Knowing how to build a shelter against storms or tornadoes is a necessity. Since calamities can strike at any time, it is wise to be prepared.
Required Tools and Materials
Steel panel
Emergency kits
Food
Water
Transistor radio
Batteries
Flashlight
Cell phone
Foam
Solid core door
Tools (hammer, nails, screws and bolts)
Step 1
Choose a room (it has to be on the first floor or basement). Install the steel panels or other material to support the existing frame.
If the door has a hollow core, remove it. Replace it with a new solid core door. Take out the short screws off the doorjamb. Put in long screws. Test the door. Make sure that it will lock securely. If it won’t shut, use a simple lock. Pick one that is sturdy but isn’t hard for elderly people or children to use.
Step 3
Have some thick foam placed in the room. This can be used if the storm is particularly harsh.
Step 4
Install the necessary accessories. These include the flashlight, batteries and at least a gallon of water per individual. A radio for monitoring the weather is necessary. An emergency kit and cell phone
are also required.
How to Build a Shelter: Safety Precautions
If you are making a tornado shelter, oxygen will not be a problem as tornadoes don’t last very long. Do not put steel panels on the ceiling because they might fall off.
If you cannot make a shelter in the house, build one near it. This way you can get to the shelter quickly. Do not place the shelter near trees because they might fall on it. Keep the shelter away from structures that could collapse.
Prefabricated Shells
There are companies that sell pre-fabricate shells. These are much easier to install compared to putting up steel panels or concrete blocks.
Before you buy, make sure the shells are up to the standards set by FEMA or your local government authority. The shell should be steel enforced concrete. You can dig the site yourself, but it is safer to have the company install it.
Tips and Warnings
If sheltering against a storm, make sure there is enough ventilation in the room. Unlike tornadoes, hurricanes can last for several hours. The door must be sturdy, but easy to open. Be certain you can jack it open in case the lock gets blocked by debris.
Unless you know how to build a shelter properly, you are better off buying one of the prefabricated shells. Unlike other DIY projects, room for mistakes and errors is unacceptable.
