While many structures and surfaces can be made from concrete, few are as useful to the well-being of your family or employees as a storm shelter. When the weather takes a turn for the worst, these resilient havens can protect the ones you love most. But what is a storm shelter, and how do you know if you need one? Here, Olson Precast Concrete of West Plains, MO, sheds light on the subject.

What Is a FEMA Safe Room Storm Shelter?

While storm shelter refers to any structure designed to protect people facing hazardous weather, a FEMA-approved safe room must meet certain standards to be classified as such. For example, your shelter has to a be a hardened structure that can withstand extreme winds and protect people from wind-borne objects. If the shelter is designed for under 16 people, it is considered a residential safe room—a shelter for more than 16 people is considered a community safe room. The specific construction criteria can be found in FEMA P-320 and should be verified by a professional. To qualify for FEMA approval, the shelter must also be constructed according to local, state, and federal guidelines.

How Do I Know if I Need a Storm Shelter?

To determine your family or business’s need for a storm shelter, you’ll need to ask yourself a few key questions. First, how prone is your area to extreme weather such as hurricanes, tornadoes, or monsoons? Even if your house has a basement, you’re better off building a safe room in a tornado-prone area. You should also consider your emergency plan—without a safe room, where would you go during extreme weather? If you have the budget to accommodate a safe room, consult section 2.5 of FEMA-P320 to assess your risk level.

If you believe your home or business would benefit from the security of a FEMA-approved safe room, a concrete storm shelter is your best bet. Olson Precast Concrete has helped West Plains customers weather storms for more than 25 years, and they’d be happy to help you along your emergency preparedness journey. For more information on their products and the related applications, visit their website. You can also call (417) 256-1500 to speak with a team member.