Storm Shelters

[edgarrian]

My wife and i live out in the country here in the state of Indiana. When we built our home we did not have a basement built b/c the soil here is generally clay. Most of if not all of my friends that have basements. Have flooded once if not twice. I also did not want to contend with stairs as we age. We live on 8 acres of woods. I really enjoy living in the middle of the woods. Cuts down on wind. Privacy is great. Road noise is none existent.

The drawback is the threat of a tornado coming through. Generally after every severe storm we talk about a storm shelter. I have looked into them from time to time. I would like to get a grant for the project but thats proved difficult. Here in indiana i have applied once. Didnt get it. I saved the date in my calendar to re apply the following year but they either changed the date for enrollment or didnt do it.

So I was wondering who has successfully gotten a grant for a storm shelter?

Also who have you used to build yours?

I often wonder can they take a big tree falling on them and not getting crushed. Does anyone have real world experience in a storm shelter.

Thanks

 

[ponytug]

The ones that have attracted me are the prefab ones that you drop in a hole, either in the garage floor, or outside. The system lowers the cost, and they can be installed in a day.
Like these;

GarageCube – Survive-A-Storm

survive-a-storm.com

I haven't pulled the trigger yet, and there others which are much bigger, for more people.

All the best, Peter

 

[Bearsixty7]

I got one via county/region grant years ago, I was on the list 2 or 3 years before notified I was eligible as they did a limited number each year. they paid 50% up to 3 or 4K if I recall.
I went with a steel one that they assembled in a walk-in closet and anchor it to the concrete slab so we don't have to go outside if a surprise storm hits.

Not sure who installed it but I had these links saved, I think it was the first one.

Models | ArmoredCloset

www.armoredcloset.com

Tornado Alley Armor

tornadoalley.com

 

[RayIN]

Ed, there are a number of Indiana companies making and selling storm shelters.

The ones that have attracted me are the prefab ones that you drop in a hole, either in the garage floor, or outside. The system lowers the cost, and they can be installed in a day.
Like these;

GarageCube – Survive-A-Storm

survive-a-storm.com

I haven't pulled the trigger yet, and there others which are much bigger, for more people.

All the best, Peter

I think they got carried away with their advertising; "customers who have used their shelter as a mechanics pit for working on their vehicles or changing their oil."
They must get inside the "pit" then have someone drive the vehicle over them in the shelter/pit.
Their other model appears to be a better choice.
Having a storm shelter inside a building comes with a big set of potential problems. Perhaps the main problem is a mountain of debris piled on top of the exit opening.

 

[Bearsixty7]

Ed, there are a number of Indiana companies making and selling storm shelters.

..Having a storm shelter inside a building comes with a big set of potential problems. Perhaps the main problem is a mountain of debris piled on top of the exit opening.

I had the same concern with a pit style in the garage (plus it cost more), a little of the same concern with the one we got in the closet but the reality is, Best to be able to get in it quickly without having to go outside, especially if the debris has already started flying.
I also registered the shelter with the sheriff's department so they know where to look even if it just looks like a pile of debris. The shelter also came with a wrench to be able to disassemble a panel if needed to exit somewhere beside the door.
Priority 1 is to survive the storm!
They had a few pictures of their shelters still standing and in tact after a tornado took everything else around it, I believe it was from the Joplin 2011 tornado.
Luckily, We have only felt the need to get in it once in several years.