Storm Shelter Information

Certification

• Since protection is the goal, a storm shelter bearing the seal of the National Storm Shelter Agency means the unit has been designed to withstand severe storm conditions and independently tested through certified entities to meet association standards.

Standards

• The Federal Emergency Management Agency has published a booklet entitled "FEMA 320, Taking Shelter from the Storm." It details the standards recommended for storm shelters and can be ordered from the FEMA website. It includes constructions plans and estimated costs.

Location

• In-residence shelters or safe rooms are constructed inside the home. They are usually a bathroom or closet, large enough to accommodate the inhabitants of the home. The room is constructed of materials is a specialized design and construction method that allows it to withstand high winds and debris impact caused by high winds. Outdoor structures provide the same protection but are located outside the home in a nearby location. These are often chosen when a home has already been built and cannot economically be modified.