Other alternatives for storm shelters?

Question

Can someone help me figure out a cheap solution for a storm shelter. SERIOUS ANSWERS ONLY!!! I live in Kansas and do not have a basement and have checked into the prices of a storm shelter and that is out of my budget - do you know of any other ideas?

Answer 1

There are different kinds of storm shelters.... just which type have you checked on?

You can get both underground, or above ground shelters, in steel... a less expensive alternative would be a fiberglass underground unit.

You can also have one made of poured concrete.

These all come in a variety of sizes and features (and expense, hehe)

You can check with a local concrete contractor for a poured enclosure, and do an online search for fiberglass and steel stormshelter manufacturers...there are quite a few out there.

If this is going to be above ground, youre going to need to go with steel or concrete... wood just will not withstand the force of a tornado.  If you are without some form of storm shelter, then you would want to find the safest place in your home.... an interior closet, hallway, or bathroom (without a wall on the exterior if possible).  The close proximity of the wall studs in these locations will offer a little protection...that's better than no protection at all, but again, its not likely to stand up to a direct hit from a tornado.

The best option is a buried shelter, or one in a basement.  If you have to put one above ground, think seriously about a thick steel unit, or concrete with at least 6" thick walls.

Good Luck

Answer 2

Your best choice is to find a closet or a bathroom that is not on an outside wall and use it as a shelter. If there is a tornado, drag a mattress into the bath, get in the tub and pull the mattress on top of you.

There are lots of tips on line. The Red Cross is a good one. Look here: http://www.redcross.org/services/prepare...