Author Archives: Oklahoma69

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a tornado

5 Historic Natural Disasters To Hit Oklahoma City

Oklahoma City, situated in the “tornado alley,” has earned its reputation as one of the most severely affected cities by tornadoes and hurricanes. Tornadoes such as F5 and EF5 are most likely to hit Oklahoma City than any other region of Oklahoma. There have been several natural disasters that have left the city devastated.

Here’s a list of some deadliest natural disasters in Oklahoma City.

1. The F5 tornado 1999

This was one of the most destructive tornadoes to ever hit Oklahoma City. This F5 tornado struck the Oklahoma City metro area on May 3 1999, causing 36 deaths. The total cost of damage was $1 billion.

2. The EF5 tornado 2013

The EF5 tornado hit the metro area of Oklahoma City on May 20th, 2013. This was the costliest natural disaster and amounted to 2 billion dollars worth of damage. It claimed 24 lives being the fourth deadliest disaster and was the first EF5 tornado recorded in Oklahoma City.

3. The 1942 tornado

The tornado hit Oklahoma City on June 12th, 1948, and was the second deadliest tornado claiming 35 lives.

4. The 1948 tornado

This was the third costliest tornado in Oklahoma City that occurred on March 20th, 1948. The damage summed up to 10 million dollars. Most damages were caused to the aircraft at Tinker Air Force Base. To put the damage cost into perspective, even after adjusting for inflation, the May 2013 tornado and the May 1999 tornado were 200 times and 100 times more costly, respectively.

5. The 2015 Flooding  

flooded streets with houses around

In May 2015, Oklahoma City suffered the worst flooding ever recorded. The official recorded rain was 19.48 inches. Several drownings and other deaths were reported leaving irreparable damage behind.

Oklahoma City has been recorded to have 5 tornadoes in one day in 1974, 2013 and 2018. The state’s capital is known to have been hit 30 times by two or more tornadoes in one day.

Living in Oklahoma City can be challenging and needs precautionary arrangements. Installing storm shelters is the safest way to protect yourself and your family from these deadly natural disasters. At Oklahoma Shelters, we build custom-made concrete storm sheltersunderground bunkers, garage shelters and safe rooms according to your family’s requirements.

Get in touch with us if you’re looking for a reliable company with FEMA-approved products to install a storm shelter in Oklahoma.


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a house in a field during a storm

Install A Community Storm Shelter In Norman, OK

Norman is one of the cities in Oklahoma that faces a high number of hurricanes and tornadoes. These natural disasters cause severe destruction and sweep away homes. Therefore, installing a community storm shelter in Norman is important to protect the residents.

Here are some factors to be considered when installing a community storm shelter.

1. Sufficient Resident Accommodation

While building a storm shelter for public use, it is important to get your data right. The total number of residents, the number of elderly and children, the number of people with special needs such as a wheelchair, and other relevant technical data need to be collected and studied thoroughly to make sure the storm shelter is equipped to accommodate all the residents. Space allocation, inside the shelter, per person, is a very important factor to consider to avoid any mishaps during and after the chaos of a storm.

2. Built According To Guidelines

All storm shelters have to be built according to FEMA guidelines to provide maximum safety and protection. It has to be built strictly according to the FEMA protocols and requirements to make sure the shelter can withstand strong tornadoes and hurricanes and provide safety,

3. Ventilation

two industrial exhaust fans for ventilation

When you have a large number of people gathered, it is important to provide hygiene and a clean environment. Failure to do so can lead to the spread of diseases and a number of other problems. Therefore, proper ventilation systems are a must to provide people with clean air in a storm shelter.

4. System Functionality

There are complex systems that are installed to ensure a proper smooth running of a storm shelter. It is important to make sure all the systems installed are safe to use and don’t cause any technical difficulties. This connects to everything, from the working of ventilation systems to the functioning of the kitchen equipment and operating automated doors.

There are many details that have to be taken care of when building a storm shelter for a large group of people. FEMA provides guidelines, protocols, and instructions on how to build the safest storm shelters for a community or in your house.

