Texas is one of the most sought-after states to live in America due to its good value housing, great school districts, and various spectacular landscapes. With so many cities, each with their distinctly rich histories, there’s nothing you won’t find in this red state.
The state enjoys varied weather, from humid in the east and arid in the west—meaning you’ll experience all four seasons in their glory! But Texas isn’t without its natural disasters. Weather reports show that an average of 132 tornadoes touch the Texas soil each year, with 140 to 150 tornadoes in Dallas and many in Fort Worth.
Traveling at more than 200 miles per hour, tornados cause devastating damage, obliterating anything that comes in their way. The United States experiences around 1,000 tornados every year, a majority of which occur in Texas. Some sections of the state are even dubbed “Tornado Alley”.
It’s a no-brainer to have a steel room in your house if you live in such areas, so when the news of a tornado hits the news, you’re off to the races, preparing to bunker up. But if you’re wondering where to install your tornado safe room, here a few recommendations:
Above Ground
Above ground storm shelters are the most convenient, as they require no digging, and are reasonably simple to set up. Your day to day work will not be affected in the same way in which underground, or garage shelters hinder work, as a lot of digging and excavation is required in the latter two.
You can leave a pod or a room for shelter outside, and when there’s an update, you can get in with your supplies and other people to share the room with.
Garage
The garage is one of the most convenient places to install a storm shelter in. It is easily accessible and is usually large enough to get a storm shelter installed.
One of the few things that a storm shelter needs are a strong concrete base and a garage provides that. You can get out of it after the storm passes very quickly as well. For people who can’t climb stairs, this also opens up a door to accessibility.
Basement
Getting a storm shelter installed in your basement has one major disadvantage; people who can’t use stairs may require assistance. But it is a lot more convenient to get a bunker installed in the basement than getting your garage dug up.
Being underground is a lot safer during a tornado, and having one in your basement adds to the level of security you can get.
US Safe Room Tornado Shelters provides community storm shelters and safe rooms that not only comply with, but exceed the guidelines provided by FEMA. Get a storm shelter built for any size of your demand, down to the inch. Handling their fabrication, they can develop and install shelters in 7-10 days. Ensure your safety as well as the others around you. Get in touch with us today.
Tornadoes are highly unpredictable weather events and can be difficult to forecast in advance. However, thanks to the tireless work of weather experts, scientists, storm chasers, and the like, patterns have been observed and studied to help predict these weather events before they strike.
Tornadoes are vertical columns of air that are generated in supercell storms and come in contact with the ground. They are classified as weather events and often minuscule compared to other more universal events, making them highly specific in their nature.
The only thing common across safety rooms is their intended purpose: to provide safety. Beyond that, you’ll seldom find two safety rooms alike. They differ according to dimensions, number of uses, resistance, and more. These factors affect how much they cost and how well they fit your needs.
Storm safe rooms can be the difference between life and death when you’re living in a place like Texas that is hit by tornadoes so often. Year after year, tornado season wreaks havoc on locals across cities and towns like Arlington and Fort Worth, but investing in a storm shelter for your home can help you protect yourself and your loved ones.
It’s a devastating condition that took years in the making. But considering present circumstances, it’s clear that the world must become serious about combating climate change now when we still have time!
According to NASA, in addition to the increase of greenhouse gases, mismanagement of waste, pollution (all kinds), and more, the earth’s climate has changed dramatically in the past few decades. More so than what’s changed since humans began recording CO2 emissions and global changes!
For anyone who has a family member with special needs, the sirens that ring in light of a tornado warning are the most horrifying sounds they can hear.
While tornadoes don’t typically strike without warning, it doesn’t take long for them to quickly become more devastating and move toward surrounding areas that weren’t originally in its path. This is why, even if you know a tornado watch was issued, you must take the right steps to help your special needs family member get to safety.
According to a survey conducted by Banfield, a non-profit organization for pets and owners, 91 percent of pet owners aren’t prepared for the next natural disaster.
A concerning situation if there ever was one, this survey only cements the belief that our pets require a lot more care than what we’re giving them. Especially during this season of hurricanes, storms, and tornadoes, we must do what we can to protect them so that they can stay happy, healthy, and safe in our arms.
You just received a tornado warning, and you can already feel the monster coming near. The first and only task on the list is to get your family to safety in your newly-installed safe room.
But is it equipped to keep you comfortable? Given that you don’t know when it’ll be safe to come back out, most experts recommend equipping your tornado shelter with all the necessities you and your family will need for an extended period.
Here is a list of all the things we think are necessary for your safe room emergency kit:
Food and Water
You should have enough food and water to last at least 5–7 days, per person. Although this may seem too much, you have to be prepared if an F4 or F5 tornado were to make landfall.
Keep in mind that as of July 2020, more than 500 tornadoes have been confirmed in the United States, with 84 deaths confirmed. And we still aren’t through tornado season. So, according to your household, prepare your tornado shelter by rationing the following non-perishable items:
Canned chicken and fish
Canned fruits and vegetables
Canned ravioli
Canned soup
Peanut butter and nuts
Beef jerky
Ready-to-eat meals
Granola bars
Trail mix
Crackers
Pet food, if you have pets
Baby food, formula, clean bottles, etc., if needed
In addition to the above products, you’ll also need one gallon of drinkable water per day per person. And keep in mind that even water can expire, so keep an eye on the expiration date for each bottle. Additionally, buy disposable utensils, bowls, and glasses so that each person can have their own.
Clothing
With clothing, your main focus is to keep everyone warm. For that, prepare your shelter by storing the following in an airtight box, so they’re kept safe from any critters or moisture:
Work gloves
Bike helmets
Heavy shoes
Warm socks
Warm clothes such as jackets, hats, and gloves
Extra clothing if your clothing gets damaged
First Aid Kit
In addition to all the necessities for a first aid kit, other things you’ll need to pack beforehand include:
Over-the-counter pain medication
All prescription medication for each person of the family
Non-latex gloves
Tweezers
Antibiotic ointment
Instant cold compress
Antibacterial wipes
Sanitary Supplies
In addition to necessary sanitary supplies such as toilet paper, hand sanitizer and more, other things you’ll need, include:
Trash bags
Extra diapers and wipes
An extra trash bag for the diapers
Portable tissue boxes
Wet wipes
Preparing For the Season
Especially if you live in Tornado Alley or any of the surrounding areas, you must take the right step for your safety.
At US Safe Rooms, we encourage all customers to invest in tornado shelters and safe rooms, so they have a secure facility to move to in case of a tornado. So, why not put your savings to good use?
US Safe Rooms offers safe rooms in Texas and Oklahoma. Get in touch with us, and prepare for tornado season the right way.
