All Steel Construction

Steel Construction

Welding is performed by certified welders.
10 gauge steel welded inside and out, on walls and ceiling, plus extra steel skeleton for strength. (Exceeds FEMA specs.)

As of Fall 2008: New Designs for Underground with Stair and Hillside Model - pictures may show the previous bent plate roof system; new design uses a single plate of 10 gauge steel

Installation For Below Ground, Mound, Porch Safe

Set in concrete. After the site is dug, the unit is set, concrete poured to embed unit. We retain option to use a tie down system for mound & porch safe units.
(This prevents floating out of the unit due to ground water levels)

Installation
For Above Ground Units: Saferoom & Safeshed

All above ground shelters are anchored with Hilti Epoxy (or equal) and anchors into concrete slab; min requirement is 4" thick 3500 psi slab - typically the slab exceeds this
(This anchoring system makes the shelter become a part of the concrete once it's anchored & prevents wind from tunneling beneath the shelter to lift it during a storm) 

Seams :

Outside of shelter :

All below grounds are covered with tar mastic (protects it from rust)
Above ground is painted with high density ackrylic paint

Inside of shelter :

Painted with high density ackrylic paint, 16 inch bench seats,  carpeted floors, electric port to run extension cord, bunks available, shelf available.

Ventillation:

Below ground, Hillside, Mound: 2 - 4 inch wind driven turbine ventilators w/screen
Above ground: 2 to 4 screened vents on wall, C4 channel covers for protection from debris during a storm

Door above ground: Safe room, Hillside, Safe shed

Texas Tech tested for 250 mph debris impact : 1/4 inch steel plate welded onto steel frame, (exceeds Fema Specs.)
3 Locking systems tested at TTU or engineer approved: a. 3 steel heavy duty hinges with 2-Grade 1 dead bolts, 1-Grade 1 lever handle (6 points) b. A311 single turn, 3 point lock; c. 3 drop pin system

We also offer the door swinging inside of the unit (tested at TTU) or for ultimate safety, the door can swing outside (tested at TTU)

Door below ground: Underground with stair, Mound, Porch

Accessories:

Piston assist lift on door, 10 gauge steel on steel framing, 3 heavy duty hinges, 3 point lock with single turn (tested door at TTU) to secure the door. Our door for the PorchSafetm is also TTU tested. It has the same 3 point lock with a single turn system to secure the door for a storm.

Tornado Tamertm Door Only now available for purchase: door, frame, locking system all in one. If you have poured a concrete shelter to double as a room in your home and need a door that will provide the most safety, we now have a TTU tested door that will fit into the opening you leave and bolt into place to provide safety for your family. The standard sizes for the door is 30" X 70". Also available in 36" X 70". Of course, we are glad to build to your specs also.

Electric port, 16" benches, outdoor living carpet, bunks available in most units, shelf (upon request)