Above Ground Concrete Storm Shelters: The High Ground Advantage

Above ground concrete storm shelters are becoming an essential feature for ensuring safety in tornado-prone areas. These shelters offer effective protection during severe weather, combining robust construction with easy accessibility. Without the need for stairs or hatches, they provide a straightforward solution for families like Sarah Thompson’s, who are looking to safeguard their homes in Alabama against tornadoes.

• Storm Safety: Protects you and your family from severe weather.
• Tornado Protection: Designed to withstand the fury of EF5 tornadoes.
• Accessibility: Easy entry with no need for stairs, suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Compliance: Meets FEMA and ICC standards for peace of mind.

With an increasing need for safety solutions, above ground concrete storm shelters stand out. They are constructed with reinforced steel and strong concrete slabs, guaranteeing resistance against even the fiercest storms.

I’m Merry, and my personal passion for family safety led me into the storm shelter industry. Our experience with above ground concrete storm shelters helps us offer top-notch protection for your family.

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Understanding Above Ground Concrete Storm Shelters

Above ground concrete storm shelters are engineered to offer exceptional protection against extreme weather, like EF5 tornadoes. These shelters are built using a combination of reinforced steel and concrete slabs, making them incredibly resilient.

Reinforced Steel

The use of reinforced steel is crucial in these shelters. Steel bars, also known as rebar, are embedded within the concrete. This reinforcement provides additional strength and stability, ensuring the shelter can withstand powerful forces. The reinforced steel framework acts like a skeleton, giving the shelter the structural integrity needed to stand firm during severe storms.

Concrete Slabs

Concrete slabs form the backbone of these shelters. The walls, floor, and ceiling are poured as a single, solid unit, eliminating seams that could be weak points. For example, the walls and ceiling of an 8×8 shelter are typically 6 inches thick, while the floor is 8 inches thick. This solid construction ensures that the shelter remains intact even under intense pressure.

EF5 Tornado Resistance

These shelters are rigorously tested to withstand EF5 tornadoes, which have wind speeds exceeding 200 mph. They meet or exceed FEMA 320 and ICC 500 standards, providing peace of mind to families. In fact, shelters tested at the Texas Tech Wind and Science Institute have proven their ability to endure the most violent storms.

A Real-Life Example

Consider the story of a Safe Shed that was the only structure left standing on a lot after a devastating tornado. This example highlights the reliability and strength of above ground concrete storm shelters. Families can trust that these shelters will protect them when it matters most.

In summary, above ground concrete storm shelters are constructed with reinforced steel and concrete slabs to offer superior protection against EF5 tornadoes. They provide a safe haven for families, ensuring safety during the most severe storms.

Benefits of Above Ground Concrete Storm Shelters

When it comes to safety and convenience, above ground concrete storm shelters offer several advantages that make them a preferred choice for many families. Let’s explore some of these benefits.

Wheelchair Accessibility

One of the standout features of above ground shelters is their wheelchair accessibility. Unlike below ground shelters that often require navigating stairs, these shelters are designed to be easily accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges. This ensures that all family members, regardless of age or physical ability, can quickly and safely reach the shelter during an emergency.

Easy Access

In times of severe weather, every second counts. Above ground shelters are strategically positioned close to homes, often in backyards, making them easy to reach. This proximity means you won’t have to travel far to find safety, a crucial factor when storms are approaching rapidly.

No Stairs or Hatches

Traditional below ground shelters often involve stairs and heavy hatches that can be difficult to maneuver, especially during a storm. Above ground concrete storm shelters eliminate these obstacles. There are no stairs to climb, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Additionally, there’s no need to wrestle with heavy hatches, making it simpler and quicker to enter the shelter.

These benefits make above ground concrete storm shelters a practical and safe choice for families looking to protect themselves from extreme weather events. With features like wheelchair accessibility and no stairs or hatches to contend with, these shelters provide peace of mind and easy access for everyone.

Key Features of Above Ground Concrete Storm Shelters

Above ground concrete storm shelters are designed with safety and durability in mind. They are built to meet strict standards and include several key features that ensure maximum protection during extreme weather events.

FEMA Standards and ICC 500 Compliance

Our shelters are built to meet or exceed FEMA standards and the ICC 500 guidelines. These standards are crucial because they ensure that the shelters can withstand the worst-case scenarios, like an EF5 tornado. By adhering to these guidelines, you can be confident that your shelter is built to the highest safety requirements.

Steel-Reinforced Doors

The doors on our above ground shelters are not just any doors; they are steel-reinforced and rigorously tested. Tested at the Texas Tech Wind Science and Debris Impact Testing Center, these doors are proven to withstand winds up to 250 mph, equivalent to an EF5 tornado. This ensures that the most vulnerable part of the shelter—the entry point—is as strong as the walls surrounding it.

Construction and Materials

Each shelter is constructed using high-quality concrete reinforced with steel bars. This combination provides exceptional strength and durability. The concrete used in these shelters is tested to a strength of 6,000 PSI, which adds an extra layer of reassurance that the shelter can handle extreme pressures and impacts.

