Above-Ground vs. Underground Storm Shelter for Norman, Oklahoma

In April this year, a severe storm swept through Southern Oklahoma, Texas, killing 6 people and injuring over 30 individuals. If you live in Norman, a suburb in Oklahoma City, it’s a good idea to invest in a storm shelter for better protection against the weather.

Tornadoes are common in Southern Oklahoma and Texas, and in 2018, there were 362 tornadoes recorded in just six months.

If you’re thinking of investing in a storm shelter to keep yourself and your family safe during a tornado, here are some key differences between an above-ground shelter and an underground shelter.

Above-Ground Shelters

Above-ground storm shelters have multiple exits, which minimize the risk of getting locked inside the shelter. Greater advancements in technology have made above-ground shelters more durable, and they provide greater protection against tornadoes and storms.

Improved designs in above-ground shelters now include a sliding door, which is useful for quickly getting in and out of the shelter, preventing you from being trapped inside.

Above-ground shelters are designed as modular units, so they’re easy to relocate to another part of your property. If your living situation changes, you can also expand the above-ground shelter to provide safety to more people.

The modular above-ground shelters allow you to remove a panel and create a new exit from the shelter in case of an emergency, thereby providing you extra safety.

These shelters are versatile and can be installed both outdoors and indoors. You can install one in your garage, closet, or basement.

The best part about above-ground shelters is that you can quickly get inside them if a storm or tornado strikes. It’s often located in a convenient area of the property, making it all the more accessible.

These shelters are also waterproof and have airflow filters, which provide adequate ventilation if you need to stay inside the shelter for several hours.

Underground Shelters

Underground or in-ground shelters are usually built in the yard or installed underneath a garage. These shelters are encased with steel or concrete, and offer protection from high winds and debris during a storm.

It’s always good to plan and invest in a storm shelter to have a safe place during a storm. At Oklahoma Shelters, we provide concrete storm shelters installed underground with a 10-year warranty against leaks and corrosion. Call us at 405-367-7901 and build a safety net for yourself and your family today!