Below Ground Articles
Why Code Compliance with ICC-500 & FEMA P-320 Isn’t Just a Label, It’s a Homeowner’s LifelineTornado shelters built to ICC and FEMA standards are engineered to save lives. These life-safety structures are designed from tested materials, like high-strength steel, to meet or exceed federal best practices in wind and impact performance. The stakes are revealed…
Absolute protection means thinking about those who need it most.Why the Most Vulnerable Deserve Careful Planning for Tornado SafetyTornadoes are among the most unpredictable natural disasters. And, as with other disasters, tornado preparedness isn’t just about having flashlights and bottled water. Families often only have minutes after a tornado warning or sirens sound to get…
Tornado Shelter Choices Have Changed Here’s What Builders Miss Tornado shelter technology and design have evolved significantly in recent years. While shelters were once viewed as bunker-style, utilitarian structures, today’s options are sleek, efficient, and can be seamlessly integrated into modern home plans. Yet, many builders and homeowners still think of them as costly, intrusive…
The New Reality: Why Tornado Safety Is Also a Smart Financial Strategy In regions like Oklahoma, Texas, and Alabama, designated as Tornado Alley and Dixie Alley, severe weather is not a “maybe.” It’s a matter of when. Nationwide, tornadoes are increasing in both frequency and intensity, shifting how homeowners think about safety and about value. What…
When it comes to protecting people from the devastating effects of storms, having a well-designed tornado shelter is crucial. While FEMA 320 provides valuable guidance for homeowners looking to build or buy individual tornado shelters, FEMA 361 takes things a step further by offering extensive guidelines specifically for commercial and community safe rooms. The document,…
FEMA P-320 is a guide to residential storm shelters: it promotes understanding tornadoes and deciding on the best protection for you and your loved ones. Survive-A-Storm Shelters follows the regulations outlined in the FEMA P-320 publication, from size and occupancy standards to engineering specifications in the construction of storm shelters.Why Should I Use FEMA 320…
If you’re looking for a tornado shelter company in your area, it can be hard to know who to call. After all, you have choices. Should you go with a regional supplier or one with a more national presence? You can always roll the dice and Google this information, but there is probably no comprehensive,…
There’s a lot of fear around tornadoes and staying protected – and for good reason. We’ve all seen the pictures of entire towns decimated by tornadoes. At Survive-A-Storm, we’re in the business of protecting people. Our tornado shelters are constructed using sturdy steel and tested to withstand the high winds and powerful force of an…
As the sun sets on a quiet suburban neighborhood, families gather in their homes in relative comfort and security. Inside, children play in the living room, parents prepare the evening meal, and the world outside is a distant concern. It’s a testament to the peace that a safe home can offer. But, there’s also an…
Social media has changed us as a society. Instant opinions are everywhere. It’s no surprise that even the most well-intentioned topics face scrutiny from naysayers. Tornado shelters, designed to be safe havens during severe storms, are no exception.We have many kinds of shelters because there are many, many different environmental concerns in the US. Think…
A Step-by-Step Guide: Installing Underground Tornado SheltersTornadoes are devastating and can be unpredictable. They cause extensive damage to homes and properties and sometimes take lives. One of the best ways to stay safe during a tornado is in a tornado shelter. Tornado shelters come in different types, but above-ground and below-ground tornado shelters are the…