about our shelters
Our shelters feature a white gelcoat interior – one of the most rigid and durable coatings available. Manufacturers use gelcoat in products exposed to the harshest conditions, such as marine power boats, yachts, and jet skis. Its smooth, highly reflective surface makes cleaning easy.
We coat the exterior with our specially blended epoxy, which adds a protective barrier against the elements and creates an attractive finish. Combined with our low-profile door, this design allows for easy landscaping and seamless integration into any yard.
We can ship our storm shelters directly to your home. You can load them onto a standard 78-inch wide trailer and tow them with a half-ton pickup truck.
Standard Features
• FRP construction with stainless steel hardware; will not rot or rust
• Impact-tested door design
• Fully weather-sealed door
• Easy-open door system
• 6-point lock system
• Screened-in cross ventilation
• Non-skid steps for added safety
• Molded-in seating
• Standard gray carpet
• Durable, white gel coat Interior
• Highly reflective – a “AA” light will illuminate the storm shelter
• Epoxy-coated exterior
Designed to Last
We currently offer two models of in-ground storm shelters.
We sell them carry out, delivered, or installed.
These units are all fiberglass construction, and gel coat inside (nice smooth finish) with molded-in benches on both sides, as well as the back wall, and the units are well-vented under the door.
They also serve very nicely as a root cellar, typically staying 20° below ambient temp in the summer, and above freezing in the winter.
They come with a 1-year installation warranty, as well as a 10-year manufacturer warranty.
Feel free to contact us with any questions!
• 6-8 person in-ground $6,500+tax installed *
• 10-12 person in-ground $9,000+tax installed *
• 6-8 person carry out $5,500+tax
• 10-12 person carry out $8,000+tax
* – These prices are for installation within an hour of 35057. One to two hours outside 35057 add $500. Prices good through 2025.
10-12
82”x70”x74”
L x W x H
9 steps
6-8
66” x 78” x 58”
L x W x H
7 steps
FEMA Standards
Structural Integrity and Anchoring
• Uplift Resistance: In-ground safe rooms must be designed to resist buoyancy, especially during heavy rainfall and high water tables, which could cause the shelter to float out of the ground.
• Foundation and Anchoring: The foundation must be designed to withstand uplift, overturning, and sliding forces caused by extreme winds.
• Connection Strength: Connections between all parts of the shelter must be strong enough to resist failure, and the walls, roof, and door must resist penetration by windborne missiles.
Debris Impact Protection
• Wind-Borne Debris: Shelters must be able to withstand impact from wind-borne debris.
• Testing: Shelters are tested for debris impact resistance, and this is a fundamental part of the FEMA criteria.
Accessibility and Occupancy
• Access Opening: A minimum access opening size of 24″ wide x 30″ long is typically required.
• Vertical Access: Stairs, if used, must have specific tread depth, riser height, and width requirements, with handrails required on stairways with more than three stairs.
• Occupant Density: A minimum of 3 sq. feet of usable shelter area per occupant.
Ventilation
• Natural Ventilation: Shelters must have ventilation openings to prevent suffocation and ensure adequate air circulation.
• Configuration: The configuration of ventilation openings is specified to ensure proper airflow.
Compliance with Codes and Standards
• ICC 500: In-ground safe rooms must comply with the ICC 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, which provides minimum design and construction requirements for extreme-wind shelters.
• FEMA 320 and FEMA 361: These FEMA publications provide guidance on safe room design and construction.
Key Considerations for In-Ground Shelters
• Waterproofing: Proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent water intrusion, especially in underground shelters.
• Drainage: Adequate drainage is necessary to prevent water from accumulating around the shelter and causing buoyancy issues.
• Accessibility: Ensure the shelter is easily accessible, especially during emergencies.
• Emergency Access: Exterior key accessibility is often required for emergency personnel to access the shelter in case of an emergency.
Design Requirements
ALL TN TORNADO SHELTERS MODELS MEET OR EXCEED THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW:
• ICC 500 Sect 502.2 Access Opening – Requires access opening minimum size 24″ wide x 30″ long.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Vertical Access – Requires minimum tread depth 8″ and maximum riser height 9-9/16″
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Vertical Access – Requires minimum Stair width 22″ and slip resistant surface.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Overhead Clearance – Requires minimum overhead clearance 6′-8″ or 5′-0″ with signage.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1.2 Handrail required on stairways having more than three stairs.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.4 Occupant Density – Requires minimum 3 sq ft usable shelter area per occupant.
• FEMA 320 and 361 Requires minimum 3 hinge attachment points and 3 positive latch points.
• ICC 500 Sect 302303/304 Requires exterior key accessibility for post storm Emergency Entry by EMS personnel if needed when latches are engaged from the inside.
• ICC 500 Sect 305/306500 Emergency access can be made by removal of full length hinge from outside with 2-7/16” wrenches.
• Sect 804 Loads and load combinations, Hydro-static loads, wind loads, required for the construction of shelters.
• FEMA 320/361 Our shelters have been tested by a third-party engineering firm for underground structural design. All models exceed the requirements.
• NPCTS Windborne Debris Hazards – Requires tornado shelters exposed surfaces to be designed tested to emulate wind speeds of 250 mph. 15-lb sawn lumber 2 x 4 missiles impacting exposed surfaces less than 30 degrees from horizontal at 67 mph and exposed vertical surfaces at 100 mph.
• ASTM E 1886 DESIGN TESTED AND PASSED TESTING AT T.T.U. WIND ENGINEERING FACILITY. DATA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
• ICC 500 Sect 702.1 Requires 2 sq. in. or 4 sq. in. of natural ventilation based on location of ventilation ports per occupant.
Contact us
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