Fort Wayne Tornado and Storm Shelters

Situated in the northeastern corner of Indiana, Fort Wayne stands as a testament to the seamless fusion of past and present. However, it's not just history and progress that define this city; it's also the dance with Mother Nature's potent forces. Among these forces, tornadoes hold a prominent role, their occasional appearances reminding everyone of the unpredictable blend of beauty and power in our natural world. Over the years, these potent weather events have significantly influenced the city's architectural planning, disaster response strategies, and the fostering of a resilient community spirit.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Fort Wayne:

• One of the most impactful tornadoes in Fort Wayne's history occurred on May 26, 2001. An F2 tornado cut a path through parts of the city. While there was significant property damage, quick actions by local authorities and the community helped prevent loss of life.

• Fort Wayne's position in northeastern Indiana places it in a part of the state that sees less tornado activity compared to the south and west. Nevertheless, tornadoes do occur, with an average of 1-2 happening each year. These events range in intensity, but even lower-strength tornadoes can cause considerable damage.

• On Palm Sunday, April 11, 1965, a devastating tornado outbreak swept across the Midwest, including northern Indiana. Although Fort Wayne avoided a direct hit, the nearby community of Russiaville was severely impacted by an F4 tornado. This event led to a reevaluation of tornado preparedness and safety measures across the region, including in Fort Wayne.

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

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 Indianapolis

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.