Adding a storm shelter

[gsganzer]

I dug my hole yesterday. Approximately 9.5'L x 7.5'W x 5' deep. I need to get a load of gravel delivered so I can line the bottom with gravel. The installation instructions called for a hole 52" deep, then backfill and compact with 6" of gravel for drainage, leaving a finished depth of 46". However, while digging in my highly expansive black clay soil, I found the clay ran to a depth of 60" with a more stable soil below. I'll probably have 5 yards of 1" utility stone delivered (I can use any left over elsewhere). I have some 1/2" minus in a small pile that I can mix with it to really lock it tight and still have good drainage below the shelter.

 

[gsganzer]

They delivered and set the storm shelter today. 15,000lbs! It took about 45 minutes, from the time he pulled in the drive, dropped the outriggers, hoisted the shelter, set it in the hole, lifted the outriggers and was gone.

I really like it. It's pretty roomy inside, roomier then you'd think. I'll probably build a bench to sit on or put a couple of fold up chairs in there.

I'll also put in a solar light. The sloped door side faces south and there's a hole for conduit on the right side. I'll fasten a solar panel on the slope and route it to an inside ammo can battery box that will house a 12v deer feeder battery, 12VDC light and hand switch that you can reach when you open the door.

 

[grsthegreat]

Man…theres just no way to get me into that thing. Im too claustrophobic.

you would think the door would open in incase debris block it.

 

[airbiscuit]

You could use some reflective paint inside. For some reason, I thought you could remove the hinges from the inside if you needed to. In any case,after the storm, first responders usually check for people needing help. Now, you have to start putting together your emergency supplies.

 

[gsganzer]

You could use some reflective paint inside. For some reason, I thought you could remove the hinges from the inside if you needed to. In any case,after the storm, first responders usually check for people needing help. Now, you have to start putting together your emergency supplies.

I thought you could remove the hinges too and make the door open inward, but that's not the case. The door locking mechanism is removable from the inside, so you can't get locked in. Sort of like the emergency escape for car trunks.

The photo makes it look small, but it's fairly large. I'm 5'- 11" and I can stand up with a few inches to spare and you could probably fit 5-7 people.

 

[airbiscuit]

I hope you never have to use it. I'll be happy for you if you do have to use it.

PS: I might include a small bottle of good bourbon, to have a shot after the storm passes .

 

[grsthegreat]

I thought you could remove the hinges too and make the door open inward, but that's not the case. The door locking mechanism is removable from the inside, so you can't get locked in. Sort of like the emergency escape for car trunks.

The photo makes it look small, but it's fairly large. I'm 5'- 11" and I can stand up with a few inches to spare and you could probably fit 5-7 people.

im thinking about debris covering door, so you cant push it out.

 

[airbiscuit]

That's what first responders are for, but you're still alive to rescue.

That said, I'm surprised they don't cut out the center of the outward swinging door and put in a smaller inward swinging door.

 

[MossRoad]

Man…theres just no way to get me into that thing. Im too claustrophobic.

you would think the door would open in incase debris block it.

 

[MossRoad]

im thinking about debris covering door, so you cant push it out.

Put a jack inside for just in case.