FWIW, my city has a register (voluntary) of homes with storm shelters. After a severe storm those addresses get checked for folks who may have been trapped by collapsed structures and trees.powerboatr wrote: ↑Tue Nov 08, 2022 5:58 pmwe actually looked at a BOLTED to the slab small "locker" type room for the garage. But they are small and my fear was the house landing on top and blocking the exit. which of course would bring on my claustrophobia.RoyGBiv wrote: ↑Tue Nov 08, 2022 12:35 pmThanks for posting this.... While we plan to have an in-ground safe room (aka gun and cigar room) off of a walk-out basement when we eventually build (c'mon lottery!), for such a minimal cost I would absolutely look to add a reinforced pantry in case we don't get enough warning to get downstairs.PriestTheRunner wrote: ↑Sun Nov 06, 2022 10:50 am One of the reasons that MY new builds all have a reinforced pantry or master closet. With less warning you may be leaving a semi-safe area and going outside to wind and hail trying to get to a tornado proof area.
I wish more builders would take the minimal time and effort to reinforce one interior room.
Hurricane straps on (4) walls @ 16" O.C. +/-$352, (18) extra studs for corners and studs at 8" O.C. $65.00, (2) layers 23/32nds plywood on a 4x8 room (including ceiling) $980, 3" #10 construction screws 12" O.C. all studs and ceiling +/-$52. A new build can have a (almost) Fema 300 wood construction interior shelter (minus a true Fema 300 door) for about $1,450.
Compared to a $4,000 or more twister pod, and knowing there is a relatively safe place to hide from up to a F3/F4, it just makes sense to do it...
Details on the wood framed option can be viewed here (see pdf page 83): https://www.fema.gov/sites/default/file ... _p-320.pdf
i used to not be concerned for small spaces, but last few years it messes with my mind and i get freaky very fast
i used to wedge my self into tight one way in or out spots in aircraft and now days ....nope not anymore
some counties in texas have partial grants or money to help the install of shelters. but my county is not one of those
texas dept or emergency management can get you a list if counties and dollars that were granted
Check with your local responders to see what they do in similar situations.