How to Build a Concrete Storm Shelter

Having a concrete storm shelter in the backyard is a safety must for anyone who lives in the tornado alley of the United States. The timing when the tornadoes will come is unpredictable but you can make an effort to be prepared. Your family's health and safety must be your top priority in the event of an emergency. Educating everyone in your home how to react in the case of a tornado warning is essential for survival as every second counts. This shelter is also a perfect emergency structure for hurricanes.

Instructions

1. 

   Determine a safe location. It will need to be near the house for quick emergency access, but not under trees that will fall and crack the concrete during a tornado or bad storm. You will want it to be away from structures that can collapse on top of it.

2. 

   Contact a company that prefabricates a shell according to FEMA standards. The complete cost of the whole project can still be under $3,000 if you dig the site yourself. Building it yourself with concrete blocks is possible, but much can go wrong and that's why the prefab kit makes the most sense. There are many companies that specialize in storm shelters so you can shop around for the best deal for yourself.

3. 

   Prepare the site. One of the simplest shelters is built 4 1/2 feet underground with 2 feet above ground. The dirt that was excavated is then mounded around the top of the shelter forming a smooth hill that can be landscaped attractively. This helps when having to deal with high water.

4. 

   Have the company come out and install the shell. It should be steel reinforced concrete and also have ventilation plans. The door should be heavy duty, preferably with a way of jacking it open in the case of fallen debris covering the opening. It should also include some sort of stairs for stepping down into it from the doorway.

5. 

   Stock it with an emergency kit and even some form of seating. There are many kinds of kits, so take the time to determine what is important for your situation and the people who will be using the concrete storm shelter. If you live in an area that is prone to tornados, before the season hits, stock up and renew the supplies in your concrete storm shelter. Good ideas are canned foods with can opener, plastic spoons, dried fruits, bottled water, flashlight, bandages, pain reliever, blankets, and a small radio.

Tips & Warnings

• FEMA has free engineering plans for designing a safe room within your house.

• Always keep a source of drinking water in your shelter especially during the tornado season.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Concrete Block Shelter