General
Learn about Storm Dorms tornado shelters
What does the standard Storm Dorms tornado shelter look like?
Our Storm Dorms tornado shelters are steel-fabricated, above-ground units typically installed in your garage. The standard size is 4’ x 6’ with a height of 6.6’. Each shelter features a door with five locks and two embedded vents, one of which has a small shatter-proof window. They are painted with a rust-resistant glossy white.
How do you determine the number of people a Storm Dorms tornado shelter will fit?
We calculate the usable floor area and divide by the recommended space per person. FEMA generally recommends 3-5 square feet per standing occupant. Our 4x6 tornado shelter has 24 sq ft, which allows for 6-8 people, standing. In deciding the size shelter for your family, you should also consider needs for additional space for wheelchairs, medical equipment, emergency supplies and pets.
How many Storm Dorms tornado shelters have you manufactured?
We have manufactured and installed over 2,000 Storm Dorms tornado shelters in Texas and Oklahoma.
Will Storm Dorms tornado shelters stand up to an EF5 tornado?
Storm Dorms tornado shelters are engineered to withstand the force of an EF-5 tornado and extreme weather conditions. They are built to surpass FEMA P-361 standards, withstanding over 100,000 lbs of crush weight and winds exceeding 200 mph.
As a matter of fact, one of our Storm Dorms tornado shelters survived the 2013 F5 Moore Oklahoma tornado, keeping the family safe inside as their home was demolished around them.
If I have a basement or interior bathroom, why do I need a Storm Dorms tornado shelter?
Basements and interior bathrooms offer some protection, and in lower intensity storms can be sufficient.
An F4/F5 tornado can demolish a home, including basements and interior bathrooms, where Storm Dorms' tornado shelters will stand strong, providing peace of mind that your loved ones will be safe in the direst of circumstances.
What do I do if my house falls on a witch while I am safe inside my Storm Dorms tornado shelter?
We recommend that you leave the ruby slippers on her feet and let the experts do the rest.