DIY Storm Shelter

[EddieWalker]

My original plan was to dig a hole and build one outside, but then I met some people that did that and they never use it. Seems that most tornados hit at night and it's usually storming outside, so they stay inside when there are tornado warnings and stress over getting to the shelter in time, if they have to. If we had to get to a shelter, we would bring our dogs. There is no way that my wife would go into it without them.

I'm seeing more and more new construction that is making the master bedroom closet into a storm shelter. Massive steel door that opens inward and a regular closet door that opens outwards. All concrete, FEMA approved designs. They are impressive, especially when finished off to be a closet with a sitting area.

That's not an option for me, so I rethought my home layout and I've decided to build it in a corner of my garage. I haven't committed to starting the build, but I am going to do it based on the FEMA plans that are posted online.

https://www.fema.gov/media-library-...709/FEMA_P-320_2014-ConstructionPlans_508.pdf

It will be big enough for us and our dogs, along with storing guns, important papers and whatever else we feel needs to be protected from a tornado.

For me, it's a process to go from building it in the easy place, which is outside, to figuring out where it will be actually used, and how to make it happen.

 

[user.69169]

Probably best if you start on dirt side wid a giant baggie to keep hmidity, water, mold and such outside. If you don't gonna cost a fortune to encapsilate inside..

 

[Doofy]

Why not beef up a small connex, anchor properly and install a small escape hatch in case the doors get blocked by debris? Old rail cars also come to mind.

 

[RoyKing]

Small shipping container anchored painted use it for storage and have couple of foldup cots a bucket with toilet seat and some bottled water and led lites done, just like immigrants coming in illegally.

 

[Doofy]

Small shipping container anchored painted use it for storage and have couple of foldup cots a bucket with toilet seat and some bottled water and led lites done, just like immigrants coming in illegally.

Solar fans for cooling and ventilation, reflectix on the inside to help with cooling and to help prevent mold and mildew, light colored paint on the outside. Darn, I'm beginning to want one now. Could be a relatively inexpensive and fun project.

 

[jaxs]

We have always had provisions for sleeping in our shelters. No sense staying awake all night waiting til the storm is on you before taking shelter. Manys of people have been killed or injured on their way to outdoor shelters. Besides the risk,getting soaked then shivering is no fun.

 

[RoyKing]

Buy and air condition container, they pull the unit, but all ready insulated and water tight, cheap also, the Ac run on 480 3phase

 

[MossRoad]

I wonder how much anchoring it would take to hold down a shipping container in an F3 or F4 tornado? Probably nothing would protect it in an F5.

I don't think it would be a good choice for a storm shelter. You'd be better off with the FEMA plans.

 

[MossRoad]

Reading a few articles on burying shipping containers.... you can't just dig a hole and bury it. The sides will collapse from the weight of the dirt. The corners won't, but the side walls will.

This article suggests you put gabion baskets (those wire baskets filled with rocks) around it before burying it.
What Happens When You Bury a Shipping Container | ContainerAuction.com

But for above ground, I'd want something as low and aerodynamic as possible.

 

[EddieWalker]

I wouldn't use a container either. If you look at the FEMA plans, one of the most difficult parts in building to their plan is tying it into the foundation. You have to cut out the existing foundation, and then dig under the slab to create a footing that is below the existing foundation. Then the other thing is that you have to have a door that opens inward, and is also strong enough to withstand hundred miles an hour winds and projectiles. A flying 2x4 will go right through a container at well under 100 mph.