Tornadoes are some of the most destructive natural disasters that can wreak havoc on a property in a very short amount of time. It’s important to have a storm shelter installed in your home to protect yourself and your family from the perils of a tornado. Here are some qualities of a safe room that you should look for when choosing one.
Construction Material
The construction material of a storm shelter is one of the most important factors to consider when you talk to an expert to buy one. The shelter should be made of strong and durable materials that can withstand the force of an EF-5 tornado. Steel and concrete are two popular materials used in safe rooms due to their strength and ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Capacity
When choosing a storm shelter, it’s important to consider the housing capacity of the shelter. The shelter should be large enough to accommodate everyone expected to use it. If you have pets or need to store emergency supplies in the shelter, you should consider this when assessing the capacity as well. A good rule of thumb is to choose a shelter that can accommodate at least six people.
Door Design
The door design of a storm shelter is also an important factor to consider. The door should be strong and able to withstand high winds and debris. In addition, the door should be easy to open from the inside so that you can quickly exit the shelter if necessary.
Ventilation
Adequate ventilation is crucial in a storm shelter. The shelter should have vents that allow fresh air to enter and stale air to exit without letting in any flying debris. This helps to prevent the buildup of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases that can be present in an enclosed space.
Water and Sanitation
In the event that you are forced to stay in your storm shelter for an extended period of time, it’s important to have access to water and sanitation in your safe room. Consider choosing a shelter that has a built-in water storage system and a toilet or other sanitation solution.
Accessibility
The shelter should be easily accessible for everyone in your family. Another thing to keep in mind is whether the location of the shelter will be easily accessible during a tornado. You should also ensure that everyone who will be using the shelter knows how to enter/exit it quickly and safely.
FEMA Certification
Finally, consider choosing a tornado shelter that has been certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). FEMA certification ensures that the shelter meets strict safety standards and can withstand extreme weather conditions.
Safe Rooms US builds safe rooms that are adapted to withstand these conditions and are also certified by FEMA. We deliver customized storm shelters to Dallas and Fort Worth in Texas, so contact us to get one for your home ASAP.
