How Are Storm Shelters Installed?

Consider the specifications for your storm shelter based on the needs of your family, available space to place it, and funds budgeted for the project. A prefabricated storm shelter unit is most commonly buried in the ground in very close proximity to the home for easy access. The size of the shelter needs to be adequate to fit the number of family members you are expecting to house, but it does not require much excess space.

Excavate the location for the shelter. Dig the hole to the depth recommended by the manufacturer, and dig the outer walls to 1 foot larger than the shelter on all sides for backfill. In a garage, you can reduce this to 6 inches. The hole can be dug by hand or with a small excavator or that has a hydraulic shovel. If installing it inside a garage, the concrete needs to be removed before excavation. This involves cutting a seam with a concrete saw, breaking up the concrete with a sledge or power hammer and removing it. Make the sides of the hole straight and even.

Check the bottom and sides of the hole for level. A level bottom is very important for proper installation.

Set the unit in place with a backhoe, chain-and-hook hoist or a crane once the hole is ready. Most often the dealer will deliver the unit. The bottom half is set in place without the lid.

Seal the seam along the top of the base of the shelter with the recommended heavy duty concrete sealant. This is to prevent leaks and to seal the lid to the base when it is set in place. The depth of the hole that was recommended accommodates the size of the shelter being installed with the lid in place; this makes it even with the ground at the proper level.

Lower the lid onto the base. The bottom lip of the lid and the seam will be buried, but the lid and top of the structure with the door will protrude from the ground. Once the lid is in place, secure the lag bolts provided with the unit, and tighten to seal the lid in place.

Backfill the area around the unit with the removed soil from excavation. Pack it tightly, and retain some soil to place around the unit after the earth settles. In a garage, you need to pack the earth tightly and bring it to the level of the bottom of the concrete garage floor. Fill the concrete gap around the unit to refill the gap in the floor with bagged concrete mix. Shovel in place by hand, and smooth with a trowel. Caulk the seam around the perimeter of the lid where it meets the garage floor.