Airflow and Ventilation

Proper ventilation is essential in any storm shelter. Our shelters are equipped with multiple vents, including an 8″ turbine, to ensure adequate airflow even when the doors are closed. This feature keeps the air inside fresh and breathable, which is especially important during extended stays due to severe weather.

These key features make above ground concrete storm shelters a reliable choice for protecting your family and property. With standards that meet FEMA and ICC 500 guidelines, reinforced doors, and robust construction, these shelters are designed to offer peace of mind when you need it most.

Installation and Safety Considerations

When it comes to above ground concrete storm shelters, proper installation and safety measures are crucial. Let’s explore the essential aspects: anchoring requirements, slab thickness, and load resistance.

Anchoring Requirements

To ensure stability during severe weather, anchoring is vital. Our shelters are typically set on a bed of gravel, using a method known as Crush-n-Run. This involves leveling the ground to form a pad that is slightly larger than the shelter itself. This setup helps keep the shelter level and provides a dry base.

For added security, the shelter is metal strapped to the ground with two straps and four augers. This anchoring system ensures the shelter stays in place, even under the force of powerful winds. If you prefer, the shelter can also be placed on a concrete slab, where angle steel is used to anchor it securely.

Slab Thickness

The thickness of the concrete slab is another critical factor. Although a slab is not always necessary, it can add an extra layer of stability. For those who choose this option, our shelters are compatible with slabs that are 6 to 8 inches thick. This thickness provides a solid foundation, ensuring the shelter can handle extreme conditions.

Load Resistance

Load resistance is a measure of how well the shelter can withstand external pressures, such as wind and debris. Our shelters are constructed from high-quality, steel-reinforced concrete. The concrete used is rated at 4,000 to 4,500 PSI, depending on the model. This strength ensures the shelter can resist the intense forces of an EF5 tornado.

Additionally, the walls and ceilings of our shelters are typically 6 to 8 inches thick, providing robust protection. These structural elements are designed to meet or exceed FEMA 320 and ICC 500 standards, guaranteeing they can handle the most severe weather events.

By considering these installation and safety aspects, you can rest assured that your above ground concrete storm shelter is both secure and reliable. Up next, we’ll tackle some frequently asked questions about these shelters to provide even more clarity.

Frequently Asked Questions about Above Ground Concrete Storm Shelters

How thick does the concrete need to be for an above ground tornado shelter?

The thickness of the concrete is crucial for ensuring the safety and stability of above ground concrete storm shelters. Generally, the concrete slab should be between 6 to 8 inches thick. This thickness provides a sturdy foundation that can withstand the pressures exerted by severe weather conditions.

Steel reinforcement is an essential component. The use of reinforced steel bars, typically set on 10-inch centers, improves the structural integrity of the shelter. This reinforcement helps the shelter resist cracking and ensures it remains intact during extreme weather events.

Are above ground concrete storm shelters safe?

Absolutely! Above ground concrete storm shelters are designed to offer exceptional safety during severe weather, including tornadoes. These shelters are constructed from high-quality concrete, often rated at 6,000 PSI, which provides excellent strength and durability.

The shelters also feature steel-reinforced doors with a triple latch system, tested to withstand the intense forces of an EF5 tornado. Scientific research, including tests conducted at the Texas Tech Wind Science and Debris Impact Testing Center, has demonstrated the effectiveness of these shelters in providing protection against high winds and flying debris.

Can an above ground storm shelter survive an EF5 tornado?

Yes, above ground concrete storm shelters are engineered to survive the catastrophic forces of an EF5 tornado. These shelters are built to meet or exceed FEMA 320 and ICC 500 standards, which are the benchmarks for tornado resistance.

The shelters’ designs have been rigorously tested to ensure they can endure wind speeds exceeding 250 mph, equivalent to those found in an EF5 tornado. The combination of reinforced concrete and steel components ensures that the shelters remain intact, providing a safe haven for occupants even in the most severe weather conditions.

By incorporating these robust design elements, above ground concrete storm shelters offer reliable protection and peace of mind for families seeking safety from tornadoes and other extreme weather events.

Conclusion

At Lake Martin Storm Shelters, we understand the importance of safety and peace of mind when it comes to protecting your family and property. As a family-operated business based in Alabama, we bring over 14 years of experience to the table, offering storm shelters that are built to withstand the most severe weather conditions.

Our above ground concrete storm shelters are crafted with the highest standards in mind. We are proud to be one of only two companies in the United States to achieve ICC-ES compliance, meeting ICC 500 and FEMA standards. This compliance ensures that our shelters are not only robust but also eligible for Alabama state tax credits.

The strength of our shelters lies in their design. With reinforced concrete and steel components, they are engineered to resist the extreme forces of EF5 tornadoes. Our commitment to quality means that each shelter is built to protect, providing a safe haven during the fiercest storms.

At Lake Martin Storm Shelters, we believe in making safety accessible to everyone. Our shelters are wheelchair accessible, easy to install, and require no stairs or hatches, ensuring quick and safe entry during emergencies.

Choosing Lake Martin Storm Shelters means choosing reliability, safety, and the assurance that your family’s protection is in capable hands. We invite you to explore our range of storm shelters and find the high ground advantage for yourself.

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