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A concrete storm shelter in Oklahoma City

Guidelines for Keeping Your Storm Shelter Clean and Well-Maintained

Since Oklahoma is a particularly tornado-prone state, many of its residents have the privilege—need to be more specific—of owning their own personal storm shelter. However, there are several challenges to dealing with the upkeep of any storm shelter, be it a garage shelter or an underground bunker.

Even though Oklahoma Shelters provides shelters with a 10-year warranty against leaks and corrosion and are designed to provide the utmost protection, you should still clean them regularly to ensure the safety of your loved ones.

When cleaning your shelter before and after a storm, it’s important to remember the following.

Get Rid of Any Extra Clutter or Items

Many people make use of their shelters as off-season storage areas. Although tornadoes can occur at any time of year, they are more prevalent in the spring, so this is not a major concern. However, you shouldn’t put off cleaning out your shelter until spring or the storm season.

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it’s a good idea to clean your storm shelter a few weeks before the season begins. We recommend avoiding storing anything huge or heavy in case you need to move it quickly.

Upgrade Your Safety And Emergency Kit

In the event of an emergency, every homeowner should prepare an emergency kit, including a full complement of first-aid supplies, nonperishable food items, and water. However, it’s crucial to replenish supplies of food and medicine before they expire (if they haven’t already been donated).

Again, this is not something you want to do in the middle of tornado season. Get ready ahead of time so you can act quickly and confidently when the moment comes.

Clean the Inside of the Storm Shelter

When you haven’t visited your storm shelter for a while, other critters may have taken up residence there. Remove any spider webs, dust, dirt, branches, leaves, or other debris that may have made its way inside.

It’s also important to keep the vents clean to ensure proper ventilation and prevent any injuries that could occur from contaminated air. Make sure to protect yourself with masks and gloves if you do any cleanup after a storm.

Get rid of any germs lurking around and give the place a fresh start by disinfecting the surfaces. This will aid in eliminating any germs or bacteria that may have taken up residence.

Clear The Area Of Any Obstructions

People often leave their cars parked directly in front of the door to their garage shelters or underground bunkers, so it’s best to plan ahead and move them. Park them so you can still get in and out of your shelter, and remove anything else blocking the doorway.

Cars parked above a garage shelter.

Order a storm shelter in Oklahoma City immediately if you don’t already have one. Tornadoes may strike anywhere at any moment, so it’s essential to take precautions to ensure your protection and the safety of those you care about.

We’re experts in building any safe room, from garage shelters to complex underground bunkers, concrete storm shelters, and more. Contact our team today to get one installed in your home.


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A tornada near a village

A Checklist for Preparing Your Home for a Storm in Norman

With an annual average of about 67 twisters, Oklahoma is the third most tornado-prone state in the country. While April, May, and June are peak months for tornadoes in Oklahoma, twisters can strike at any time of the year.

Tornadoes and other severe weather conditions are on the rise due to climate change, and their frequency and destructive potential will only increase in the future. Tornadoes can cause significant damage, so it’s important for Norman residents to take precautions.

Read on for advice on how to prepare your home for a storm:

Ensure Your Windows And Doors Are Impact Resistant

Strong winds, which may reach speeds of 250 mph, are capable of picking up even massive things and hurling them toward surrounding buildings. Impact-resistant windows and doors are a good investment for anyone living in areas prone to storms since they protect from flying debris.

Ensure Your Gutters And Drains Are Unclogged

It’s important to have a functioning gutter or drain where all the rainfall from storms can be drained to. If your gutters and drains get blocked, water will make its way into your home. Those who live in hurricane-prone locations, in particular, should make it a habit to clean their gutters and drains regularly.

Invest in Storm Safe Shelters in Norman

If you live in a hurricane or tornado-prone location such as Norman or anywhere in Oklahoma, you may want to get a concrete storm shelter to use as a safe haven during the storm. Residents require secure areas to take refuge in, away from the path of flying debris caused by winds of up to 250 miles per hour.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends that all tornado shelters be constructed to at least an F4 standard. Families may prepare for hurricanes with the help of hurricane-warning systems, but they have just minutes to seek cover from oncoming tornadoes because of the lack of notice.

In underground bunkers or storm shelters, homeowners and their families in Oklahoma can take refuge from the state’s frequent and powerful tornadoes and hurricanes. Moreover, whether you want to remain in your home or sell it in the future, you’ll benefit from the added value that an in-ground or above-ground storm shelter may provide to your property.

A woman standing near a house detroyed by a tornado.

Tornado Shelters And Storm Safe Shelters in Norman That Exceed FEMA Standards

Oklahoma Shelters has been constructing storm shelters in the Oklahoma area for over seven years. Our concrete storm shelters, underground garage storm shelters, underground bunkers, and safe rooms all surpass the requirements set out by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

If you’re looking for a storm shelter expert in Oklahoma City, call us immediately for a free consultation.


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underground concrete storm shelter in Oklahoma

Essential Items To Stock In Your Storm Shelter

If you live in a tornado region, adding storm safe shelters in your homes is extremely important. It will keep you and your family safe from strong winds and flying debris. It’s also important to keep your storm shelters fully stocked for emergencies.

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It's very important to make sure your shelter is well maintained and taken care of during the fall.

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A safe room.

Why Teachers in OKC Need to Know Tornado Safety Basics

Unfortunately, past incidents, including the tragic tornado in Moore, in 2013, reminds us that schools are some of the most vulnerable places when it comes to tornadoes. Not only are they poorly equipped to handle the situation, often, teachers and administrators are also underprepared and unaware, making it even harder to protect children.

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Tornado shelters and bunkers like these can be installed in workplaces.

3 Investments to Help Your Staff Feel Safer During the Tornado Season

Business owners are all too familiar with the need to incentivize and improve their employees’ experience of working with them. It’s vital that you make intelligent decisions and choose the most appropriate measures to help your employees feel safer at work.

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An underground bunker such as this can be installed at your workplace with ease.

3 Reasons Norman Residents Need Storm Shelters for Their Businesses

Living in Norman, OK, you’re probably all too familiar with the frequency of tornadoes and severe weather. But beyond just personal protection, as a business owner, there are several considerations you should be making to safeguard employee wellness and security.

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Saving for a safe room can be challenging, but with a little financial planning, it's easier than you think!

Struggling with Budgeting for Your Storm Shelter? Here are 3 Tips

Storm shelters are essential for homeowners living in OKC and other parts of Oklahoma too. With the frequent tornadoes and how unpredictable these weather events can be, it’s important to invest in this addition to your home as soon as you are able to do so.

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This custom combination of a safe room and bunker offers both options for above and underground shelter.

3 Ways to Customize Your Storm Safe Room for Your Needs

Safe rooms are designed to offer you shelter and protection against tornadoes, which is why it’s crucial that they be accessible to every member of your household—and yes, that might include pets too.

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Your underground storm shelter is a great storage space for valuables and even food supplies.

Unique Uses of Your Storm Shelter During the Off-Season

Fortunately, Oklahoma has just exited its tornado season, with the chances of a tornado striking through fall and winter being relatively low. It’s not impossible, however, but there’s a good chance that you won’t have to worry about frequent ones.

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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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A truly fantastic company!

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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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