Little Rock Tornado and Storm Shelters
Little Rock, Arkansas has faced its fair share of tornado encounters. These powerful twisters have frequently made their presence known, shaping the city's history and influencing its approach to disaster preparedness and response. From substantial tornadoes like the one that struck downtown Little Rock in 1999 to other impactful events, these occurrences have served as reminders of the potent forces of nature. The story of tornadoes in Little Rock is, therefore, a narrative of community resilience, strength, and unity in the wake of such adversity.
A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Little Rock:
- A significant tornado hit the Little Rock area on March 1, 1997, causing substantial damage and multiple fatalities. This tornado was part of a larger outbreak that affected several states in the Southeast.
- A tornado on January 21, 1999 is known as the "downtown tornado" in Little Rock. This storm caused significant damage to downtown Little Rock, making it one of the costliest tornadoes in the state's history. Despite the extensive damage, there were no fatalities reported.
- April 27, 2014: While the most devastating effects of this major tornado outbreak were to the north of Little Rock, the city and surrounding areas still suffered damage from associated storms and were involved in the wide-scale response and recovery efforts.
Buying a Tornado Shelter in Little Rock
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 in Little Rock
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 in Little Rock
- 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 in Little Rock
- 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 Little Rock, Arkansas
Finding a safe place during severe weather is crucial, and Little Rock offers several public tornado shelters for protection. Please note that while we aim to provide accurate and current information, we cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy. Policies and availability may change, so it's essential to contact the shelter directly or the local emergency management office for the most reliable and up-to-date information.
Public Tornado Shelters in Little Rock:
University of Arkansas - Little Rock Safe Rooms
Address: 2801 S University Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501-569-3000
Southwest Community Center
Address: 6401 Baseline Rd, Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: 501-918-3975
Western Hills United Methodist Church
Address: 4601 Western Hills Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501-225-3737
Iglesia Cristiana El Buen Pastor
Address: 5601 W 65th St, Little Rock, AR 72209
Phone: 501-562-5422
Western Hills Park
Address: 5200 Western Hills Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204
Phone: 501-371-4770
Further Resources:
-
Pulaski County Emergency Management Agency
- Pulaski County Shelters Information
- Phone: 501-340-6911
- Address: 3200 Brown St, Little Rock, AR 72204
-
Arkansas Department of Emergency Management
- ADEM Emergency Management Offices
- Phone: 501-683-6700
- Address: Building #9501, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, AR 72199
Stay safe and monitor local weather alerts regularly!