Free referral service · Huntsville, AL
Storm shelter questions, plain answers
Straight answers. No sales talk. Official sources.
Free. No cost to you.
What is a storm shelter?
A strong room or box built to protect people from tornado winds and flying debris. FEMA's word is "safe room." The building-code word is "storm shelter."
How strong should it be?
FEMA says home safe rooms should be built for 250 mph winds, no matter where you live. Shelters are built and tested to a standard called ICC 500.
Do you build shelters?
No. We are a free referral service. We connect you with independent local companies. They do the work.
Does this cost me anything?
No. Our help is free for you. You never have to hire anyone.
Is an above-ground shelter as safe as an in-ground one?
FEMA says shelters inside or outside the home give the same protection if they follow FEMA design rules. The key is the standard and the anchoring.
Do I need a permit?
In the City of Huntsville, yes if the cost is over $250 or the work is structural. In other towns, ask your local building office.
Who checks that a shelter is strong enough?
Shelters are tested to ICC 500. FEMA does not certify makers. Ask the company for the test report or engineer-sealed drawings.
Should I register my shelter?
Yes. Huntsville, Madison, Madison County and Limestone County have free registries. Responders use them to find people after a storm.
Will you share my info?
Only if you check the consent box. Then we may share your request with up to 3 independent local companies. We never sell it to list sellers or spammers.
Can you give me a price?
No. We are not a contractor. Prices depend on your home and the company. See what changes the price on our cost page.
Is there an Alabama storm shelter tax credit?
Yes. Up to $3,000 or 50% of the cost, whichever is less, for a qualified shelter at your main home. Shelters must be installed on or after January 1, 2026, meet newer FEMA and ICC 500 standards, and you must apply the same year. The yearly state total is capped. See the Alabama EMA page.
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