An above-ground storm shelter in Arkansas offers protection during tornados. When building an above-ground storm shelter, one must be certain that the construction and materials will withstand the extreme winds produced by tornado storms. Here are some of the key factors to consider.
Tornado Rating
Tornados are rated using the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale with an EF 0 being the least destructive and an EF 5 being the most destructive and, often, deadly. Anyone considering building an above-ground tornado shelter must ensure the building can withstand the worst-case conditions, an EF 5 tornado.
Testing
Many above-ground storm shelters are manufactured offsite and go through numerous rounds of testing. Shelters are tested for durability, wind resistance, and impact resistance. An EF5 tornado can produce winds up to 250 mph. When winds reach this speed, anything can become a deadly projectile item. When choosing a manufacturer, customers should ask what testing was done.
Door Construction
Tornado shelters don’t have windows and are solidly built with one exception. Every storm shelter has a door. Door construction is something that must always be considered. Poorly installed or built doors lower the effectiveness of a storm shelter. Sliding door construction works best because they don’t require time to secure like dead-bolted doors and don’t get stuck like swinging doors.
Safety shelters save lives. It’s that simple. It’s the #1 reason why more and more people are choosing to build above ground storm shelters in Arkansas. To find the right one for one’s budget, do the research and feel secure when tornado season blows into town.