If you’re interested in installing a storm shelter in your house, feel free to get in touch with us to learn more about us. We provide custom-made underground bunkers, concrete storm shelters, and safe rooms. We can design your shelter or safe rooms according to your family’s unique requirements to provide the highest level of safety and protection.


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an underground bunker

Here’s Why Oklahoma City Needs Underground Bunkers

Oklahoma is situated in the “alley of tornado” making it prone to strong hurricanes, tornadoes and twisters. Such natural disasters can cause a lot of damage and claim lives. Therefore, it is recommended to install underground bunkers in Oklahoma City. It is the safest option for the residents to protect themselves in case of natural calamities.

Here are some reasons why it is important to have underground bunkers in Oklahoma City.

1. It Can Be Custom-Made

Underground bunkers can be built according to your requirements and can fit all the members of your family safely. They’re built according to the FEMA guidelines providing sufficient space per person, giving special attention to each family member’s age and special requirements like wheelchair access.

2. You Can Stock Emergency Supplies in it

During a natural disaster, you get no warning to collect the essential items your need before heading to the shelter. An underground bunker can be stocked with all the emergency supplies you might need during an emergency. This includes bedding, food supplies, toiletries and medical supplies.

3. It Can Store Your Valuables

Besides necessities, you can store your documents, IDs, jewelry and other valuables in the underground bunker. In case of natural disasters, these underground bunkers prove to be safer and more convenient to access because banks can be hard to reach and your valuables can be destroyed.

4. It Is Easy to Access

underground bunker access through stairs

A storm bunker under your house is the easiest and the quickest safe place you can access in case of an emergency. It can be risky for you to leave your premises in search of a safe place like a community storm shelter when there’s a hurricane or a tornado hovering around.

Oklahoma City is prone to hurricanes and tornadoes. An underground bunker is a must-have to protect your loved ones if you live in the city. If you’re interested in installing an underground bunker in your house, get in touch with us for more information on our services.

We also build custom-made safe rooms , garage shelters and concrete storm shelters. We provide expert services starting from the initial survey of your house till the installation of your shelter. All our products are FEMA approved and of the best quality to provide you with the utmost protection.


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a storm shelter

4 Alternate Ways To Use A Storm Shelter In Norman, OK

Storm shelters are an inevitable investment you need to make, living in Norman. The frequent hurricanes and tornadoes demand protection and safety for your family. But is that all you can use a storm shelter for? Storm shelters can be useful besides just being used during storms. There are quite a few ways for you to utilize your storm shelter during the off-storm season.

Here are a few alternate ways for storm shelter uses in Norman.

1. Use It As a Personal Vault

One of the safest places in your house to keep all your valuables and precious belongings can be your storm shelter. It can act as an alternative to your bank locker. You can use it to keep important documents, cash, expensive artifacts or any other valuables you want to keep safe. This doesn’t only act as a protection against theft or robbery, but in case of flooding, the storm shelter can protect all your precious valuables and belongings.

2. Use It For Extra Storage

You can use your storm shelter for extra storage if you’re running low on space in your house. For example, if you run a small business from your home and have received a big order, you can use the shelter to store your inventory safely. It can also be used to keep extra furniture and other household items like mattresses and bedding that may be used occasionally.

3. Use It to Store Food

three cans of canned chili

In Norman, we understand the extent of damage hurricanes and tornadoes can cause. It is always safer to be ready and stock non-perishable food items to prepare for such emergencies. You can use your storm shelter as a space to stock up on canned and non-perishable food items.

 4. Use It As A Guest Bedroom

If you’re in a situation where you have to accommodate more guests than your house space can allow, your storm shelter can save you. Turn it into a temporary guest bedroom accommodating people according to its capacity.

We provide FEMA-approved safe rooms and storm shelters in Oklahoma. We build custom-made shelters and safe rooms to cater to your exact requirements. We offer underground bunkers and above ground shelters based on your preference or location needs. Get in touch with us to find out more about our services.


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A slope-top concrete storm shelter

Is It Important To Hire A Professional For Concrete Storm Shelter Installation?

