Oklahoma City Tornado and Storm Shelters
Tornadoes and Oklahoma City share a long, intertwined history, a testament to the resilience and spirit of the city's inhabitants. These powerful whirlwinds have indelibly marked the city's past with their intense destruction. Yet, with each encounter, Oklahoma City has demonstrated an unwavering resolve, rebuilding stronger and reinforcing its commitment to community and preparedness. The narrative of tornadoes in Oklahoma City is therefore more than a tale of natural disaster; it is a reflection of the city's enduring strength and unity in the face of adversity.
A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Oklahoma City:
One of the most devastating tornadoes in the history of the United States was the May 3, 1999 tornado in Oklahoma, City. This F5 tornado, with wind speeds recorded at over 300 mph, cut a swath of destruction through the southern suburbs of Oklahoma City. It resulted in 36 deaths and caused an estimated $1 billion in damage.
May 8, 2003 Tornado: An F4 tornado passed through the southern and eastern parts of the Oklahoma City metro area, causing 14 fatalities and significant damage. This tornado was part of a larger outbreak affecting much of central Oklahoma.
On May 20, 2013, a deadly EF5 tornado struck the town of Moore, located in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area. The tornado caused 24 fatalities, injured 377 others, and caused extensive damage to residential areas and two schools.
Buying a Tornado Shelter in Oklahoma City
Our shelters are designed, tested, and approved to withstand up to EF5 tornadoes to provide a safe, secure place for you and your loved ones to wait out the weather. With a variety of sizes (4 to 16 people) and styles to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect shelter to meet your needs.
Residential Above-Ground Tornado Shelters
Above Ground Shelters
TwisterPod
Extreme
Panelized
GarageCube
Estate
Delivery and Installation Options for Above-Ground and Below-Ground Tornado Shelters
Tornadoes are devastating and unpredictable natural disasters that can cause extensive damage to homes and properties. One of the best ways to stay safe during a tornado is to have a tornado shelter. Tornado shelters come in different types, with above-ground and below-ground tornado shelters being the most common.
We offer delivery and installation in various regions of the U.S. but if you prefer to conduct the installation yourself or our outside our installation area, here are some of the steps you will need to take.
For above-ground shelters, it's important to note that the concrete slab is not included in the package.
As for below-ground shelters, they are delivered on a standard truck with a flatbed.
Know when severe weather is about to strike and when it's time for you to take shelter with our StormWarn texting program.
Above-Ground Tornado Shelter Installation
- Finding a Local Contractor for Installation
Search for local contractors in your area, who will need to be hired to pour the slab. Look for contractors with high-rating reviews. - Selecting Contractors
Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation. - Calling a Contractor for Installation
Call a contractor and ask them for a quote on installing an above-ground tornado shelter.The installation process can be performed by anyone who is competent in drilling (concrete company, concrete installer, contractor) into concrete can install. We have a built-in template in all of our shelters that shows exactly where to predrill and sink wedge bolts. All hardware and instructions are shipped with the shelter. We will even speak with any general contractor to make sure they understand what the job requires.
The concrete slab should be at least 4" thick with a minimum psi of 3000. No wire mesh is required, but the pad size should be a minimum of 14' x 12' for a 4" thick slab, or 12' x 10' for a 6" thick slab.
You can download the installation instructions for the tornado shelter: TwisterPod, Extreme, Panelized.
- Preparing for Installation
Survive-A-Storm will have a third-party shipper deliver the shelter to your location and offload it at the end of your driveway. Your installation time can depend on a few factors that include, temperature and humidity that can affect the cure time for the concrete. Pouring the concrete for above ground shelter installation is your responsibility and should be allowed to cure for two weeks. Installation time after the concrete is poured should be less than four hours.Rent equipment like pallet jacks, forklifts, or small tractors with forks to maneuver the shelter to your desired location. If you can arrange for an installation to be done on the same day, your contractor may be able to move the shelter for you.
Below-Ground Tornado Shelter Delivery and Installation
- Finding a Local Contractor for Installation
Search for local septic tank companies or general contractors with high-rating reviews to perform the installation. - Selecting Contractors
Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation. - Calling a Contractor for Installation
Call a contractor and ask them for a quote on installing an above-ground tornado shelter. You can download the installation instructions for the tornado shelter: GarageCube.
Let the contractor or company know that the shelter should be buried at least 12" below the surface. - Preparing for Installation
In case you are outside the installation range, Survive-A-Storm will have a third-party shipper deliver the shelter to your location and offload it at the end of your driveway.By understanding the delivery and installation options for above-ground and below-ground tornado shelters, you can ensure that your shelter is installed correctly and provides the protection you need during a tornado.
Survive-A-Storm Shelters offers near-absolute protection with a full line of above-ground and below-ground storm shelters. Survive-A-Storm Shelters are FEMA-compliant and able to withstand winds and debris from any EF5 tornado.
With affordable pricing, nearly anyone can afford one. There's also financing through Enhancify and Affinity, making storm shelter loans very accessible to our customers.
You can buy a storm shelter locally, through select Home Depot Stores, or the Extreme brand at Lowe's. Amazon and e-Bay are also great online options for purchasing Survive-A-Storm Shelters.
Tornado Shelters in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Finding a safe shelter during a tornado is crucial. Below is a list of tornado shelters open to the public in Oklahoma City. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of these details. Contact the local emergency management offices directly for the most accurate information.
Public Tornado Shelters in Oklahoma City:
Southern Oaks Community Center
- Address: 400 SW 66th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73139
- Phone: 405-631-5252
Douglass High School Safe Room
- Address: 900 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117
- Phone: 405-587-4200
EB Dittmer Safe Room
- Address: 601 S Klein Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
Will Rogers Courts Safe Room
- Address: 1620 Heyman St, Oklahoma City, OK 73108
- Phone: 405-605-3272
City Rescue Mission Safe Room
- Address: 800 W California Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73106
- Phone: 405-232-2709
Cox Convention Center Safe Room
- Address: 1 Myriad Gardens, Oklahoma City, OK 73102
- Phone: 405-602-8500
Additional Resources:
City of Oklahoma City Emergency Management Office
- Phone: 405-605-8983
- Oklahoma City OEM
Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (ODEMHS)
- Phone: 405-521-2481
- ODEMHS Contact Page
Stay safe and monitor local weather alerts regularly!