Types of storm shelters
The first human instinct upon hearing the word “storm” is fear and anxiety. Once that fear sets in, the next instinct is the urgent need to protect one’s family and loved ones from these natural calamities. Texas, being one of the most affected regions for thunderstorms and tornadoes in America, faces this reality more frequently than most.
If the pride of being a Texan is rooted in resilience and enjoyment of life, then protecting your loved ones must go hand in hand with that identity. A Texas-grade storm shelter is the answer to your fear—designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide peace of mind during turbulent weather.
From a home improvement & real estate perspective, installing a certified storm shelter is not just a safety measure—it’s a smart investment. It enhances your home’s structural preparedness while also increasing its resale value. Many homebuyers in storm-prone areas prioritize properties with built-in safety features, making storm shelters a valuable addition to both your lifestyle and property portfolio.
What is a Texas-grade storm shelter?
A Texas-grade storm shelter is a substantial room built in a building or outside a building to protect you from hurricanes, extreme windstorms, and tornadoes. There are three types of storm shelters.
Installing a storm shelter is a critical home improvement project, especially for those living in high-risk weather zones like Texas. Beyond providing safety and peace of mind, a well-constructed storm shelter enhances the overall resilience of your home, ensuring that your property is better equipped to withstand natural disasters. It’s an investment that not only protects lives but also adds long-term value to your home.
· Steel safe rooms
These are rooms made of tough steel in the shape of a steel box. They are easy to install. If there is space, place it, and access it from within the house in case of an emergency. The best features of these strong rooms are-
- These rooms have walls with a thickness of ¼ inch steel.
- Even the flooring is made of steel, making it very strong and secure.
- FEMA guidelines approve them; this assures that they meet the tests to withstand any degree of storms.
- It can be installed within the house, making it convenient to enter.
If there are plans to go for this one, just consider a few points that these rooms can be custom made and are wheelchair accessible, so if it meets the requirements, consider them.
· Concrete Storm shelter
These are made of solid material that does not conduct electricity. This substantial room is built as an outdoor extension and is large enough to hold all the family members. The best features about this storm shelter are
- It is made of rigid material, so no conduction of electricity.
- It is suitable for homes that do not have a garage or enough yard space.
- There is no chance of any flying debris entering the room as it is very stable.
If the choice is to install a Concrete storm shelter, then consider a few things. Firstly, is there enough space in the yard for a structure to be installed? The form’s size is 14 inches in height and 10 inches in width, so plan accordingly.
· Underground Garage shelter
These strong rooms are built in the basement under the garage. It is a good feature because it allows a person to access it from within the house. If required, the vehicle is easily approachable. If one chooses an underground garage shelter, then the point to understand here is that it does not take up much space, so there is no problem opting for it.
Conclusion
There are many dealers dealing with texas grade storm shelter. Assess the needs and the kind of space that can be provided for installation, then choose the manufacturer. All of the storm shelters have to be FEMA-approved to pass the stability test. According to the Texas Tech University Wind Institute survey, thirteen houses that had registered the safe rooms were not injured or killed. It is a must to have a storm shelter in the house for protection and peace of mind.
