Fort Wayne Tornado and Storm Shelters

Cedar Rapids, affectionately known as the "City of Five Seasons," is an essential hub for arts and culture in Eastern Iowa. The city's vibrant life is surrounded by an appealing mix of urban splendor and rural beauty. But Cedar Rapids' location within the Midwest region makes it familiar with the unpredictable fury of nature, particularly tornadoes. The city's history is peppered with tornado occurrences, which have invariably shaped its urban planning, disaster management protocols, and community spirit.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Cedar Rapids:

• A significant tornado event in Cedar Rapids' history occurred on May 15, 1968, when an F5 tornado, part of the larger Charles City tornado outbreak, passed near Cedar Rapids and caused extensive damage. Although the city itself was spared the brunt of the storm, it marked a milestone in the city's disaster preparedness efforts.

• Cedar Rapids experiences an average of 1 to 2 tornadoes per year, with most tornadoes ranging in the EF0 to EF2 category on the Enhanced Fujita scale. However, as the 1968 event indicates, stronger storms are possible, and vigilance is crucial.

• Cedar Rapids has a comprehensive tornado safety plan in place. The Linn County Emergency Management Agency coordinates tornado warning systems and public safety campaigns to educate the public about tornado safety.

• In 2006, the city installed state-of-the-art tornado sirens, improving the alert system to ensure residents have as much time as possible to take shelter during a tornado. These sirens are tested regularly to ensure their effectiveness and reliability.

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

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 Cedar Rapids

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.