I'm thinking about installing a tornado shelter

[Perplexed]

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?

Does the door open outward? That'd be a tough one, but you might consider a hydraulic jack and a length of stout pipe with a base plate that you can brace against the door while using the jack against the opposite wall. In other words, turn the jack sideways.

If I got a storm room, I'd want one with an inward-opening door. Takes up more room, but I'd prefer that.

 

[yukonjack]

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.

I've got pictures, from the May 2011 EF-5 tornado that hit Piedmont, of a number of above ground shelters that survived the very conditions that you are talking about. I'm guessing your comment isn't based on real world experience or observations. I personally inspected and talked with the owners/occupants of 5 of above ground shelters and they were all pleased with them. In 3 of those nothing was left of the houses but the slab foundation and the shelter.

 

[streak]

Yesterday has me convinced. My wife and I have talked about a storm shelter for a couple of years. Today I ordered one. Sad it takes such a travesty to make me finally break loose of the cash to do so though.

 

[VIKING]

I had an underground concrete cellar built over 35 years ago. That was when they would pour it in place and yes it gets a little water in it. I actually got about 5 gallons out of it yesterday..But when the storms are coming, my family and several neighbors don't mind the damp floor. Mine is 9 x 12 and there has been lots of people in it during some of the really bad storms.

 

[jakeman]

I had an underground concrete cellar built over 35 years ago. That was when they would pour it in place and yes it gets a little water in it. I actually got about 5 gallons out of it yesterday..But when the storms are coming, my family and several neighbors don't mind the damp floor. Mine is 9 x 12 and there has been lots of people in it during some of the really bad storms.

Go find yourself some UGL Drylock. I prefer the oil base version.

That will fix you up.

 

[VIKING]

Go find yourself some UGL Drylock. I prefer the oil base version.

That will fix you up.

Thanks, my brother told me the same thing. It must be good stuff.

 

[Danny Tanner]

Walking by the break room TV earlier, airing Fox News coverage, and the caption read "Some above ground safe rooms did not survive".

Still, each has their pros and cons, and each family needs to consider these when choosing their best option. Anything is better than nothing. FlatSafe shelter within a safe room?

 

[Dale00]

Does the door open outward? That'd be a tough one, but you might consider a hydraulic jack and a length of stout pipe with a base plate that you can brace against the door while using the jack against the opposite wall. In other words, turn the jack sideways.

If I got a storm room, I'd want one with an inward-opening door. Takes up more room, but I'd prefer that.

That makes sense. In addition, some wood blocks would let you jack the door open enough to block it open and then use the jack directly in the gap you have created.

 

[septic_shock]

We had one put in our garage two years ago by Ground Zero.
If you notice the two stories above about people getting stuck, they were both made by FlatSafe Co. There is an outside latch on ours (The Ground Zero), but it is designed so that you can flip it up from the inside.

Ground Zero recommends parking the car on top of the shelter to help keep debris from jamming the door. Also, the company takes the GPS location of each shelter before they leave. Its location is also logged with the county and insurance company.

Also, ours came with a Come-a-Long wench to get the door open if there is debris on it.

All I know is that I feel so much more at ease since I had it installed. If we had to stay in it for a day or so until rescue arrives, then so be it, as long as we are safe and alive. We have lighting, water, and food in there (Although I need a 5 gallon bucket with kitty litter for you know what). Yah, it would suck, but so what?

 

[71buickfreak]

The above ground shelters that are made by Ground Zero are made from 1/4 plate, the FEMA plans only call for 14 gauge steel sandwiching 2x4s and plywood. I'll take the 1/4" plate version. Thinking of building my own in the garage. Would be capable of serving as a shelter for a lot more than just 'naders