Your home is not designed to protect you or your family from the elements. It’s built for natural disasters. High-velocity winds can cause severe damage. If you live in Central America’s “Tornado Alley”, you will be acutely aware of the potential damage that severe weather can cause to your home. You can have some security by having a storm shelters for homes or safe place on your property. These shelters are built to protect the occupants from high winds and flying debris. They can store nonperishable food items and bottled water. The cost of a tornado shelter or safe area can run into the thousands. Here’s a breakdown of the cost.
Underground Tornado Shelters
Shelters that are below the ground offer high protection from tornadoes. These tornado shelters for homes are usually underground and can be made from steel or concrete. Shelters’ built-in basements and simple shelters can be as low as $3,500, according to SFGATE. You can expect to pay $30,000. For digging underground spaces or building shelters that are custom-made for your needs, it could cost as much as $30,000.
Above-Ground Safe Rooms
Pre-built steel rooms can be used to shelter above ground from tornadoes or other disasters. These shelters might be an option: Flood-prone areas and homes without basements blast shelters for homes might not be suitable due to limited space and high water tables.
People with limited mobility
National Geographic reports that pre-built steel safe rooms measuring 8 x 8 feet are available for between $6,600 to $8,700. You can place them in any room in your home. However, most people prefer having them installed in their garage. Anchor shelters above ground to your foundation.
Other Factors Influencing Tornado Shelter Cost
Materials
Storm shelters should not be made from weak materials such as concrete, steel, or fiberglass. Concrete and fiberglass are more affordable than steel-safe rooms or Kevlar.
Installation and customization
You can either get a safe-room prefabricated from a manufacturer or buy one at a big box or hardware store. You can build a safe room by yourself but it is better to hire professionals.
Size
The cost of shelters varies depending on the size. A safe room that can be used to shelter a family in their home is usually less costly than one that can hold 20 people.
Requirements for Building
FEMA P-361 standards have been established by FEMA for storm shelters. These shelters must be able to withstand winds up to 250 mph and fly debris.