Like many Americans, you might be tempted to attempt a DIY safe room or storm shelter installation in your home. But there are several reasons why that’s a bad idea, most of which have to do with your safety and that of your family in times of natural disasters.

This blog talks about why hiring an expert is necessary for your concrete storm shelter installation and where you can find reliable storm shelter experts in Norman and Oklahoma City.

1. Structural Integrity

For your storm shelter to withstand dangerous storms, it must have a sound structure. Hiring a professional for your concrete storm shelter installation will prove more beneficial as they’ll look into whether the walls, ceiling and floor can hold you and your family during a tornado or hurricane.

Our concrete storm shelters are incredibly strong and come with a 10-year warranty on leaks and corrosion. We’ll also do an inspection after the installation to ensure the structural integrity of your safe room.

2. Ventilation

Your storm shelter also requires a proper ventilation system to keep oxygen flowing in and out. Depending on whether your storm shelter is above-ground or underground, a storm shelter expert will ensure that your safe room receives ample fresh air for you and your family to safely ride out the storm.

Our experts can also support you in applying for your storm shelter permit so that you don’t miss any important documentation.

3. Security

Perhaps the most important reason you should hire a professional for your concrete storm shelter installation is to make sure that your shelter is fully secure. Some features that we add to our storm shelters for protection include steel doors with gas hinges and deadbolts, thick walls supported with a rebar cage, and have them pass the Texas Tech Impact Test, among several others.

A slope-top concrete storm shelter installed in a backyard with its door wide open

It’s quite important to get your storm shelter examined to see if it adheres to FEMA’s safety standards and guidelines. To find steel safe rooms, concrete storm shelters, and underground bunkers for your properties in Oklahoma City and Norman, give us a call.

All our concrete storm shelter installations come with a 10-year warranty against any kind of corrosion and leakages. We offer free shelter quotes to our clients after conducting a preliminary assessment of their property. For more information on our installation processes, you may scroll through our FAQ page.


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Flat Top Vs. Slope Top: Which Type Of Shelter Works Best For You?

Storm shelters are necessary additions to homes across South America. If you’re a resident of Oklahoma City or Norman, your home should have a safe room installed to ensure your safety during a natural disaster.

So if you’re looking for the right shelter for your home, you should know that common varieties in safe rooms include flat-top vs slope-top shelters, both of which offer general benefits and advantages specific to their shapes. Read on to learn which of the two works better for you.

Flat Top Shelters

These shelters are typically installed in the ground, which means they can go either outside your home or in your garage, depending on how much space you’ve got. Because their tops are flat, they don’t obstruct anything, which is why you can install them in your garage and park your car on top.

Both our flat-top vs slope-top shelters come equipped with several useful features. These include gas hinges on a steel door, with pre-cast concrete and strengthened with mesh and rebar. For more information on our storm shelters, read through our FAQ page.

Slope Top Shelters

In several ways, flat-top vs slope-top shelters are almost identical in design and specifications. However, some differences might be relevant to some of you. The sloping top allows rainwater, snow, and other debris to slide right off the shelter’s top, as opposed to flat-top shelters.

The slope also makes it easier to spot the shelter from a distance, which would not be possible with a flat-top shelter in most cases. Our flat-top vs slope-top shelters offer 10 years’ worth of protection against leaks and corrosion and come with wind turbines to ensure ventilation. Finally, either of these storm shelters can be made to accommodate anywhere between 5 to 23 people.

A concrete flat-top shelter installed into the ground with its door closed

Storm Shelters In Norman And Oklahoma City

Whether you opt for a flat-top vs slope-top shelter, all our storm shelters have been vigorously tested to withstand an EF5 tornado while exceeding the safety protocols highlighted by FEMA. To learn more about the features that come installed into our storm shelters, call us at 405-367-7901 anytime between 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

Do you require a shelter quote for your residential property? Fill in this form to get your free shelter quote!


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: a family standing with a safe room and workers

What Does A Safe Room Inspection Cover?

