How to Build a Storm Shelter

A storm shelter or a safe room provides a safe area where you can survive a storm or hurricane with little or no injury. It is either a structure erected within your house, or a separate structure built close by outside, so you can access it easily in the event of a sudden storm, tornado or natural catastrophe. Every family should have one, especially in areas where storms are frequent.

Follow these steps to make a storm shelter to protect you and your family.

Step 1 – Select a Suitable Space

Select a safe area that you can get to in a hurry. Your storm shelter can be built in the basement, windowless bathroom, cellar, large garage, or even outside on a concrete slab.

It can be any size you want, depending on the space available, your budget, the number of people and pets you want to room and its secondary purpose afterwards. You can make a room 4x4 feet, or one that is 7x8 feet. Besides serving as a storm shelter, use your safety room as a walk in closet, bath or pantry.

Step 2 – Build Floor

Once you have decided on a suitable and accessible location, purchase a steel plate the size of your shelter to serve as the floor. An alternative to this is to dig a hole in the ground the size of your shelter and pour concrete over it.

Install two layers of 2x4 boards around the perimeter of your shelter structure, leaving space for the door. Use steel strapping to fasten the studs to the plate, and steel bolts to hold the studs to the boards.

Step 3 – Build the Walls

Injury, if any, from flying debris can be fatal, and during a storm or hurricane debris thrown at high speeds can slice through walls, windows or the roof. Therefore you should make sure the walls are constructed to resist impact and thus prevent fatality.

Place double 2x4 boards vertically on the floorboards to create the frame for the walls, spacing them a foot apart. Measure the dimensions of the door and leave room for it on one side.

Assemble your wall membrane, which will comprise of vertical and horizontal ¾ inch pieces, 14-gauge steel sheet and ½-inch of drywall and then install it as a complete unit to the vertical studs.

Step 4 – Install the Door to the Door Frame

Make sure you purchase a steel door along with a steel frame, and keep the hinges outside. Choose doors that have ball bearing hinges. Install your frame and door to the wall.

Step 5 – Construct Ceiling

Measure the dimensions of an air mover and cut a hole in the ceiling membrane before installing it. Strap 2-by-6 ceiling joists to the wall for extra stability. Install a steel plate and ½ -inch of drywall to complete your ceiling.

Step 6 – Stock Up the Shelter

For emergency preparation, store bottled water, canned and packaged food, dry clothing for each member of the family and battery powered radios and torches. Also include a trashcan to provide for waste disposal.