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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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An underground garage storm shelter with its door closed

3 Advantages Of Getting A Garage Storm Shelter

Do you have a garage with your home in Norman? If so, you might want to consider installing your new storm shelter there instead of having it set up right outside your house. Garage storm shelters are perhaps the quickest way you and your family can get to safety if a storm warning goes off.

Garage shelters, if installed properly, can also withstand tornadoes as deadly as those classified as EF5. Here are some advantages of installing a garage storm shelter on your property.

Quick To Access

Having a storm shelter on your property makes it much faster to get to safety. This is perhaps the biggest advantage of having your garage storm shelter, along with being an efficient way to utilize space in your home.

We offer several garage shelters for sale in Norman and Oklahoma City, quotes for which are provided completely free of cost. Learn more about our garage shelters and their specifications before making your decision.

Custom-Built

Every home deserves a shelter built to keep their needs in mind. If there’s anyone in your family who uses a wheelchair, your garage storm shelter must be wheelchair-friendly. Similarly, grandparents who may struggle going up and down the stairs may require support from a staircase’s guardrail.

There are several ways to customize your garage storm shelter. We first conduct an assessment of your property and collect information about each family member to see what they’ll need to access the safe room. Then, we will share a final plan with you for approval before beginning the installation.

A garage storm shelter is being installed on someone’s property

Increase In Property Value

Homes in Norman and Oklahoma City require safe rooms and storm shelters, given how frequent tornadoes and hurricanes are in the South. Therefore, if you install a new garage shelter in your home, your property value will go up as people in the area will need a safe room.

By picking Oklahoma Shelters for your garage storm shelter installation, you can ensure that your shelter will adhere to FEMA’s guidelines as well as surpass the Texas Tech Impact Test.

Would you like a free quote on how much a garage storm shelter installation will cost? All you need to do is to give us a call at 405-367-7901, and our experts will schedule a visit to your property to give you the best approximation possible.

You can also get a concrete storm shelter or an underground bunker installed onto your properties in Norman and Oklahoma City. Have more questions? Check out our FAQ page.


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A 4x6 steel safe room painted white

What Specifications Should My Steel Safe Room Have?

Safe rooms are common across South America, given how often it is ravaged by natural disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. That’s why your Oklahoman home needs a reliable storm shelter since it sees storms almost all year round.

So if you plan on getting a steel safe room for your property, go through this blog to learn which features it should have for the safety of your family.

1. Accessibility

One of the major features your steel safe room should have is easy access for all your family members. This means that you might need your safe room to also be disability-friendly, meaning that people on wheelchairs can also access it as needed.

A good steel room would have a ramp that allows wheelchairs to go inside or a staircase if the shelter is installed underground. Lastly, your storm shelter should also be installed in an area of your home that everyone can reach quickly when a disaster warning is given by the authorities.

2. Security

Some necessary features that we think a steel safe room should have include deadbolts on the door, which should be secured with strong anchor bolts. The bolts that we use for our shelters are incredibly strong, with each one offering 10,000 lbs.

The entire structure of the storm shelter should be encased in steel, with the door at the thickest for maximum protection. We also ensure that all our shelters are deemed safe by authorities and pass the Texas Tech Impact Test.

3. Ventilation And Storage

Every storm shelter or safe room requires a fully functional ventilation system to keep everyone safe during a storm. That’s why our shelters have two large vents so that everyone can ride out the storm safely.

It’s also important for your safe room to have ample storage space where you can keep necessities, i.e., food, medical supplies, emergency radio, etc.

A steel safe room with a staircase installed in the ground

Does your storm shelter need an upgrade for the upcoming seasons? Our steel safe rooms are fully compliant with FEMA’s standards, offering protection even against EF5 tornadoes. We also install underground garage shelters, concrete storm shelters, and underground bunkers for residents of Oklahoma City and nearby areas.

Call 405-367-7901 to speak with an expert on setting up a safe room on your property. If you have queries regarding our installation process, you can also send them to sales@sm.dev-version.com.


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A 20’x50′ Safe Room built above ground.

Three Indicators To Seek Shelter In A Safe Room

The state of Oklahoma experiences many tornadoes throughout the year, causing severe damage to wildlife and property. If you live in Oklahoma City or Norman, you’ve likely had to rush for shelter, whether in your home or to the community’s storm shelter.