Safe rooms are installed with a promise to provide protection. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the safe room you’ve installed fulfills its purpose. After installing a safe room, an inspection is held to ensure that it is safe and ready to use.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we make sure that all the safe rooms we deliver and install comply with FEMA guidelines. All our safe rooms also go through a rigorous Texas Tech Impact Test to check the durability and structural integrity of our products.

A typical safe room inspection includes the following procedures.

Measurements

All the safe rooms are thoroughly inspected, keeping specific measurements for different components in mind. The doors have to be 36 inches thick for maximum security and protection. The steel floor of the safe room has to be secured with anchor bolts. Anchor bolts are heavy fasteners used to attach the safe rooms to the concrete. These bolts have to be 5 inches long and 3/4 inches wide every 12 inches.

Ventilation

Ventilation is a very important factor to consider when it comes to safe rooms. According to the International Mechanical Code (IMC), 15 cubic feet per person per minute is the minimum air exchange recommended. Engineers check all the ventilation systems installed in the safe room to make sure this requirement is met.

Space Allocation

We provide custom-built safe rooms, which means that we are aware of how many occupants will use the safe room. It is then designed accordingly, allocating space according to the FEMA guidelines for each person. For occupants in a wheelchair, 10 square feet per person is the designated space inside the safe room. This requirement increases to 30 square feet per person for a bed-ridden person. According to the client’s requirements, the inspection team will ensure that all these requirements are met.

Control Panel

a concrete safe room

 

The control panel is tested to make sure it’s functioning effectively. Our engineers and technicians make sure they test the system extensively and run it numerous times to check its efficiency. Once our team is satisfied with the system’s performance, it is approved.

Get in touch with us if you’d like to install a safe room in your house or office. We also provide Underground bunkers in OKC, concrete storm shelters Oklahoma, and underground bunkers.

 

 

 


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a tornado and lightning hitting an open field

What Natural Disasters Can Safe Rooms Protect You From?

Natural disasters can be catastrophic and cause irreparable destruction. However, there are certainly some measures you can take to protect yourself and your family from the wrath of nature.

Investing in safe rooms is one measure that allows you to reduce the harmful effects of a natural disaster. It is meant to provide a safe place during a natural disaster.

Here’s an overview of how safe rooms can provide protection from natural disasters.

Tornadoes

If built according to FEMA‘s guidelines, a safe room can provide near-absolute protection from natural disasters like tornadoes. Popular belief is that underground safe rooms provide more safety than safe rooms built above the ground, but this isn’t necessarily correct. A safe room can be safe above or under the ground, provided it has been built according to the guidelines specified by FEMA. According to State Impact Oklahoma, a safe room can withstand an EF5-type tornado regardless of the typo.

Hurricanes

a hurricane building up

 

Hurricanes are much bigger and stronger than tornadoes. Nevertheless, safe rooms can offer protection even through hurricanes. Your location and geographic factors determine the positioning of the safe room on your premises. For example, if you live in an area that floods often, an underground safe room may not be the best choice. Most people prefer a safe room inside the house over a concrete shelter built outside because it is safer and quicker to access.

Earthquakes

Earthquakes are one of the deadliest natural disasters. According to Redcross, the first thing to do in case of an earthquake is to ‘drop, cover and hold.’ The purpose of this action is to protect yourself from collapsing objects. In an indoor space, a safe room is the safest option to stay safe in case of an earthquake. It can be a secure space for you to go take cover and hold on until the earthquake subsides.

Safe rooms can be very useful in ensuring protection from natural disasters. If you’re looking for a safe rooms oklahoma, feel free to get in touch with us, and we will be pleased to serve you.

We also provide tornado shelters, Underground Cement Shelters OK, and underground bunkers.


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An above-ground storm shelter made from steel

The Advantages Of Installing Above-Ground Storm Shelters

Are you hoping to upgrade your underground cement shelter? It might be worthwhile to consider above-ground storm shelters instead of underground bunkers and safe rooms, but you should always consult a specialist before making the final decision.

Here’s why we recommend above-ground storm shelters to residents of Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and other areas.

1. Faster Installation

Above-ground storm shelters are considerably quick to install when compared with underground storm shelters or bunkers. That’s because the preparation time for underground safe rooms is significantly longer, as the ground has to be dug up, and a foundation for the shelter needs to be laid.

