Springfield Tornado and Storm Shelters

With a backdrop of stately historic sites and as the capital of Illinois, Springfield stands as a city where American history and modern living blend seamlessly. Abraham Lincoln lived in Peoria before his presidency, and his memory lives on still. Yet, beneath this rich history, Springfield also faces the realities of Midwest weather patterns, including tornadoes. The encounters with these powerful storms have played a significant role in the city's growth, its community preparedness strategies, and resilience.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Springfield:

• A remarkable tornado event in Springfield's history took place on March 12, 2006, when an EF2 tornado touched down in the city. The tornado caused considerable property damage, particularly in the downtown area, but thanks to early warnings and quick community response, no lives were lost.

• Springfield's geographic position in central Illinois means that it experiences an average of 1 to 2 tornadoes per year. While most of these are of lower intensity, stronger tornadoes are possible, and city-wide preparedness plays a crucial role in minimizing potential damage and injuries.

• On April 19, 1996, Springfield was impacted by an F3 tornado as part of a larger outbreak across the Midwest. This event led to significant changes in the city's disaster preparedness plans, reinforcing the importance of readiness in the face of severe weather conditions.

Delivery and Installation Options for Above-Ground and Below-Ground Tornado Shelters in Springfield

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.

Above-Ground Tornado Shelter Installation for Springfield

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.