I'm thinking about installing a tornado shelter

[R. Johnson]

Those in the garage underground shelters are dangerous. There have been at least two stories on local news over the last couple years about how people have gotten trapped in them because the door to the shelter itself failed. These were in non emergency conditions, folks just went in to try them out after installation. Not to mention that you have to worry about your house collapsing on them, or a broken water supply flooding them. I would not have one.

Now, that said I feel more comfortable with an underground shelter, but as far as the above ground ones go, if they have the Texas Tech stamp of approval then I'm comfortable with them.

 

[Perplexed]

Those in the garage underground shelters are dangerous. There have been at least two stories on local news over the last couple years about how people have gotten trapped in them because the door to the shelter itself failed. These were in non emergency conditions, folks just went in to try them out after installation. Not to mention that you have to worry about your house collapsing on them, or a broken water supply flooding them. I would not have one.

Now, that said I feel more comfortable with an underground shelter, but as far as the above ground ones go, if they have the Texas Tech stamp of approval then I'm comfortable with them.

Here's one of those stories: http://kfor.com/2012/04/24/another-woman-stuck-in-tornado-shelter/

The NOAA does say that in-ground shelters are the safest, but safe rooms are as good "in most situations." http://www.srh.noaa.gov/oun/?n=safety-severe-homesafety

You'd have to weigh the pros and cons of each design and take your chances with the one you pick.

 

[Dale00]

You think one of those above ground shelters could survive a car being tossed at it? They are simply anchored into the concrete slab, nothing special. I know they test fire 2x4's at them at high speeds but a wood 2x4 doesn't carry the load a car flying through the air does.

Some above ground shelters are retrofitted and bolted onto the slab as you describe. Others are poured concrete with their own footings and lots of rebar. The subjective thing which none of us knows is how often they are going to hit straight on by a large object like a truck. This has to be compared to the risk of being hit by debris while running to an outside shelter or trapped in an inside in-ground shelter while your house burns. Again we are just relying on gut feelings here and not facts.

 

[chuter]

Our house was involved in the Piedmont EF5 a couple of years ago and I still like my in-ground shelter in the garage.
You don't have to get out in the dark-rain-hail to get in.
I was down there with 2 dogs and a cat, no problem getting them in there.
I keep a hydraulic cylinder jack and some tools and pry bars down there (along with some supplies) in case the house falls on it and we have to force our way out.

I saw engines and transmissions that were ripped out of cars littering the field behind us; I don't think a safe room would stand up to that skipping across the ground at 200mph.

 

[DanB]

We built a house for some people back in 2006. Their new house plans called for a saferoom. The pictures we have are impressive. The room had its own footings. and about as much reabar in that as we put in the slab of a hotel. 3 walls and the roof were all tied together with a maze of rebar. I have no doubt that room would stand up to most debris thrown about. Note I said most. I'm sure somewhere there is an object that was thrown about that would take that room down or at least endanger the occupants.

With a tornado like yesterday's, the best situation is to just not be there. Second best is underground. evaluate your own pros and cons and decide. As for me and my family we installed the in/above ground shelter in our backard. I refused to put on in the garage. We will deal with the risk of making it from the house to the shelter. As for my dog. I tried once to get him in there. I eventually got him in but not without alot of tugging. he went kicking and screaming.

 

[SlammerG_89]

Now the companies will retrofit a hydraulic jack with their in ground garage shelters. The one that I like the best was the smart shelter one. It comes with a lighting source/air filtration and vent system as well as being able to be retrofitted with the hydraulic jack. I plan to also put other tools and canned goods, batteries, water, radio and flashlights as well as some pillows and blankets. It is better to be over prepared then up the creek.

 

[BikerHT]

This is what I'm considering...

http://www.atlassurvivalshelters.com/

 

[Old Fart]

One things for sure. Just about any of them are better than nothing.

 

[turkeyrun]

I keep a hydraulic cylinder jack and some tools and pry bars down there (along with some supplies) in case the house falls on it and we have to force our way out.

In other words, BE PREPARED. Plan ahead. I agree in ground, in garage is the safest, but it should be more than just a steel/ concrete box in the ground. Store some food, water, radio, TOOLS. My biggest complaint with most of the newer cellars is only 1 entrance / exit. I prefer a door in the garage and a door outside. IF the house collapses on the garage door, chances are I can still get out the back door. Both doors lock from the inside.

 

[Dale00]

I've got a big crowbar and a short hand saw in my above ground saferoom. I'm not sure that would let me get a blocked door open or not. Any other ideas on tools to escape when the door is blocked?