3 Cleaning and Maintenance Hacks All Shelter-Owners Need to Know

A storm shelter can be a life-saving installation in the home that can protect you and your family from various calamities. These include forest fires, tornadoes, and hurricanes. However, for them to function as a place where your family can feel comfortable and safe, they need to be clean and well maintained.

Here are a few tips on how you can ensure your storm shelter is in optimal condition when there’s a storm approaching.

Clean Out the Shelter and Closets Thoroughly

Make sure the closets and compartments in your storm shelter are orderly and organized. Stockpiled food, clothing, and essential items should be easily accessible. Additionally, make sure blankets, pillows, and helmets are free of dust particles and reachable.

The shelter’s foundation also needs to be comprehensively dusted and vacuumed. Because a storm shelter is a highly enclosed area, dust particles can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. Lastly, check for holes or gaps within the shelter that could suggest pests and rodents’ presence. Make sure to close these and have pest exterminated if need be.   

Prevent Water Damage

You should ensure that the shelter and its surrounding areas don’t have any water present. Water can cause extensive damage inside a shelter, including the growth of mold or fungus. Over time, the shelter’s walls and floors could begin to deteriorate, undermining its effectiveness.

The simplest way to prevent water damage is to grade the soil away from your shelter’s entrance. Additionally, cracks in the walls or roofs should be covered with sealants to avoid entry points.

Over time, the high humidity and moisture leakage in a storm shelter can also lead to significant damage. Installing a dehumidifier can significantly help the storm shelter reduce moisture and dampness.

Proper Ventilation

The shelter should also be adequately ventilated. Since a storm shelter is closed off from the rest of the house, it can be challenging to maintain good air quality. The shelter can become stuffy, and in some circumstances, even develop mildew. You can avoid this by keeping the storm shelter open for a few hours or even a few days every month to regulate the air quality.

Need more advice on how to maintain your storm shelter and install upgrades? Reach out to Oklahoma Shelters today! We have a diverse set of high-quality storm shelters available for installation, including underground bunkers, garage shelters, and concrete storm shelters in Norman and Oklahoma City. Get in touch with us now to know more.