Tampa/St. Petersburg Tornado and Storm Shelters

Tampa and St. Petersburg, often referred to collectively as Tampa Bay, are vibrant cities situated along Florida's Gulf Coast. Bordered by the sun-kissed waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the area offers a distinctive blend of urban vibrancy and beachside relaxation. Known for their sandy beaches, cultural diversity, and bustling urban centers, these cities are also part of a coastal region frequently intersected by severe weather phenomena, including tornadoes. These often unpredictable and powerful events underscore the complex relationship between the region's appealing tropical climate and the volatile forces of nature that accompany it.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Tampa/St. Petersburg:

  • Much like Jacksonville, Tampa Bay's tornadoes are often associated with tropical systems such as hurricanes and tropical storms. These systems can spawn tornadoes as they move over land, leading to a heightened risk during the Atlantic hurricane season.
  • On October 3, 1992, a waterspout moved onshore and became an F2 tornado, causing significant damage in St. Petersburg. While not the strongest tornado to hit the area, it was one of the most damaging in terms of property loss.
  • In response to the risk of tornadoes and other severe weather, Tampa and St. Petersburg have implemented robust building codes aimed at increasing the resilience of structures. These codes, along with public education campaigns about severe weather preparedness, help to minimize the impact of tornadoes on the local communities.

Buying a Tornado Shelter in Tampa/St. Petersburg

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

Residential Underground Tornado Shelters

Community Tornado Shelters

Above Ground Shelters

Delivery
Installation

Below Ground Shelters

Delivery
Installation
TwisterPod

TwisterPod

ABOVE GROUND
4.7
Seats 4 | $3,995
Seats 6 | $5,100
TwisterCube

Extreme

ABOVE GROUND
4.5
Seats 5 | 4x4 | $5,300
Seats 8 | 4x6 | $5,760
Seats 10 | 4x8 | $8,270
Seats 12 | 6x6 | $8,470
Seats 16 | 6x8 | $8,985
Seats 10 | 8x4 | $8,270
Seats 16 | 8x6 | $8,985
Panelized

Panelized

ABOVE GROUND
4.3
Seats 5 | 4x4 | $5,350
Seats 8 | 4x6 | $6,370
Seats 10 | 4x8 | $7,190
Seats 8 | 6x4 | $6,370
Seats 12 | 6x6 | $7,190
Seats 16 | 6x8 | $8,215
Seats 10 | 8x4 | $7,190
Seats 16 | 8x6 | $8,215
GarageCube

GarageCube

BELOW GROUND
4.2
Seats 10 | $7,315
Estate

Estate

BELOW GROUND
4.6
Seats 10 | $7,525
Seats 16 | $9,775

Delivery and Installation Options for Above-Ground and Below-Ground Tornado Shelters in Tampa/St. Petersburg

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.

 
StormWarn

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 for Tampa/St. Petersburg

  1. 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.
  2. Selecting Contractors
    Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation.
  3. 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.

  4. 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 for Tampa/St. Petersburg

  1. Finding a Local Contractor for Installation
    Search for local septic tank companies or general contractors with high-rating reviews to perform the installation.
  2. Selecting Contractors
    Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation.
  3. 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.

  4. 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.

Public Tornado Shelters in Tampa/St. Petersburg:

Call your local emergency management office or local fire department.