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.

This means you can start using your shelter for other purposes—albeit very safely and very cautiously—to take advantage of these handy spaces in your home.

Some of the unique ways to take advantage of your shelter space include:

Temporary storage for fall harvests

With all those pumpkins, fall vegetables, and other harvests you might be growing in your backyard, having access to your shelter is a gamechanger. Protect them from the sun and the weather by putting them away in your storm shelter till you need them or figure out what to do with them.

From pumpkins to squashes, everything you grow can be put away in your shelter for a few days while you eat, cook, give away, and sell what you don’t need. Plus, it’s a great place to keep your vegetables, etc. away while you clear your yard of debris and leaves, which often become home to pests and insects during the fall.

Be sure not to leave them inside too long, however, because they might rot and decay, and it will be difficult to get rid of the odor.

Use it as a food storage space for non-perishables

You can also put away jams, marmalades, and other non-perishable foods in addition to your emergency food supplies. This doesn’t mean you should toss out your food supplies for these items, only that you can double your shelter as an occasional storage space or pantry.

Put away canned foods and other essentials that can double as emergency supplies, and your shelter will be all set. It’s incredibly useful to have these foods handy, and if it’s been a while since you replenished supplies, check expirations, and if there’s still time, donate or use your canned foods before replacing them.

Put away important documents and items

Your important documents and papers, including I.D., property papers, photographs, and other sentimental items, are always at stake of damage when it comes to tornadoes, which is why we recommend storing those in your shelter too. Not only will they be safe against water damage or being swept away, but in case of a break-in or burglary, they’ll be protected and securely stored away.

If you don’t have a safe storm room in your home, contact us for more details. We offer services to residents across OKC.