Building a Storm Tornado Shelter Underground
Tornadoes are devastating and often unpredictable. Finding a dependable safe place can be challenging or impossible without preparation in advance. When a natural disaster is threatening you and your family's lives, every step toward a stronger defense counts. One of the best ways to combat the winds ahead is with a tornado shelter. There are many different types out there, but above-ground and underground shelters are the most common. Let's talk about the underground shelter.
Underground tornado shelters are a reliable and effective solution against the destructive and life-threatening effects of a storm. By virtue of being under the ground, they provide natural protection against the strong winds and flying debris of a tornado. Whether you reside in a region prone to tornadoes or simply value preparedness, understanding the advantages and considerations of underground tornado shelters is essential.
Who Should Install an Underground Shelter?
If you are the classic do-it-yourself-er (DIY-er), we get it; you can figure out just about any build or installation. While we admire your self-reliance and skill, it is recommended that you hire a contractor or septic specialist for this one.
This may seem like an unexpected requirement, but there are several reasons for it and we will walk you through why. So put the tools back and the YouTube videos on pause for this installation.
Reason #1 - Excavating for the Underground Tornado Shelter
Just about every underground tornado shelter requires digging with an excavator to create a large enough space for the shelter. This is the first barrier, but many can rent and operate an excavator.
The issue lies in the fact that the garage and backyard house the septic lines or tanks. A septic company or a general contractor can accurately locate and map out the septic system, ensuring that the excavation for the tornado shelter does not damage or interfere with the septic infrastructure.
Reason #2 - Drainage for the Underground Storm Shelter
Excavation can also potentially negatively impact the surrounding area’s drainage and groundwater flow. For this reason, it’s important to consider the impact you will make when placing an underground shelter.
A general contractor or septic company can assess the site’s hydrological conditions and provide expert guidance on how the tornado shelter installation may affect the septic system’s functioning and the overall drainage patterns of the area.
Reason #3 - Compliance with Codes and Regulations
Finally, involving a septic company in the installation process ensures compliance with local building codes and regulations. They possess the expertise to navigate the necessary permits and approvals required to install underground structures, ensuring that all relevant guidelines are followed. Because local codes can vary based on jurisdiction, it’s best to involve local professionals.
Collaboration is Key
Collaboration with a general contractor or septic company during the installation of an underground tornado shelter ensures that the shelter is correctly integrated with the existing septic infrastructure. It also guarantees adequate ventilation, takes drainage into consideration, and assures adherence to local regulations. This collaborative approach enhances the safety and functionality of the tornado shelter, providing peace of mind during severe storms.
It’s essential to use local septic companies or general contractors who come highly recommended and have a lot of experience in their trade. We can even speak with any general contractor or septic company to ensure they understand what the job requires.
You’ll need to provide the installers with the location delivery and a description of the type of earth in the area to be excavated. Then we’ll coordinate a virtual site visit to include photos showing the desired area for installation, the driveway from the road, obstacles such as fences, etc.
Survive-A-Storm Tornado Shelter Models to Make your Job Easier
Survive-A-Storm Tornado Shelters are delivered with top quality components so you just need to install and sleep in peace knowing it will hold through the storm.
Survive-A-Storm Estate Models
The Survive-A-Storm Estate underground storm shelters are perfect for installing outside a home or building, in a yard, or field. They accommodate 10-16 occupants. A general contractor or septic company can install these shelters in two to four hours. We do not recommend customers install the units themselves since experience moving heavy equipment is needed. In preparation for installation, keep in mind the following:
- The installation surface needs to be level.
- The customer will need to use 811 to have power, sewage, cable, and gas identified and marked before the installation.
- The company will use Google Earth to review the property and discuss problem areas.
- The unit cannot be installed in a flood zone.
- A 1-day business license may be needed in some city locations (though usually the unit is considered a home improvement and not a building initiative). Check with your local government to see if there are additional permits.
- OSHA might require shoring, or temporary supports, in the installation area.
- Fences may need to be removed to get the unit into the backyard.
- The unit will require at least 16’ travel length to deliver and install.
- There should be no digging within 6’ of a permanent structure, 10’ if the ground is sandy.
- The unit will require an area that is 11’ x 14’ and 84” deep; the installation area can be marked with spray paint.
- Installers will require 12’ of clearance above the top of the unit.
- Allow for a generous working area (30’) around the installation spot. This area will be used to place the excavated soil.
- Excess dirt is usually left in place since it is normal for some settling to occur. Unless the customer is pouring a concrete slab, the excess soil can be used to grade the surface.
- If the surface area is rocky, you may incur extra charges for excavation. To be sure, ask the company performing the excavation about their policy.
- The excavator may leave tracks around the installation area, depending on the condition of the ground.
- Equipment needs to be able to carry the weight of the unit (3,400 lbs)
The Survive-A-Storm GarageCube
The Survive-A-Storm GarageCube is the ideal solution for a garage or outbuilding with a concrete slab floor. They accommodate 10 occupants. However, the installation is completely different from other models, and there are a lot of variables.
The best practice is to install the GarageCube during the pre-construction of a new home build. This will give the homeowner the most options for where to place the unit. A new home will take about three hours to install. For an existing home, the installation team will mark and cut the concrete floor, use a mini-excavator and other tools to extract concrete and dirt, and create an opening for the shelter. This installation will take 8-14 hours.
Once the space is created, the shelter is lowered into the opening and backfilled with concrete, typically mixed on-site. The shelter’s lid is set with the ¼”-thick lid overlapping the opening. The lid is bolted to the concrete slab for a clean and finished appearance.
Tools needed:
- Excavator Chains
- Concrete Saw
- Tape Measure
- Chalk Line
- Push Broom
- Wheelbarrow
- Shovel
Equipment/Materials needed:
- Concrete
- (4) 3/8-16 X 1'' Bolts
- (2) ~8’ Steel Angle, 2’x4’ or 4’x4’ Timbers
