How to Build a Concrete Storm Shelter

Residents of homes in Midwestern states where there is frequent tornado activity would all choose to have a concrete storm shelter in their home if they could. Unfortunately, some homes have storm shelters that do no offer the same protection as the concrete shelter. But many home owners in these storm-ravaged areas eventually decide they and their families cannot risk living in a home without one. To build a concrete shelter, follow the instructions below.

Step 1 - Choose the Right Location for Your Shelter

A storm shelter doesn't have to be built under your home in order for it to be a safe place to wait out a tornado. But the shelter must be close enough to the home that the family can quickly reach it in an emergency. You should, however, build it where large trees or buildings will not fall, collapse on it, damage it or injure people inside or it during a storm or a tornado.

Step 2 – Prepare Your Shelter

Choose a site where you can excavate about 4 1/2 feet underground, with 2 feet of the shelter above ground. Check with utility companies about cables or pipes that might be buried where you plan to excavate. Choose soil that contains fewer, if  any, large rocks or boulders that will be hard to move. Plan on constructing your shelter with its door facing your home to allow you to get into the shelter more quickly during a tornado or a destructive storm.

Step 3 – Choose the Type of Shelter

Evaluate the various types of shelters and choose one that will meet the financial and safety needs of your family. One type you may consider can be constructed with concrete blocks. A second choice might be to use a prefabricated shell. With this kind of shelter, you can prepare the site by digging it yourself, then fit your prefab shelter into it.

Step 4 – Design Your Shelter

If you plan to build your own shelter, you should build according to a pre-designed plan that includes steel reinforcing for your concrete. You'll also need a ventilation system, a heavy duty door, a strong stairway that will allow you to enter and exit the shelter, some type of seating such as benches, and raised flooring.

Step 5 – Lighting

Although your shelter will need light, you should not expect to get light from windows in your shelter. A strong, safe shelter will have no windows from which flying glass could cause cuts and injuries. Building windows without glass will also be a mistake because these openings could allow flying debris to enter and cause injury. So, you will need some other source of light, such as lanterns or flashlights.

Step 6 – Water Drainage

Heavy rain often accompanies severe storms and tornadoes. Your shelter will need to be built on high ground, so ground water from heavy rains will not drain into it. If you cannot find high ground, you should build berms around your shelter.