Shelter from hurricanes and tornadoes saved the lives of a Kentucky family: where are they sold and how much they cost

Tornado shelters in homes are rare these days. But a family in Bremen, Kentucky is grateful that a shelter was installed in their home many years ago by a visionary builder. PennLive.

Photo: Shutterstock

It was not used before, but on the night of December 10, 2021, it saved the lives of eight family members and two dogs.

Jordan Evans and his son Gage were fortunate enough to leave the city when deadly night storms and tornadoes hit western Kentucky.

However, Gage's mom and the rest of his family were home - in a house without a basement and directly in the path of the tornado.

There was no room in the house to go underground, but there was a storm shelter nearby, built about 10 years ago for just such an occasion.

Before the hurricane arrived, Justin Pointer, Gage's stepfather, led his eight family members and two dogs to safety in the cramped space - 3 feet deep and 3,6 feet wide.

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A YouTube video shows a storm shelter as well as Poynter's ruined home.

“The cover of the shelter started shaking violently and we had to hold it down,” Poynter said.

He also said that the shelter, cramped and uncomfortable, was very necessary for them at the moment when the hurricane came and destroyed their home.

Although Poynter's father couldn't remember how much the installation cost, both father and son agreed that their family's safety was priceless.

Of his father, Poynter said: "He said he would pay a hundred times more for it right now."

Security price

The cost of building a storm shelter varies according to size, brand, materials and location. FIXR.

Another important factor is whether you are building an above-ground safe room or an underground shelter.

The average cost of building a storm shelter across the country ranges from $ 3900 to $ 9000.

Most homeowners pay around $ 5800 for an overground safe room for four to six people with running water, bedding, and electricity.

However, costs range from $ 2100 for an above ground safe room to $ 18 for an underground storm shelter with running water and electricity for up to 550 people.

Safe rooms are accessed above ground and can be built in and around the home.

When it comes to creating a safe room inside your home, it's important that every part of it is kept separate from the building itself.

Thus, it can stand on its own and rely only on its structural integrity in the event of a fall of your house.

The cost of an overhead storm shelter

The cost of a ground storm shelter is usually lower than the cost of an underground storm shelter.
The cost ranges from $ 2800 to $ 15500.

Prices for ground-based storm shelters vary by size, materials, and location.

As the name suggests, these rooms are built above surface level.

Photo: Shutterstock

Many homeowners choose to build them in their garage, but you can install them anywhere a concrete slab can be laid.

These safe rooms are more convenient for people with disabilities, as they can simply be entered, rather than changing the level to go underground.

They provide easy cover in the event of a home invasion.

On the other hand, ground shelters take up a lot of extra space in your home.

If you live in a small building, this may not be the right choice for you.

Underground storm shelter cost

On average, prices for underground storm shelters range from $4300 to $17000. Underground shelters are the most common type of shelter.

They tend to be larger than their land-based counterparts, which means they can accommodate more people.

This affects the overall cost of an underground tornado shelter.

These shelters are usually built in yards or under garages and are made of concrete, steel, or fiberglass.

The biggest downside to backyard placement is that you have to go outside to get there.

The cost of installing an underground storm shelter is usually higher than installing an aboveground safety room due to the extra work involved in creating space for it.

Additional expenses

Some areas require a building permit to install a hurricane shelter, which can cost anywhere from $ 50 to $ 100.

Contact your local building inspection department to inquire before starting construction.

You can install a shelter as a stand alone project if you build it according to the parameters set out in the FEMA booklet.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is a government agency that provides assistance to communities during natural and man-made disasters.

A safe room is a structure designed to meet the requirements of tornado shelters, providing almost absolute protection from severe weather.

In addition to setting standards for hurricane shelter, FEMA provides hazard mitigation funding to the respective states and territories to help people reduce the risk to themselves or their property.

The FEMA approved storm shelter design ensures safety no matter the weather conditions.

It is much easier to build an above-ground safe room on your own than an underground one.

However, it is always advised to rely on professionals instead.

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In addition to setting up the room itself, you may want additional amenities to make yourself comfortable if you have to stay in the shelter for a long time.

Ventilation and air filtration systems are two important characteristics.

Some of the additional popular amenities people add are allowing them to surf the Internet, use the bathroom, and sleep comfortably.

If you're thinking of adding extra features to your rain shelter, it's important to factor that into the total cost.

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