Tallahassee Tornado and Storm Shelters

As the capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is a hub of government activity, higher education, and cultural vibrancy, all steeped in Southern charm. Yet, Tallahassee's lush canopy roads and historic landmarks share the landscape with a less benign aspect of nature: tornadoes. Although not as tornado-prone as some parts of Florida, Mother Nature does occasionally remind its residents and visitors that Tallahassee is part of the unpredictable dynamics of its subtropical climate.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Tallahassee:

  • Like much of Florida, Tallahassee's tornado events are often associated with landfalling tropical cyclones. These systems can bring an array of severe weather to the area, including the potential for tornadoes.

 

  • During the passage of Hurricane Hermine in September 2016, multiple tornado warnings were issued for Tallahassee and the surrounding areas. Several confirmed tornadoes were associated with the storm, showcasing the tornado threat that can accompany tropical systems.

 

  • It’s easy to get comfortable thinking that tornadoes only come along with tropical storms or hurricanes in Florida, but that’s not the case. On January 4, 2019, an EF1 tornado touched down in Midway, a suburb to the west of Tallahassee, causing damage to homes and trees. The tornado, which was not associated with a tropical system, was an example of the type of tornado activity that can occur in North Florida during the cooler months.

Buying a Tornado Shelter in Tallahassee

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 Tallahassee

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 Tallahassee

  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 Tallahassee

  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.

Tornado Shelters in Tallahassee, Florida

When searching for tornado shelters in Tallahassee, Florida, it's essential to stay informed and prepared. Below is a list of available shelters in the region. Please remember that while we strive to provide accurate and current information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of these details. We advise checking with your local emergency management office directly for the most current information.

Public Tornado Shelters in Tallahassee:

Leon County Emergency Management Shelter
Address: 911 Easterwood Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32311
Phone: 850-606-3700

Southwest Community Center
Address: 6401 Baseline Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32305
Phone: 850-891-2505

Lincoln High School
Address: 3838 Trojan Trail, Tallahassee, FL 32311
Phone: 850-487-2110

Chiles High School

Address: 7200 Lawton Chiles Ln, Tallahassee, FL 32312
Phone: 850-488-1756

Florida State University - Civic Center
Address: 505 W Pensacola St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 850-645-7225

Florida A&M University - Al Lawson Jr. Multipurpose Center
Address: 1800 Wahnish Way, Tallahassee, FL 32307
Phone: 850-599-3870

Additional Resources:

Please monitor local news and weather alerts regularly and ensure you're prepared with a disaster supply kit. Stay safe!

Sources: