Kansas City Tornado and Storm Shelters
Kansas City, straddling the states of Kansas and Missouri, is a city that understands the power and unpredictability of tornadoes, having experienced their immense forces firsthand. Nestled within the infamous Tornado Alley, Kansas City's narrative is punctuated with numerous tornado encounters, each leaving a distinct impression on the city's infrastructure, its people, and their shared resilience.
A Few Facts About Tornadoes in Kansas City:
- One of the most infamous tornadoes in Kansas City's history was the Ruskin Heights tornado. This F5 tornado, the most powerful on the Fujita scale, struck the area on May 20, 1957. It resulted in 44 fatalities and over 500 injuries, making it one of the deadliest tornadoes in Kansas City history.
- 2003 Kansas City Tornadoes: On May 4, 2003, a series of tornadoes struck the Kansas City Metropolitan area, causing significant damage. This included an F4 tornado that touched down in Kansas City, Kansas, and resulted in several injuries and millions of dollars in damages.
- 2008 Tornado: On May 2, 2008, a tornado warning resulted in the evacuation of thousands from downtown Kansas City, including during a Kansas City Royals baseball game. While no significant tornado touchdown occurred in the city itself, this event is memorable for the vast scale of the evacuation.
Buying a Tornado Shelter in Kansas City
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.
Tornado Shelters in Kansas City Metro Area
When it comes to finding a safe place to shelter during a tornado in the Kansas City Metro area, it's essential to have a plan and know your options. Below is a list of public tornado shelters available in the region. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or accuracy of these details. We recommend contacting local emergency management offices directly for the most current and accurate shelter information.
Public Tornado Shelters in Kansas City Metro Area:
Kansas Side:
Washington High School
- Address: 7340 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City, KS
Eisenhower Middle School
- Address: 2901 N. 72nd St, Kansas City, KS
Wyandotte High School
- Address: 2501 Minnesota Ave, Kansas City, KS
Missouri Side:
Kansas City Community Safe Room
- Address: 8300 N. Broadway Ave, Kansas City, MO
Plaza Middle School Safe Room
- Address: 6501 NW 72nd St, Kansas City, MO
Northland Career Center Safe Room
- Address: 1801 Branch St, Platte City, MO
Jackson County (Surrounding Areas):
Ruskin High School
- Address: 7000 E 111th St, Kansas City, MO
Belton High School Safe Room
- Address: 801 W. North Ave, Belton, MO
Tips for Tornado Safety:
- Have a plan: Identify the nearest public shelter or safe room and have a designated meeting spot.
- Stay informed: Monitor local weather alerts and have a weather radio or smartphone app ready.
- Take shelter immediately: Head to the nearest tornado shelter as soon as a warning is issued.
Stay safe and monitor local alerts regularly!