Importance of a Storm Cellar
Storm cellars, also known as tornado shelters, are strong, reinforced spaces or bunkers designed to withstand dangerous tornadoes, hurricanes, battering winds and flying debris. They are a space where you and your family can remain safe even if your home blows apart. A storm cellar or shelter can be outside the main building or in the basement or garage of a home or small business. Does this Spark an idea?
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Relieve Anxiety
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Hurricane Katrina did enormous damage in New Orleans. A storm shelter provides peace of mind and relieves much of the anxiety and stress of frequent weather events. A storm cellar provides protection and safety from high wind events that take lives and cause catastrophic property damage. People living in rural areas, at considerable distance from public shelters, know that the storm cellar is a place where the family can safely gather when a high wind event is imminent. A storm cellar can also be used for storage of valuables and emergency food and survival supplies.
Tornado Protection
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In the United States, half of all tornadoes occur between the months of April and June. However, tornadoes are unpredictable and can happen at any time of year. The eastern portion of the United States has the highest concentration of tornadoes of any region on Earth. More than 18,000 people have died in tornadoes in the United States from 1875 to 2000.
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Hurricane Shelter
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Storm cellars save lives. Katrina, the third-deadliest hurricane in U.S. history, cost the lives of more than 1,800 people. In 1900, 8,000 people died in a hurricane that devastated Galveston, Texas. Hurricane season on for the Atlantic coast begins June 1 and extends to Nov. 30 each year. Pacific Ocean storms can be expected from May 15 through Nov. 30. People living in areas subject to hurricanes are wise to stock non-perishable foods and survival supplies. A storm cellar or hurricane shelter is a precaution for homes in rural areas.
Commercial Storm Cellars
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Commercial storm cellars or safe rooms are available for purchase from reputable dealers across the United States. When considering purchasing a storm cellar for your home or business, shop online to review manufacturers in your area. Look for a company that is a member of the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA.) Choose a licensed and bonded professional who is able to offer shelters that meet F-5 specifications. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) issues certification only to companies that meet strict material and construction specifications. F5-certified shelters are designed to withstand the assault of a F5 tornado or category 5 hurricane.
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References
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security: FEMA: Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business
- Tornado Project: Storm Shelters
- NOAA/National Severe Storms Laboratory: A Brief History of Deaths From Tornadoes in the United States: Harold E. Brooks and Charles A. Doswell III: January 2001
- Hurricane Katrina Relief: FAQs
- National Weather Service: National Hurricane Center
Resources
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