Types of Tornado Shelters We Install in Murphysboro
Accessibility, yard space, and budget are key factors in choosing the right tornado shelter. We can also integrate any features you’d like into your shelter. You can visit our showroom to view prebuilt shelters and step inside fully installed models to see what each one is like.
Above-Ground FamilySAFE Storm Shelters
Our FamilySAFE above-ground shelters can go in your garage, in another part of your home’s interior, or outside within a short walk of the house. An above-ground shelter can be a good fit when yard space is limited or when bedrock or a high water table prevents deep digging. It can also suit households with a family member who has mobility issues. Each unit is built from fully engineered drawings and specifications and secured to a reinforced concrete slab with a HILTI anchorage system. All FamilySAFE models have a low threshold and are wheelchair accessible, and a nearly flush threshold is available for those who need easier entry.
FamilySAFE shelters include:
- A patent-pending Safe-T door with lock releases
- A 4×4 electrical box with a 3/4″ conduit hole
- A flush-type roof vent for easy HVAC ducting
- A limited lifetime warranty
Below-Ground Storm Shelters
Most homeowners have below-ground storm shelters installed in the yard, a few feet from the back porch or main exit. Others place the shelter under the garage floor, where a floor hatch supports the weight of a vehicle without taking up parking space. Either way, being underground helps protect your family from extreme winds and high-velocity debris while keeping the shelter out of sight.
Installation requires deep excavation, usually about 6 to 8 feet, depending on the size of the unit. This makes the setup more labor-intensive and time-consuming than an above-ground installation. Prebuilt models range from four-person units to shelters that hold 12 people, with room inside to store emergency supplies. Many models come with insulation, and you can add climate control options.
