Wichita, Kansas Tornado and Storm Shelters
Located in the core of Tornado Alley, Wichita, Kansas, has an intimate relationship with tornadoes, as formidable and powerful acts of nature. The city's history is punctuated by numerous tornado events, which have left indelible marks on the city's character and the people’s shared values. This includes the infamous Andover tornado of 1991, which rampaged through the Wichita metropolitan area, emphasizing the raw power and unpredictability of tornadoes. Despite their destructive capabilities, these atmospheric vortexes have also fostered a culture of resilience, communal support, and a deep understanding of the importance of emergency readiness among the people of Wichita.
A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Wichita:
- The most destructive tornado in Wichita's history: On April 26, 1991, a powerful F5 tornado, known as the Andover Tornado, struck the Wichita metropolitan area, causing significant damage and loss of life. It remains one of the most devastating tornadoes in the city's history.
- Tornado season in Wichita: Tornado season in Wichita typically runs from April to June, with May being the peak month for tornado occurrences. However, tornadoes can occur outside of this timeframe as well.
- The Wichita tornado of 1965: On May 25, 1965, an F4 tornado struck the city of Wichita, causing widespread damage and killing 4 people. This tornado was part of a larger outbreak known as the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak, which affected several states in the Midwest.
Buying a Tornado Shelter in Wichita
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
Above Ground Shelters
TwisterPod
Extreme
Panelized
GarageCube
Estate
Delivery and Installation Options for Above-Ground and Below-Ground Tornado Shelters
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.
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
- 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. - Selecting Contractors
Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation. - 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.
- 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
- Finding a Local Contractor for Installation
Search for local septic tank companies or general contractors with high-rating reviews to perform the installation. - Selecting Contractors
Find a couple of companies in the search results to inquire about installation. - 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. - 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 Wichita (and surrounding areas):
- Kansas Coliseum: 1229 E 85th North
- Calvary Baptist Church: 2653 N. Hillside
- Wilbur Middle School: 340 N. Tyler RdWest Heights United Methodist Church: 745 N. Westlink
- Park City Senior Center: 6100 N. Hydraulic
- Alison Middle School: 221 S. Seneca
- Metro Meridian School: 301 S. Meridian
- West High School: 820 S. Osage
- Northwest High School: 1220 N. Tyler
- Chisholm Trail Elementary School: 6015 Independence
- Asbury United Methodist Church: 2801 W. 15th
- Riverlawn Christian Church: 4243 N. Meridian
- South High School: 701 W. 33rd Street
- Pathway Church: 2001 N. Maize Road
- East High School: 2301 E. Douglas
- Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church: 1600 W. 27th North
- First United Methodist Church: 330 N. Broadway
- Hillside Christian Church: 8330 E. Douglas
- Central Christian Church: 2900 North Rock Road
- Kansas National Guard: 3617 S. Seneca St.
- USD 259 Wichita: 201 North Water
- Chapel Hill: 11660 E. 13th St
- Andover Church of Christ: 816 N. Andover Road
- Andover Central High School: 603 E. Central
- Augusta Middle School: 1001 State
- Augusta High School: 2020 N. Ohio
- Augusta Senior Center: 640 Osage
- Derby First Presbyterian Church: 324 N. Baltimore
- USD 260 Derby: 325 N. Woodlawn
- Derby Rec Center: 801 e. Market
- Newton Asbury Park: 200 SW 14th St
- Newton Community Activity Center: 415 N. Poplar
- Rose Hill High School: 710 S. Rose Hill Road
- Rose Hill Multipurpose Bldg: 205 E. School St.
- Goddard High School: 2500 South 199th St. West
- Sedgwick Senior Center: 105 W. Fifth St.