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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

How To Get A Free Quote For A Shelter

Given that storm shelter installations can be costly, getting any kind of discount can be a huge help. So, it’s completely understandable for you to be on the lookout for a service provider that not only has great products but can also give you a free quote for your shelter.

Here at Oklahoma Shelters, you’ll find an extensive variety of bunkers, shelters, and safe rooms to add to your homes or commercial properties at unmatched rates. Our shelters are built to protect families and communities from all sorts of disasters – natural or otherwise.

To get a free quote for shelter installation, here’s what you’ve got to do:

Decide On Shelter Type

The first thing you need to do is figure out which type of shelter you’d like installed. But don’t worry if you are struggling to pick one. To help you decide, we have an extensive collection of underground bunkers, underground garage shelters, safe rooms, and concrete storm shelters that you can choose from.

You can read about all of these directly on our website or inquire about them via email at sales@sm.dev-version.com.

Fill In Your Details

Next, you’ll need to go over to our website and locate the page where you can apply to get a free quote. For your ease, our website has a separate tab on free quotes, where we’ll need your name, contact details, and your preferred shelter or safe room type.

You can also leave additional notes on the form as well. Use this to list down any concerns you might have so that our experts can address them when they communicate with you.

Talk To Our Specialists

Finally, you should expect a call from one of our specialists, who will discuss your options and concerns, and then ask you if you’d like to schedule an on-site visit. This will help our team to give you a precise quote and will also allow you to address any other queries you might have had since your last conversation.

Call Us Today!

Not sure whether an Underground Cement Shelters OK would work for your property? Or is our variety in garage shelters OKC confusing you? We get it; it’s a big decision. So why make it alone? Get in touch with our specialists today by calling on 405-367-7901.

You’ll be met by an expert on the other line who’ll ask you a few questions about your home layout and proceed to ask you for your details to confirm a visit to your property. Once the visit is done, you’ll soon be provided with a free quote for a shelter or safe room, depending on what you end up choosing.

Tornadoes-How Hazardous Are They, Really?

Tornadoes are terrible, and each one that causes devastation seems just as bad as the last. With the Fujita Tornado Damage Scale, the level of destruction caused by each tornado that makes landfall can be determined. Those living in Tornado Alley spend more time investigating the actual storm causing damage to our houses than we contemplate the meaning of the various tornado warning levels.

In this blog, we’ll examine the various degrees to which tornadoes can cause damage in Oklahoma. We hope that this information will help locals prepare for the next tornado season.

The Severity of Tornado Damage

F0

This is the lowest level on the scale, with winds ranging from 40 to 72 mph and minor damage. Damage to structures is limited to the roofs and chimneys, and while some trees may have lost branches, they will still be primarily undamaged and able to withstand the storm.

F1

The 73–112 mph winds accompanying events of this scale are sufficient to cause noticeable but manageable destruction. This notch will damage more roofs and residences with shaky foundations.

F2

Wind speeds of this class of tornado range from 113 to 157 mph, and they can severely damage structures. House roofs can be entirely ripped out, and residences with unstable foundations can be completely destroyed. Moreover, trees can be snapped in half or uprooted.

F3

Damage at this level is rather severe since winds at this speed range from 158 to 206 mph. When a tornado of this strength hits, nearly every home will suffer considerable destruction. No matter how sturdy their foundation or construction, houses will have their roofs and walls blown completely off by the winds.

F4

The 207–260 mph winds at this level are what make a tornado of this intensity so destructive. There is complete damage to homes, uprooting of structures with weak foundations, and vehicular destruction as automobiles are hurled at great distances. The tornado’s impact may generate up to three thousand vertical feet of debris, and these winds have been known to strike down many times, increasing the initial destruction.

F5

Extreme tornadoes like this one can pack winds of between 261 and 318 mph. The storm’s winds can completely or partially blow away numerous houses. The winds are so powerful at this point that even the tallest skyscrapers and office buildings are utterly demolished and torn apart. The destruction brought on by these tornadoes is unparalleled.

