door that opens up like a trap door on the ground surface.
These shelters were created so that people could protect themselves from the violent winds and dangerous debris flying around during a tornado and storm. The idea was that any kind of structure above the surface would fly away or suffer terrible damage and be unsafe.
These shelters also resolved the problem of space. Since below-ground shelters were built exclusively underground, it was easy to place them anywhere and open the door wherever it was convenient.
The Problems with Below Ground Shelters
However, just because below-ground shelters were the traditional choice doesn’t mean they didn’t present problems. First of all, normal basements were often used as shelters, which is not how they work! You have to create a concrete or steel-reinforced barrier around a shelter for it to be effective.
Second, the problem of flash floods was a serious concern. Storms often accompany tornadoes, and water has seeped into shelters in the past, causing deaths. That’s why below-ground shelters are considered to be a hazard sometimes.
Last, the entranceways for in-ground shelters are usually flat on the ground’s surface, which is a hazard where tornadoes are concerned. Debris can fly around and land on the door, blocking the door and preventing people from leaving the shelter.
Choosing Above-Ground Shelters Instead
Choosing robust above-ground shelters can address the problems and concerns addressed above, but they can also be intimidating for people to consider. The idea of having a shelter above the ground or outside the building seems like an inefficient solution.
However, above-ground storm shelters are usually bolted to the ground with industrial-grade equipment. Additionally, the above-ground shelters available on our website have passed both FEMA’s standards for shelters and rank high with the Texas Tech Impact Test.
Our steel tornado shelters in Texas have been shown to stand well against the impact of an EF-5 tornado too, which is the strongest scale by which we measure tornadoes. Additionally, we offer community storm shelters in custom dimensions to ensure your comfort and safety. Order yours today!
There’s usually no doubt involved in making the decision to install a storm and tornado shelter, but that doesn’t mean that’s where your involvement should end.
When you make the decision to install a steel tornado shelter in your home, there are some considerations to take into account, like location, storage, and power. Make sure you don’t delay this essential task in Texas since an emergency can happen any time!
Rough weather can be detrimental, bringing normal life to a complete halt, pushing people toward bunkers and safe rooms to wait out the storm until the weather clears up. Even during the calm before the storm, there are several issues that can make life difficult. Here are a few of the common issues faced by people during difficult weather conditions such as storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.
Just moving into a storm shelter when rough weather kicks in isn’t enough. There are different items that you’ll require while you wait out the storm. Your stay inside a storm shelter could last for a couple of days, and most of the facilities outside will also be closed, so it’s crucial to have them all ready before you go inside. Here are the essentials:
A report for an expected tornado is typically provided 36 to 48 hours beforehand to alert the residents of the area to prepare for the threat. This time should be utilized to stock up on essential things to keep and move to a safe area. Here are some things to do when there’s a tornado expected to hit your area.
Confused by the naming scheme of tornadoes? How does EF-0 differ from EF-1? Tornadoes are ranked by the EF scale, named after Ted Fujita, a meteorologist who came up with the scheme in 1971. Since then, the system has seen some changes with the values being adjusted. Here are all of them explained in detail.