2. Movable

Because they aren’t installed underground, moving an above-ground storm shelter from one area to another is also relatively easier. Since getting a storm shelter can be expensive, we recommend that you invest in an above-ground safe room if you want the option to move away from your current place of residence.

3. Easier To Locate

If you’ve been sitting in an underground storm shelter to ride out a hurricane or tornado, it might take a while for the authorities to find you. But an above-ground storm shelter can be seen for miles out, making it easier to locate, which is particularly useful when trying to get out of an unsafe situation.

Two above-ground storm shelters made of steel.

4. Resist Flooding

Unlike underground shelters, above-ground safe rooms aren’t at risk of flooding in the same ways. This means that above-ground storm shelters do not require the same kind of flood-proofing, meaning that you might save some money with the above-ground shelter.

5. Wheelchair Accessibility

Finally, it’s significantly easier for people with disabilities to enter an above-ground storm shelters as opposed to an underground one. For people on wheelchairs and walkers, this is good news because now you don’t have to struggle going down a flight of stairs and instead can secure yourself inside the shelter a lot faster.

Need a professional’s opinion on what sort of storm shelter will suit you and your family the best? Schedule a consultation with our safe rooms oklahoma technicians, who’ll visit your property to examine the space and suggest possible solutions.

Our safe rooms come in steel and concrete, so give us a call if you have any questions about either.

 

 


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Garage Storm Shelter

Garage Storm Shelter

When you have to take cover from a tornado, your garage shelter is the best place to go to!
At Oklahoma Shelters, our range of underground and above ground garage storm shelter can be purchased for a very reasonable price.  Both types of garage shelters are rated for an EF5 Tornado and have passed the Texas Tech Impact Test for an EF5 Tornado.
With Oklahoma Shelters, we take care of everything! Our employees are responsible for building your storm shelters and take care of all the installations, so you won’t have to hire any external contractors either. 

Oklahoma Shelters has several different styles for  a Garage Storm Shelter

Underground Garage Storm Shelter

We cut the slab, dig the hole for the shelter and haul off everything
Stairs and 2 benches in each shelter
Sprayed with a liner that is non-corrosive and leak proof
Cemented in and attached to the slab with Re-Bar so they will not float
Smooth finish on the concrete when done with the install
10 year warranty against leaks and corrosion

4’x6′ and 5’0″ H (about 6-8 people)
5’x7′ and 5’5″ H (about 8-10 people)
5’x8′ and 6’3″ H (about 10-12 people)

10 year warranty against leaks and corrosion
We cut the slab, dig the hole for the shelter and haul off everything
1/4″ solid steel lid
Attached to the garage slab with Re-Bar to prevent floating
Lock sliding door design that includes a secondary emergency opening hatch
Removable 6″ Steel Stairs and 8″ Steel Benches sprayed with our a non-slip coating
Shelter is coated with a non-corrosive and leak proof liner
Store away handrail
Vented lid

Garage Storm Shelter Safe Room

Our Safe Rooms meet or exceed FEMA standards and have passed the Texas Tech Impact Test
We can key the deadbolt on the Safe Room to match your Front Door on site when we install your Safe Room
The Safe Rooms come with a 36″ Steel Door

Completely encased in Steel 
Safe Rooms have a Steel Floor
Secured with 5″ long and 3/4″ wide Anchor Bolts every 12 inches
Each bolt has 10,000 lbs of sheer strength
4 Locking Bolts on the inside
Wheelchair Accessible
1/4“ Thick Steel
2 Large Vents
Door opens In or Out
Standard height is 6’0″ tall

Contact us for a no cost, no obligation consultation today at 405-367-7901

Oklahoma Shelters

Storm OKC Shelters

Garage Storm Shelter

Oklahoma Shelters
2501 SW 15th Street
Oklahoma City, OK  73108

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    Our friends recommend them and they did an excellent job

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    It is rare to find a business as professional, service oriented, and motivated to do quality work as Oklahoma Shelters! 

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