Best Places To Set Up A Storm Shelter In Your Home

Choosing the proper location for a storm shelter can make a life saving difference throughout tornadoes, hurricanes, and extreme wind events. A properly placed home storm shelter offers protection from flying debris, collapsing constructions, and excessive pressure changes. The best spot depends in your home’s structure, local weather risks, and development type.

Basement Storm Shelters

A basement is often considered the safest place for a residential storm shelter. Being beneath ground level provides natural protection from high winds and airborne debris. An in ground storm shelter installed in a basement could be reinforced with concrete or metal to create a highly secure space.

However, basements are not splendid in areas prone to flooding or high water tables. Water intrusion throughout heavy storms can make an underground shelter dangerous. Proper drainage, sump pumps, and waterproofing are essential if this is your chosen location.

Garage Floor Shelters

Garage shelters are a popular option, particularly in homes without basements. These shelters are typically put in under the concrete slab and covered with a flush mounted metal door. This permits vehicles to stay parked over the shelter when not in use.

A garage storm shelter affords quick access throughout emergencies, which is critical when warning instances are short. Reinforced designs can withstand excessive wind forces. Make sure the surrounding garage construction doesn't collapse in a way that blocks the shelter door. Professional set up is key to making sure proper structural support.

Interior Ground Floor Rooms

An interior room on the bottom level of the home can serve as an effective above ground storm shelter location. Spaces like bathrooms, closets, or storage rooms near the center of the house are supreme because they're surrounded by a number of walls and are far from windows.

These rooms will be upgraded with reinforced partitions, steel doors, and impact resistant materials to meet safety standards. This option works well in regions where underground set up is tough attributable to rocky soil or high groundwater levels.

Under Staircase Spaces

The realm beneath a staircase is usually overlooked but may be converted right into a compact residential storm shelter. This location is typically near the center of the home and already has structural framing that may be reinforced.

While space could also be limited, under stair shelters can still provide strong protection for small households. Reinforcing the partitions with concrete or steel panels significantly improves safety throughout severe storms.

Closet or Pantry Shelters

Giant walk in closets or pantries positioned within the interior portion of the home are another practical choice. These spaces might be retrofitted with prefabricated safe room kits designed to withstand tornado level winds.

Closets are simple to access and might double as everyday storage areas. Avoid closets with exterior walls or windows. Central placement will increase the level of protection from flying debris.

Outdoor Above Ground Shelters

For homes without suitable interior space, an outdoor storm shelter installed in the yard or close to the home could also be the very best solution. These shelters are anchored into the ground and built from reinforced metal or concrete.

Outside shelters should be placed close sufficient to achieve quickly throughout extreme weather. They should also be elevated slightly in flood prone areas to prevent water accumulation. Proper drainage across the structure is essential for safety.

Key Factors to Consider

Before selecting a location, consider these essential factors:

Soil and drainage conditions
Poor drainage can turn an underground shelter into a hazard. A professional assessment helps prevent water issues.

Ease of access
Storm shelters ought to be reachable within seconds. Avoid areas blocked by heavy furniture or complicated locks.

Structural strength
Shelters must be anchored to a stable foundation to withstand uplift forces caused by high winds.

Local building codes
Comply with guidelines from organizations like Federal Emergency Management Agency and the International Code Council to ensure your shelter meets safety standards.

Household size
The shelter should provide sufficient space for everybody in the home, together with pets if possible.

Choosing the right storm shelter location improves safety, will increase home value, and provides peace of mind during severe climate seasons. Proper planning and professional set up guarantee your shelter performs when it matters most.

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