Community Storm Shelter: Of Lifesaving Importance

Last Updated: May 17, 2023 

In your own city or town, or in your state, what is the importance of having a community storm shelter within reach?

In Madison, Ga., it was important enough for officials to open FEMA-compliant community tornado safe rooms built and installed by Survive-A-Storm Shelters just in time for the impending storm season last spring. In Kansas, it was important enough to propose a bond issue. And in Oklahoma, it was important enough to generate a $15,000 donation.

Residents of Haysville School District, in Kansas, voted in 2016 for a bond issue that created two FEMA-approved storm shelters at the high school. In Big Cabin, Okla., the Cherokee Nation donated $15,000 to help install a community storm shelter that holds up to 60 residents.

Protecting Residents with Community Tornado Shelters

Having a community storm shelter can be vital to the life of the community. “Having the opportunity to protect and prepare families in Big Cabin against threatening weather is a blessing, and the Cherokee Nation is proud to take on this role,” said Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Bill John Baker. All three communities realize the importance of offering shelter from storms to their residents.

This is the same philosophy that experts at Survive-a-Storm Shelters subscribe to. Company leaders believe that every school, daycare center, nursing home, and public gathering place situated in Tornado Alley should have adequate storm sheltering capacity. 

Because not everyone in the community can afford to install their own personal designated storm shelter for protection from tornadoes and violent windstorms, community storm shelters are vital. They can bridge the gap and ensure that children and families are safe.

Tested and built tough

Survive-A-Storm tornado shelters are designed to withstand the toughest curve balls Mother Nature can throw. Our shelters have been tested for debris impact through Texas Tech University Wind Science and Engineering Research Center and are determined to meet all FEMA 320 and 361 guidelines. Each model is made with pride using American steel and is powder-coated for durability. Optional private bath facilities include a lavatory and toilet.

What’s more, we can build community storm shelters big. Our 10’ X 56’ community shelter is 560 square feet and can comfortably shelter 112 occupants on perimeter and center bench seating. These shelters sit on an 18-inch thick concrete foundation engineered with several times as much rebar reinforcement as required — because when the 250 mph winds of an EF5 are breathing down your neck, it’s good to know you have extra protection.

Make sure it meets FEMA guidelines

The Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), advises communities to provide community safe rooms that have met established guidelines to make sure community members are safe during extreme-wind events. Our FEMA-compliant safe rooms do that. At Survive-A-Storm Shelters, we provide you with the highest quality, most reliable residential storm shelters sold in America. Our full line of above- and below-ground shelters provide near-absolute protection.

FEMA-compliant Survive-A-Storm Shelters have been tried and tested and are able to withstand winds and debris from any EF5 tornado. You can find our products inside many of The Home Depot® stores in states like Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri.  They even sell both our residential and community safe rooms on their website at www.homedepot.com. So give us a call at 1-888-360-1492 to see how we can help your community!