Add a storm shelter to your home

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For people who live in storm-prone areas and are considering home additions, storm shelters are probably high on the list. Adding a storm shelter to your home could help increase your family's chance of survival during a major weather event.

There are many different types of storm shelters available, and they differ according to factors like the type of storm protection offered, placement inside or outside the home, and size. Check out sites like Reply! to learn more about the different types of storm shelters that are available. A few are listed below. 

In-home storm shelters are storm shelters that are fully enclosed within the home. They can be above-ground safe rooms or fully underground storm shelters. They're usually constructed from FEMA-approved prefabricated steel. Many people place them in garages or basements.

If you are in the process of building your home, you may opt to include the storm shelter in your house plans so that in case a storm hits, you can move straight from your house into the shelter while being protected from the elements.

Some of the pros and cons of an in-home shelter are as follows:

• Debris left over from a passing storm may block the exit of the shelter, making it difficult to get out once the storm passes.
• In-home shelters can be difficult and costly to install
• A shelter can often be built into an existing basement or garage.
• You don't have to go outside in order to access the shelter.
• Basic in-home shelters built into garages or basements can hold up to five people and start at around $4500.

Another type of storm shelter you could consider is the partially underground storm shelter. These types of shelters are particularly useful in areas that have major windstorms like tornados or hurricanes while also being exposed to the threat of flooding.

Their features are as follows:

• These partially submerged shelters are considered to be safer than fully above-ground shelters because they have the strong support of the earth that surrounds them, while their raised platforms help protect occupants from flooding
• A potential downside is that you may have to leave the house in order to access the shelter.
• In order for the shelter to be installed, excavation will be necessary.
• Basic shelters that can hold up to eight people usually start at around $2300.

You need to consider several factors with a storm shelter for you home, including the types of storms that come through your area, the number of people that will need to use the shelter, and the cost of adding one to an existing home or including one in a new building’s plans.

Consulting with a contractor who specializes in building home shelters could help you make your decision easier. Out of all home additions, storm shelters are some of the most important to your family's safety.