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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

Tornado Aftermath: Your Ultimate Survival Guide!

Hearing a tornado warning for the first time can be an overwhelming experience. That’s why having a plan of action is important because you don’t want to panic when an emergency strikes.

If you’re new to the state and aren’t yet accustomed to disaster warnings, this survival guide for tornadoes can help you and your family keep safe.

1. Stay Updated On Weather Conditions

The first thing you need to make a habit of is regularly checking weather predictions. Knowing when and where a tornado might hit is crucial to your safety plan, so this step cannot be ignored. To keep tabs on the weather, you can use the National Weather Service’s official website.

2. Have A Plan On Getting To Shelter

Next on this survival guide for tornadoes is an evacuation plan for you and your family members. If the storm shelter is above ground outside your house, you’ll probably need to factor in about 10 to 15 minutes to get inside. But if it’s a safe room installed within your home, i.e., an underground bunker in your garage, getting to safety can be faster.

To cut it short, once the warning hits, grab your family members and head to the shelter without wasting any time.

3. Keep Shelter Stocked With Necessities

Your storm shelter needs to have all necessities–food and water, emergency first aid, a communication device, warm clothing, etc. – already stocked well before the warning is announced. Because when the tornado hits, you might not have time to collect anything. So be prepared in advance to ride out the storm.

4. Use Radio To Call For Help

It always helps to have a communication device in your underground bunker to call people if you get separated from loved ones or require the help of evacuation authorities. We recommend that you keep a radio device to stay updated on the weather and communicate whenever necessary.

For residents of Norman and Oklahoma City, we have great news! Oklahoma Shelters offers free quotes on your residential facilities, so put in your details and schedule a visit. Our showroom has underground garage shelters and bunkers, concrete storm shelters, and safe rooms for you to choose from, which are installed following the safety guidelines by FEMA.

To stay safe during a tornado, you’ll need a well-built safe room in your home. Luckily, Oklahoma Shelters offers steel-safe rooms that can be built to hold up to 25-26 people. Call us directly or leave your details on our website to place an order.

The Three Advantages Of Having A Safe Room In Your House

Having a safe room in a house is mandatory in some districts of Oklahoma State, given how often it is hit by tornadoes. If you happen to live in any of these districts, you’ll need a service provider to install a storm-safe shelter at your home.

Safe rooms are necessary additions to homes in certain parts of the world where cyclones, hurricanes, and other natural disasters are frequent. Their job is to keep you and your loved ones safe from harm until the storm subsides. But storm shelters can also be used for other purposes.

Here are three advantages of having a safe room in your house.

1. Increases Storage Capacity

Besides the obvious benefit of saving your life from a life-threatening disaster, storm shelters can add to your home’s storage capacity. During a storm, it’ll be your haven, but the rest of the year, you can use it to store necessities like food, warm clothing and bedding, medical supplies, and anything that’ll fit inside.

2. Raises Property Value

When buying a family home, you’ll want to ensure that your investment brings good returns when the time comes. Having your home fitted with a concrete storm shelter will increase its property value, meaning that when you need to sell the property, you can get back what you invested into making the shelter or perhaps get even more!

3. Protects You In Case Of A Home Invasion

In times like these, you’ll probably want all the security you can get for your family. With storm shelters – either above ground or underground – you can stay safe from attacks on your home or family. Because our safe rooms come with door seals to safeguard you and your loved ones against dangerous winds, they will also protect you in case of a home invasion.

If you’d like a free quote on your home for an above-ground storm shelter in Oklahoma City or Norman, leave us your details, and we’ll coordinate a visit.

If you’ve recently moved to Oklahoma City or Norman with your family, make sure to have a safe room for your house or an underground bunker in your garage. The bunker should be installed in such a way that all your family members can quickly reach there in an emergency.

You should also get your bunker examined by experts before settling in. That’ll make sure your shelter is up to date on security standards and allow us to make any upgrades if necessary. To learn more about how we can keep your family safe during a bad storm, call 405-367-7901.

Here’s What Not To Do When A Tornado Hits

In the midst of chaos and confusion following a natural disaster like a tornado, it might be simpler to act on gut feeling rather than facts. When it comes to tornadoes and how to prepare for them, there is a lot of potentially harmful information and some misconceptions circulating.

Tornadoes might be fatal to you or someone you care about. Therefore, tornado safety leaves no tolerance for error or uncertainty. Through cutting-edge technology and rigorous scientific research, we have refined and perfected our safety protocols, such as the construction of in-ground storm shelters and tornado shelters that cover flying debris and other threats during tornadoes.

However, we must eliminate the most dangerous practices that people rely on during natural disasters. In case of a tornado, please keep the following in mind:

Don’t Ignore Tornado Watches and Warnings

Even when they aren’t projected to be particularly violent, Tornadoes can cause significant damage and deaths. It is imperative that you take all warnings, sirens, and alerts seriously. Don’t ignore warning signs because the threat or danger isn’t as severe as you would have thought.

Refrain from going about your normal activities and take all necessary safety precautions when a warning or alert is issued.

Don’t Go Outside; Stay Indoors and Away From Anything That Could Easily Shatter

Remember that hurricanes and tornadoes are genuine threats that should not be taken lightly. If you cannot get to your garage storm shelter, you should seek the nearest enclosed area and stay low. Hide beneath a table, and keep away from any glass windows or doors.

