Lightning striking an open field at night.

Which Safe Room or Storm Shelter is Right For You?

If you’re searching for a storm shelter you’re really searching for peace of mind in this ever changing world. There are many options available for storm shelters, with the scope of dimensions and different types you may be wondering which type of storm shelter is right for you. The fact of the matter is, this safe room, storm shelter, or underground bunker may end up saving your life, so this decision is in fact an important one. The National Weather Service in Huntsville Alabama says there is no authority on what the best storm shelter is, and explicitly states the federal government is not allowed to endorse a specific type of storm shelter as being right for every situation. When all is said and done, there are many different types and it’s impossible to judge by climate and day to day weather changes, household needs and level of individual concern what a family may need. This article is meant to help you decide the type of safe room that will best suit your needs, and help to keep your family safe in the event of almost all emergencies.

The Truth About Safe Rooms? Ours Are All Safe.

Essentially, storm shelters can be above ground or below ground. At Elephant Safe Rooms, we build our structures to be compliant with all of the guidelines set by FEMA. As a testament to the success of storm shelters above and below ground, no one has ever been killed in one that has met these same guidelines. Herein, the storm shelter or underground bunker you require is based in large upon your preference and tangible needs of safety in your area, as well as the size of your family or number of belongings you wish to keep in your household. If you’re looking for accessibility our above ground storm shelter is by definition the easiest to get to. The above ground shelter can be placed in your home, or outside depending on your preference. It’s best to place the above ground shelter in a place that you have planned for easy access, as we all know emergencies happen in an instant. The above ground shelter is accessible by children, handicap people, and people with general issues of mobility. It can be many dimensions, check our catalog to take a look at the options for sizes. 

Want a Safe Room That Lasts? Go Steel.

In terms of longevity, you’ll save a lot more money by buying a steel shelter than a concrete one. Concrete shelters over time become brittle, and they aren’t as durable as steel shelters. This can lead to issues with safety if there are cracks, allowing wind to tunnel through and pressurize the building. Fiberglass shelters are subject to the same type of erosion as regular fiberglass, it rots over time. Steel rusts over time, but our shelters are coated and painted properly. Herein, all sides that are exposed to rusting agents like soil and water are safe from rust. Steel shelters last so long that there are ways to help move them in case you sell your house or decide to move. 

Elephant Saferooms’ engineers have performed research on all of these issues, and have constructed a product line you can be confident in. Each of our shelters have been made to ensure it’s your preference you’re choosing, not your safety. The below ground safe room starts at 4′ x 4′. The panelized kits start at 6′ x 6′, and the underground bunkers start at 6′ x 6′ as well, all of their starting specs are listed below. Go here to our shopping section to learn more. 

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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Our 4×4 safe room is 4′ wide by 4′ long by 7′ high. Elephant Safe Room® Shelters a secure multi-use above ground steel residential tornado safe room.

 

SAFE ROOM SPECIFICATIONS

Made of solid quarter inch steel plate, this storm shelter is designed to withstand massive abuses from mother nature and criminal activity alike. The fully welded safe rooms are able to withstand tornado force wind speeds when properly installed inside the home, garage, or even out in the open. You can install these units outside, when anchored to a properly reinforced concrete pad, for safety and security for your family. Each unit comes standard with a 36″ standard security door with a three-point security latch system, and a key-lockable deadbolt. Sheltered air vents allow air in and will keep debris out, and each units comes with an enamel coated interior and exterior to ensure a solid finish and corrosion protection for years to come. For maximum protection from tornadoes, be sure to view our underground storm shelters.

 

6' x 6' bolt together safe room kit by Elephant Safe Room

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Our 6×6 safe room is 6′ wide by 6′ long by 7.5′ high. Elephant Safe Room® Shelters a secure multi-use above ground steel residential tornado safe room.

PANELIZED KIT SPECIFICATIONS

Made of 12 Gauge Steel, this storm shelter is designed to withstand massive abuses from mother nature and criminal activity alike. The panelized kits are able to withstand tornado force wind speeds when properly installed inside the home, garage, or even out in the open. You can also install these units outside, when anchored to a properly reinforced concrete pad, for safety and security for your family. Each unit comes standard with a 36″ standard security door with a three-point security latch system, and a key-lockable deadbolt. Also, sheltered air vents allow air in and will keep debris out. For maximum protection from tornadoes, be sure to view our underground storm shelters.

ELEPHANT-STORM-SHELTER-6x6-1500px

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Our 6×6 safe room is 6′ wide by 6′ long by 7.5′ high. Elephant Safe Room® Shelters a secure multi-use above ground steel residential tornado safe room.

 

UNDERGROUND STORM SAFE SPECIFICATIONS

Made of solid 12 gauge steel, this storm shelter is designed to withstand massive abuses from mother nature and criminal activity alike. The underground storm safes are able to withstand tornado force wind speeds when properly installed underground. There are two different types of underground storm safe entrances, a stairwell and a ladder. Each unit comes standard with a 36″ standard security door with a three-point security latch system, and a key-lockable deadbolt. Sheltered air vents allow air in and will keep debris out.

Elephant Safe Room® Shelters are designed and manufactured in the USA at our factory in North Carolina. We service the Southeast directly, and provide Nationwide coverage with Freight-on-Board (FOB) determined at the time of your order.

If you’re still unsure about which safe room is right for you, feel free to contact us here, or give us a a call for a free consultation today. We’ve been in the metal structures business for 37 years, and by our brand, it shows. At Elephant Safe Rooms, the customer comes first.