In extreme weather, your home might not be strong enough to keep you and your family safe. That’s why precast concrete storm shelters offer peace of mind to families in tornado- or blizzard-prone areas. To get your bunker ready for the winter, use these three tips while the weather is still manageable.

How to Prepare Your Storm Shelter for Winter

1. Clean It Out

If you haven’t stepped foot in your storm shelter for a few months, it might not be the most inviting space for waiting out bad weather. Before the storm clouds roll in, head down with a bucket of cleaning supplies, a broom, and a mop.

Get rid of any dust or cobwebs that might have built up in the corner of the precast concrete and wipe down any benches or ledges. If you end up having to spend the night inside your bunker, you’ll be glad you took the time to clean up.

2. Stock Up on Supplies

Next, make sure your storm shelter has everything you need to stay safe and healthy. Bring down a pile of blankets or quilts, as well as plenty of pillows and sweaters. If you have small children, you might need to purchase a second crib or playpen to keep in the shelter.

Create a small pantry with non-perishables, such as canned foods, water bottles, and baby formula. Make sure you have all the first aid supplies you might need, including bandages, instant heat packs, and disinfectant. Finally, create a bin of items to keep you occupied, such as flashlights, books, magazines, and board games.

3. Keep the Entrance Accessible

The fall and winter weather may create a bit of mess outdoors, but it’s important that your shelter is easily accessible at all times. At least once a week, sweep away piled-up leaves and twigs that might be blocking the entrance.

When it snows, shovel the path leading to your precast concrete shelter. As the temperatures get lower, it might be smart to sprinkle road salt or kitty litter in front of the shelter, so no one slips as they hurry to get inside.

If you don’t yet have a storm shelter to prepare, reach out to Olson Precast Concrete of West Plains, MO. They have been providing secure shelters to local residents for over 25 years, so they can face tornados, blizzards, and other harsh weather with peace of mind. Thanks to their top-quality precast concrete products, your shelter will be made ahead of time and delivered to your property, so no on-site casting is necessary. To learn more about their offerings, visit the website or call (417) 256-1500 for a free estimate.