Tornadoes are always a threat; no matter how extensive the destruction, your and your loved ones’ safety must be your top priority. Despite a storm’s severity, Oklahoma Shelters has worked diligently to establish a level of safety and security that can be counted on.

Contact our experts if you want the finest possible safety for your house, and we’ll design a storm shelter specifically for you. Our range includes concrete storm shelters OKC, in-ground Storm Shelter Expert OKC, safe rooms, garage shelters, and more.

Contact us immediately to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

What Safety Measures Should You Take During a Tornado?

Locals in Oklahoma are well aware of how challenging the state’s severe weather season can be. The uncertainty it causes all year long means that Oklahomans must be ready for storm season as soon as it arrives. With a total of 28, the number of tornadoes that struck Oklahoma in October 2021 was the highest recorded for a single month.

A variety of extreme weather phenomena, including gale-force winds, hail, torrential downpours, and flooding, can cause damage to properties and businesses. When people aren’t ready for storms and don’t take precautions to protect themselves and their families, the resulting property damage can be devastating financially.

Unfortunately, Oklahoma residents caught outside during a storm have limited options for safe shelter. Nonetheless, you can take precautions to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

The following are some of the most effective techniques to get ready for Oklahoma’s tornado season:

1. Plan Ahead

Planning is essential in these serious situations. In the event of severe weather, preparation is key. It is of paramount importance that you and your loved ones be secure first and foremost; everything else follows afterward. If you don’t already have one, you should install a tornado storm shelter in your house.

2. Be Prepared With An Emergency Kit

Having an emergency kit on hand can be helpful in the event of an unexpected storm. Include supplies such as a first aid kit, water, food, energy bars, a flashlight, spare batteries, and additional clothing in your emergency bag. It’s also important to show your children how to put together a storm survival pack in case you cannot be there yourself. Make sure everybody in the house is familiar with the procedure.

3. Maintain A Well-Stocked Emergency Shelter

Locals often build underground or in-ground storm shelters to protect themselves from the state’s frequent and severe thunderstorms. Have all the essentials on hand and ready to go in your garage shelter or underground bunker. Things like first aid kits, blankets, extra clothes, food, water, snacks, batteries, flashlights, phone chargers, power banks, and pet supplies (if you have any) can all come in handy.

4. Be Prepared

It’s crucial that you remember this advice. The possibility of a tornado occurring should always be at the back of your mind. Educate yourself about various kinds of natural calamities that usually strike Oklahoma. Watch for weather updates and warnings about tornadoes. The news you read on social media may not be reliable, but you can always double-check with the authorities. Maintain current insurance coverage if you currently have any.

Oklahoma Shelters Provides The Necessary Safety For All!

Can’t decide if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions before the storm hits? Have you been wondering what else you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones? Contact Oklahoma Shelters. We’re here to safeguard people in the event of devastating tornadoes,. With our FEMA-compliant shelters and safe rooms, you and your loved ones can stay safe from dangerous storms and tornadoes.

We have many kinds of shelters available, including concrete storm shelters Oklahoma, garage shelters OKC, in-ground storm shelters, safe rooms, and more.

Reach out to us for further information!

Why Investing In A Community Shelter Is Recommended

In the face of a tornado’s strength, not even the strongest buildings have a chance. Shelters designated as “special grade” must adhere to rigorous criteria to withstand the effects of extreme weather. The responsibility of providing safe shelter to those in need falls on many community shelters, and they work hard to do so.

To get by, however, community shelters frequently need funding from a variety of sources. Your neighborhood could benefit from some funding for storm shelters. For the following reasons, funding a community shelter is strongly encouraged:

1. The Intensity Of Storms Is Rising

In the future years, scientists predict that Oklahoma’s weather will grow increasingly severe. Due to the increased humidity brought on by the buildup of greenhouse gases, tornadoes have become more frequent and intense in recent years.