In times of natural disasters, being well-prepared can determine your chances of survival. Therefore, paying attention to the signs of an impending disaster is extremely important. To help you plan your evacuation, here’s how you’ll know it’s time to seek shelter in a safe room.

Atmospheric Warnings

The most authentic way to know of an impending disaster – including tornadoes – is to watch out for any atmospheric signs. These can either be observed in person or delivered by relevant authorities via announcements. For authentic warnings, keep tabs on the National Weather Service’s website.

Read the following atmospheric warnings before seeking shelter in a safe room:

1. Sky Changing Color

Often when a tornado is about to arrive, the sky might turn a shade too green or just go dark. That’s a clear sign that you need to grab your pets (if any) and rush to the safe room with your family.

2. Debris-Carrying Clouds

Another sign of an impending tornado are clouds carrying debris. These might start small but often get bigger even if there is no funnel. Make sure to stay away from windows if you see debris flying around.

3. Calm Before The Chaos

Right before the tornado is about to strike, you’ll notice a stillness in the air. Treat this as an announcement of the disaster and stay inside your safe room until you’ve been informed it’s safe to go out.

Two women shake hands in front of a grey safe room that’s been installed.

Residents of Norman, Oklahoma, can also request Community Storm Shelters for their neighborhoods with Oklahoma Shelters. We also offer high-quality steel and concrete rooms, shelters, and bunkers for installation across residential facilities. You’ll have many options in our showroom to choose from, such as garage shelters, above-ground storm shelters, and underground bunkers among others.

If you live anywhere in Oklahoma City, get a free quote on your property by filling in your details on our website, or by calling us at 405-367-7901. If you’ve got questions that our FAQ page does not address, send them along to our email at sales@sm.dev-version.com.


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A custom-built concrete safe room by Oklahoma Shelters

Do Safe Rooms Offer More Protection Than Underground Shelters?

Are you a homeowner in Norman or Oklahoma City? You’ve probably encountered a few tornado warnings by now, which we understand can be quite anxiety-inducing for many residents. Given the climate of Oklahoma and nearby states, safe rooms and underground shelters are common additions for residential and commercial facilities.

But which of the two is safer? Find out in this contrast of safe rooms vs. underground shelters.

Safe Rooms

In the United States, safe rooms are designed to offer maximum protection against violent winds and storms while adhering to FEMA’s guidelines on constructing safe rooms. These are either made of concrete or steel, have heavy-duty doors, and can be built with insulation to regulate temperature.

Safe rooms are also useful in times of nuclear disasters, as their construction is done using materials that make it impenetrable, even for radioactive waste. However, all these features make safe rooms significantly more expensive to install.

Oklahoma Shelters offers steel and concrete safe rooms that can hold anywhere between 4 to 2 people, depending on the size you request. Connect with us for a free consultation on your property.

The inside of a concrete underground bunker with a ladder.

Underground Shelters

Unlike safe rooms, underground shelters and bunkers follow the guidelines of the ICC, specifically their NSSA 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters. They are typically built within existing structures like garages or basements using lighter metals for quicker installation and fitting. However, lighter metals make for relatively-less safe shelters and lack temperature regulation as they aren’t usually insulated.

At Oklahoma Shelters, you’ll find both underground garage shelters and underground concrete or steel bunkers that follow the guidelines highlighted by relevant authorities. And what’s more, is that we use strong materials to make each for maximum protection against storms.

Still unsure about which safety mechanism is better for your home? You’ve got no reason to worry because Oklahoma Shelters can quickly assess your property and make recommendations accordingly. Call us at 405-367-7901 or leave an email at sales@sm.dev-version.com to get in touch.

All our safe rooms and underground shelters come with warranties, so you can rest assured knowing you’ve made a value-laden investment. For more information on our facilities and installation processes, read through our FAQ section.

 


Storm Shelters

Underground Slope Top Shelter

Concrete Shelter

Underground Garage Shelter

Garage Shelter

Installing Steel Safe Room

Steel Safe Room

Underground Bunker

Underground Bunker

 

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Our friends recommend them and they did an excellent job

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The best company I've ever dealt with, you will not regret it.

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