Joplin Tornado and Storm Shelters

Joplin, Missouri, has endured its fair share of encounters with severe weather, particularly tornadoes. The city's most devastating experience, the Joplin tornado of 2011, occurred at a time when tornado detection and warning technologies had already made significant strides. Yet, the event demonstrated that despite advancements in technology, tornadoes remain unpredictable and capable of immense destruction. It's a testament to the raw power of nature and the profound challenges faced even in an era of modern meteorological tools. Despite the enormous adversity, Joplin has shown remarkable resilience and used its experiences to strengthen community bonds and improve future disaster response. The spirit of Joplin is stronger than ever, fostering a profound sense of community resilience and solidarity.

A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Joplin:

  • On May 22, 2011, Joplin was ravaged by an EF5 tornado, the single deadliest tornado in the United States since modern record-keeping began in 1950. The disaster resulted in significant loss of life and widespread destruction, causing billions of dollars in damage.
  • Due to a phenomenon known as "warning fatigue," some residents may not have immediately taken shelter upon hearing the warning. Warning fatigue occurs when people receive numerous severe weather alerts, but the severe weather doesn't directly impact them, causing them to be less responsive to future warnings.
  • While the 2011 tornado is the most infamous, Joplin has a connection to another significant tornado event in U.S. history. The Tri-State Tornado, which occurred on March 18, 1925, and is considered one of the deadliest tornadoes ever recorded in the U.S., also passed through the Joplin area, leaving a path of destruction in its wake.

Buying a Tornado Shelter in Joplin

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

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

  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

  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 Joplin, Missouri

Finding a safe place to shelter during a tornado is crucial, especially in a city like Joplin, Missouri, which has experienced severe tornadoes in the past. Below is a list of public tornado shelters available in Joplin. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or correctness of these details. Please contact local authorities directly for accurate shelter information.

Public Tornado Shelters in Joplin:

Joplin School District Safe Rooms

  • The Joplin School District has 14 school safe rooms designed to provide near-absolute protection against injury or death in extreme weather. The safe rooms are constructed to meet FEMA specifications, with the ability to withstand winds up to 250 mph.

Locations:

  • Cecil Floyd Elementary
    Address: 2201 W 24th St, Joplin, MO 64804
  • Columbia Elementary
    Address: 610 W F St, Joplin, MO 64801
  • Eastmorland Elementary
    Address: 1131 Highview Ave, Joplin, MO 64801
  • Irving Elementary
    Address: 2901 McClelland Blvd, Joplin, MO 64804
  • Kelsey Norman Elementary
    Address: 1323 E 28th St, Joplin, MO 64804
  • Soaring Heights Elementary
    Address: 4604 E 20th St, Joplin, MO 64801
  • Joplin High School
    Address: 2104 Indiana Ave, Joplin, MO 64804

For a comprehensive list of shelters and their addresses, please visit the Joplin School District Safe Rooms page​ (Home)​.

City of Joplin Storm Shelter Inventory

  • The City of Joplin encourages residents to register their storm shelters with the local authorities for easier identification during emergencies. Residents can find more information and register their shelters here​ (City of Joplin)​.

Additional Resources:

Joplin-Jasper County Emergency Management Agency (EMA)

Stay safe and monitor local alerts regularly!