Common Problems with a Storm Shelter

When you live in an area that is prone to powerful storms like hurricanes or tornadoes, then a storm shelter is a necessity. This article will help you understand and avoid possible mistakes, and provide possible solutions by constructing your own storm shelter.

Placement of the Storm Shelter

In order to make the use of a storm shelter practical you should build it close to your exit point. For every disaster scenario you should have a planned escape route. This is where your storm shelter should be placed. The sooner you get to the safe area, the better. If you are able to upgrade your basement or garage to a storm shelter then those are ideal locations.

Another placement consideration is if you should put the storm shelter above ground or below ground. If you live in a state like Kansas where tornadoes are common, then an underground storm shelter is preferable. If, however, you are in an area that gets a lot of flooding like Georgia, then you want to build your storm shelter on higher ground. The placement of the storm shelter should be based on the worse case weather scenario of your area.

Windows

Not everyone has the resources (money or otherwise) to build an underground storm shelter, so the next best thing is building above ground. The problem most people run into, is wanting to build an outdoor shelter as they would build a shed, however this doesn't work. During a vicious storm, windows can shatter and harm people. When building a storm shelter you should either build it without windows or use a glass substitute like thick Plexiglas. Another option is to build a periscope. This may sound far-fetched, but all you need is a tube and two pieces of glass.

Storm Shelter Materials

In any storm situation you need a shelter that is sturdy and made to withstand high winds and pounding water. For this reason you do not want your shelter built out of flimsy materials like plywood and tin. These materials may be cheaper and even easier to work with, but if you are facing a strong wind, it could easily lift a plywood shed. Concrete is the best way to go because it is heavy, incredibly sturdy, and fire resistant. Roofing material should be sheet metal enforced with thick nails and steel brackets. Your shelter should also be placed at least one foot underground and have a floor.

The Roof

A storm shelter is not meant to be pretty so do not worry about such accents as a gable roof. The top of the shelter should be as flat as possible to give the least amount of surface area for wind to hit. A gable roof, in a strong wind, has a high chance of being torn from the structure.