Additionally, keep all your windows closed since it risks your safety by letting debris fly into the house.

Always Be Aware Of Where You Can Take Shelter

Always have a backup and emergency plan ready. Share this knowledge with everyone living in your house. It’s important to have a safe place like underground bunkers in an emergency, whether at home, in class, or at the office.

Stay Away From Vehicles, Flyovers, and Billboards

When an emergency occurs, most people head for their automobiles or a nearby flyover, where they hope the sturdy concrete will keep them safe. There are several ways in which people might be severely injured by the tornado, its debris, or the collapse of the bridge and subsequent collisions with other cars or huge billboards. Again, the best course of action is to take refuge in a concrete tornado shelter built to resist the effects of such natural disasters or any place safe if you’re stranded outside.

Tornado Shelters and Safe Rooms That Exceed FEMA Standards

If you’re looking for in-ground storm shelters in Oklahoma or above-ground storm shelters in Norman, we’d be glad to assist you.

Contact us, and we’ll give you a free estimate and assist you in selecting a shelter that satisfies your safety requirements.

When Does An Above-Ground Shelter Make Sense?

Protecting yourself with appropriate equipment and safety plans is important to save your life when living in a storm-prone area.

This could involve planning ahead and preparing an emergency supply kit, staying up to date about any progressing storm, and always being ready to evacuate when the situation looks dangerous.

A statistical report reveals that, on average, there are 80 deaths every year due to a tornado or hurricane. If you live in a storm-prone area, investing in an above-ground shelter is best to safeguard yourself and your family from debris and strong winds.

Read ahead to learn when and why you should invest in an above-ground shelter.

It Does Not Fill with Water

One of the reasons why people invest in above-ground shelters is because it does not fill up with water. Floods and heavy rains can easily run into an underground shelter. This can make it difficult for you and your family to reside in a shelter when the storm hits.

An above-ground shelter does not fill with water or float out of the ground due to heavy flooding or rains.

Easily Accessible

One of the most convenient things about above-ground shelters is that they are easily accessible. Storms and other natural disasters are unpredictable, and finding your way into an underground shelter can be difficult during a stressful time.

This especially applies to people with disabilities who wouldn’t be able to move easily with mobility aids into an underground shelter. An above-ground shelter is much easier to move into since it can be installed where it is easily accessible, and you can add a ramp when moving in wheelchairs or scooters.

You Won’t Get Trapped

Catastrophic storms can lead to a lot of debris building up. Underground shelters can get covered with soil and debris leaving you trapped for a long time.

Above-ground shelters are much easier to find after a storm. They don’t get trapped in dirt and debris; instead, they stand robustly until your neighbors or respondents can find you.

Buy Quality Storm Shelters at Oklahoma Shelters

Are you searching for premium-quality above-ground shelters? Check out our range of custom shelters at Oklahoma Shelters.

We design and provide a range of storm shelters to shield you and your family from hurricanes, floods, and storms. Our products include safe rooms, underground bunkers, garage shelters, concrete shelters, and much more.

Our shelters exceed FEMA standards and will safeguard you and your family in an emergency situation.

Reach out to us today for more information.

3 Myths About Tornadoes You Should Know About

Before tornado season starts, it’s best to equip yourself with safety emergency kits, essential supplies, and robust facts that will help you be prepared for risky situations.

Myths about tornadoes can be dangerous. People are often misinformed and end up in situations that can be life-threatening.

Here are three common myths about tornadoes that can be dangerous to believe.

1. Green-Colored Clouds Indicate a Tornado Formation

One of the biggest misconceptions people believe about tornadoes is that dark green and blue clouds indicate a tornado formation.

According to AccuWeather Senior Storm Warning Meteorologists, huge and heavy thunderstorms often cause light to reflect in a way that can make the clouds appear green. Since tornadoes are typically associated with heavy storms, this might be what led people to believe that dark green clouds mean a tornado is on the way.

Tornadoes can still form if there are green clouds in the sky. But these clouds are not absolute indicators of tornadoes and shouldn’t be believed as such.

2. An Overpass is the Best Place to Seek Shelter

People often believe that if they’re driving on the highway, the overpass is the best place to seek shelter from a tornado.

The overpass is one of the most dangerous places to hide if you’ve come face to face with a tornado. Wind speed is actually significantly increased in narrow passages and it’s where most of the debris gets through. If you’re in a car, the increased wind speed might even cause your car to be pulled out.

It’s best to find a low ditch and lay down with your arms over your head if you’re ever in a situation like that.

3. Opening a Window Will Equalize Wind Pressure

Another myth about tornadoes that people commonly believe is that opening a window will equalize pressure.

Even though tornadoes usually have low atmospheric pressure, a strong wind can inflict serious damage on your home and cause any lying objects to fly around and slam into walls. It’s recommended not to open any windows when you receive a tornado warning.

Taking shelter before the storm hits is key to getting through a tornado. This is why at Oklahoma Shelters, we provide custom storm shelters that are engineered to safeguard you and your family. Our range of products includes underground cement shelters, above-ground storm shelters, garage storm shelters, concrete shelters, and much more.

For more details, contact us today to help us keep your loved ones safe.