Are Safe Rooms Better Than Underground Storm Shelters? Explained

The US ranks at the top in the number of a tornado it faces each year. In US 2021, it faced about 1376 tornadoes, which was more than the previous year, with 1075 tornadoes. The government approves using either safe rooms or storm shelters to protect you from tornadoes and to keep yourself safe.

Safe rooms and underground storm shelters, although both of them have contrasting structures and are built in different locations, they perform the same function. You may wonder which one you should build; a safe room or an underground storm shelter? Let’s go through the differentiating aspects of both so that you can make a suitable decision.

Underground Storm Shelters Aren’t Flood Resistant

Just as rain and any other weather phenomenon require different environmental conditions, tornadoes are not that different. They occur during thunderstorms which have the desired pressure for them to form. After the tornado has passed, heavy rain can occur, becoming a problem for underground storm shelters.

As they are built below ground level, heavy rain can cause flooding, making them unusable. On the other hand, safe rooms built above ground use reinforced steel to form them, which gives them an advantage over underground shelters.

Underground Shelters Aren’t Affected By High-Speed Winds

The location of storm shelters and safe rooms is also crucial. Underground storm shelters aren’t affected by the high-speed winds of the tornado as they are below ground. As it’s below ground, it keeps you protected from high-speed debris.

Safe rooms have to be made with reinforced steel as they have to handle the full force of the 300 mph tunneling tornado winds and flying debris. When getting a safe room, consider checking its FEMA approval.

Underground Shelters Can Get Buried Under Rubble

Tornadoes deal a lot of damage to buildings and can completely alter the landscape from wherever they pass. It can leave the building in a sorry state and turn them into rubble. The underground shelter can be a disadvantage as they can get buried under the debris and rubble right after the tornado has passed. You can get trapped inside, leaving you to wait for rescuers to save you.

Safe rooms being above ground have less chance of getting buried by rubble. They are also prominent compared to the underground shelter, which may take a short time for rescuers to be able to find you.

Keep Your Family Safe From Natural Disaster By Installing Safe Room By Oklahoma Shelters

Now that you’re aware of how both; safe rooms and underground shelters are different. Why not get them installed by us? At Oklahoma Shelters, we offer the best built safe rooms, underground shelters, and underground bunkers in OKC according to the area and size of your home.

We offer our services in different areas of Oklahoma, including Norman, Moore, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Edmond. Contact us today to have your safe room installed by our team of experts.