2. Past Community Shelters Do Not Meet Accessibility Needs

As a result of new regulations and legislation, some areas are now inaccessible during crisis situations. Some public buildings, including schools, have been deemed insufficient as tornado shelters because they do not meet the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) guidelines.

3. Many Establishments Lack Safe Rooms

Unfortunately, many public buildings, including schools, lack adequate storm shelters. It’s a terrible situation, and it’s even more important that the public band together to help public shelters financially. Tornadoes may easily destroy homes without basements or sturdy storm shelters, and multi-paned windows make it extremely difficult for any structure to survive.

Investing some of your hard-earned income will aid in making public shelters more accessible and hospitable to those in need.

4. Disasters Are Unpredictable

Areas of high risk, such as Oklahoma, are frequently struck by hurricanes and tornadoes without warning. Even if you are given prior notice by the weather service, it may not be possible to pack up your belongings and your loved ones in time to evacuate to a safe area.

FEMA has rigorous standards for storm and tornado shelters, and these facilities meet or exceed those requirements. Making regular donations to shelters helps them acquire additional resources and expand their capacities. Since disasters can occur without warning, you should always be prepared if you find yourself outside in dangerous conditions and need shelter.

Here at Oklahoma Shelters, we work hard to provide safe shelters that can endure even the strongest tornadoes. In the event of a severe weather event, you can take shelter in one of our many underground bunkers or other safe rooms.

We also provide concrete storm shelters, garage shelters OKC, concrete storm shelters Oklahoma tornado shelters, steel safe rooms, underground bunkers, community shelters, and more. You can let us know what you need, and our experts will install FEMA-standard shelters in your home.

Find out more about our products by getting in touch with us.

Can A Tornado Shelter Be Used For Different Kinds Of Natural Disasters?

With the recent history of storms picking up, storm shelters have become more common. Conventionally, such shelters were only found in storm-prone areas but are now gaining importance throughout the country. Storm shelters are a great option to protect your family and valuables during an emergency.

This post will discuss different natural disasters and how people can avoid harm and injury with their help.

Common Types of Natural Disasters

In places like Oklahoma, where natural disasters such as tornadoes and wildfires are common, storm shelters are a household necessity.

Some common natural disasters that have historically caused extensive damage in the country are:

1. Hurricanes

After its grand appearance in 2005, Hurricane Katrina has served as an example of why we need to be prepared for the worst. It displaced 1 million people, claimed about 1,800 lives, and has been one of the most detrimental disasters in the country.

2. Tornadoes

In 2021 alone, tornadoes in the US have caused a collective loss of $229 million and are categorized among a few of the most common disasters in the country.

3. Flash Floods

Flash floods are one of the most lethal disasters in the US and result from just a few minutes of excessive rainfall.

It doesn’t matter what type of disaster is common in your area; investing in a shelter should keep you out of harm’s way. Let’s look at the type of storm shelters you can opt for and their benefits.

Types And Benefits Of Storm Shelters

Types

There are two types of storm shelters: above-ground and in-ground. The type of shelter you require depends on whether you have kids or older adults in the house and the types of storms your region typically faces.

For areas prone to flash floods and rains, above-ground storm shelters work best as underground shelters might store water. In-ground shelters work best for tornadoes and hurricanes to protect structures from slamming and damage.

Benefits

Above-ground shelters

• Easy to access
• Can be placed anywhere on your property
• You can take it with you if you move

Underground shelters

• Doesn’t take up extra space
• You don’t have to step out of the house to access it

A tornado shelter is versatile and can be used for any other type of natural disaster protection. Storm shelters come in various sizes and capacities depending on your need and your family’s requirements.

At Oklahoma Shelters, we provide Underground bunkers in OKC, garage shelters, and in-ground storm shelters oklahoma, depending on the size of your family. Our manufacturing is as per FEMA standards to ensure absolute safety in need of emergencies.

Feel free to contact us to know more about our products or request a free shelter quote before availing of our services.