Free referral service · Huntsville, AL
Which storm shelter fits your home?
When the siren sounds, you need a place you can reach in seconds. Here are your choices.
Free. No cost to you.
1. In-ground shelter (below ground)
- A strong box set into the ground, often in the yard or under the garage floor.
- You go down steps or a ladder.
- Harder for people who can't climb steps.
- FEMA says to plan for flooding. A shelter in a flood area needs extra care.
2. Above-ground safe room
- A strong steel or concrete room. It can sit in a garage, a closet, or a new room.
- No stairs. Easier for older people, kids, and wheelchairs.
- It must be anchored very well. FEMA says a normal floor slab often is not strong enough by itself.
3. Basement shelter or safe room
- If you have a basement, part of it can be made into a safe room.
- It still needs to be built to the safe-room standard to give near-full protection.
4. Community shelter
- Some towns have public shelters. They may not always be open.
- The Huntsville-Madison County EMA lists community safe rooms. It says each one is run by its own community and may not always be open.
Mobile homes
The National Weather Service says mobile homes are not safe in a tornado. Plan where you will go before storms come.
Quick tip
Ask each company: "Is this shelter built and tested to ICC 500? Can I see the test report?"
Sources
Is in-ground or above-ground better?
Both can protect you if they are built to FEMA guidance and ICC 500. Pick the one that fits your home, your body, and your yard. Above-ground has no steps. In-ground needs flood planning.
Can I put a shelter in my garage?
Often yes. Many safe rooms sit in a garage, either on the floor or under it. The floor and anchors must be strong enough. Ask a company and your city.
Free. No cost to you. You choose if you want to talk to a company.