Get the facts on storm shelters

Q: With the spring storm season underway, many people may be considering installing a storm shelter or safe room. What are factors people should consider in selecting one?

“All of Missouri is considered a high-risk area for violent weather that warrants a shelter as the preferred method of protection,” said Schultheis. In selecting a shelter, think in terms of durability, proximity, and accessibility. That means (1) is it rated to stand up to 250 MPH winds and 100 MPH flying debris, (2) is it close to or in your residence or place of work so you can quickly get to it, and (3) can you easily get into it?

Q: What options are available in storm shelters and safe rooms?

“You’ll have a lot of choices to make,” said Schultheis. The most common choices are to decide between reinforced concrete, fabricated steel, Kevlar, or plywood and sheet steel. Do you want it in-ground or above-ground, and if in-ground, will the soils and drainage accommodate it? Will it be outside or inside your home or business? Does it need to be wheelchair accessible? Does it have three dead-bolt locks, or equivalent, on the access door? Does the door open outward or inward?

Q: Where can people get good advice on this?

“FEMA has an excellent free handbook with construction plans for people to build safe rooms into new homes, as well as how to armor interior rooms in existing homes to withstand tornadic winds,” said Schultheis. Call 1-800-480-2520 and ask for a free copy of P-320 Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building a Safe Room for Your Home or Small Business. University of Missouri Extension has EMW1025 Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms, with links to the FEMA information and a list of storm shelter and safe room manufacturers serving Missouri. It is available online from our website at http://extension.missouri.edu/p/EMW1025.

Q: Anything else we should know? How do they get in touch with you?

There is a wealth of disaster preparedness and recovery information online at http://extension.missouri.edu. People can contact the nearest county extension center, or call Schultheis in Webster County at 417-859-2044.