Storms are stronger and more destructive than ever before. Long periods of heavy rainfall caused severe flooding while long periods of strong winds caused destruction to anything in its path. Sure, you can install storm forced windows on a home, but in today’s day and age, you need storm shelters for your home.
How do I choose the right storm shelter for our home?
Now you are probably wondering, “what is the best type of storm shelter for my home?” Well, it all depends on what you are in need of for access and protection, but it also depends where you live.
For example, in-ground shelters aren’t best for flood-prone areas, but above-ground shelters work wonderfully for the disable and elderly to get into with ease when rapid storms approach. Thankfully, you have come to the right place and hopefully, this guide gives you an idea on which storm shelter will work best for your home and loved ones.
With that said, it is wise to check with your county and FEMA before choosing and installing any storm shelter in your home because you want to make sure you choose the absolute best one. Choosing the wrong one could be life-threatening.
Types of Storm Shelters to Install Inside or Outside of Your Home
There are dozens of storm shelters you can choose from to install inside or outside of your home. Here are four of the most common including the closet storm shelter in Texas, which provides outstanding protection against tornadoes and high winds from powerful hurricanes.
1. Closet Shelters
Closet shelters are some of the most common ones being built in homes. This is because they are relatively affordable and easy to install into homes. They provide quick access to shelter when a storm is fast approaching and most are handicap accessible.
Not only do these shelters protect you in a powerful storm such as a tornado, but closet storm shelters like texas ones can protect homeowners from dangerous intruders entering into their home.
2. Under the Bed Shelters
Under the bed shelters are the best solutions for those of you who live in flood zone areas, but if you aren’t in one they are outstanding to use in tornado alley or anywhere where high winds occur often due to dangerous storms such as on mountain tops.
Under the bed, shelters are quick to get to and can be life-saving if a storm is quickly approaching during the night and you don’t get enough warning to get to a secure location outside your home.
3. In-Ground Shelters
In-ground shelters are similar to under the bed storm shelters, but typically much bigger and built from concrete and usually installed before a house is built underneath the garage with an emergency exit door.
However, if your house is already built, you can still get an in-ground shelter built as close to your home as possible. Keep in mind though, these shelters aren’t designed for flood zone areas, but they do protect people from hurricane-force winds and tornadoes.
4. Above-Ground Shelters
Above-ground shelters can be placed inside already built homes, but are much bigger than the closet storm shelters in texas being built in homes. Most are made from concrete or welding materials such as steel.
All have easy access doors for entering and exiting. This makes these shelters perfect for children, the elderly and disabled loved ones to use with ease when needed. Above-ground shelters have the ability to protect against hurricane-force winds, tornadoes and sometimes even floodwaters.
What are some end thoughts to keep in mind?
Remember before installing any kind of storm shelter into your pre-existing home or home that is being built to look up your county flood zone areas and to check FEMA on proper in-home shelters for your particular area. Again, you want the right safety zone to run to when storms or intruders approach.