Storm Shelter FAQ

What are above ground storm shelters? Do they really work?

Family SAFE’s above ground storm shelters are steel rooms constructed around steel safety cages that are then bolted into a concrete slab to protect the occupants against tornadoes. Our storm shelters have been through rigorous lab testing to ensure that they are effective and also proven themselves time and again in the field when they have stood up to actual EF4 and EF5 tornadoes.

Are your shelters FEMA/ICC500 compliant?

Yes! Our shelters meet or exceed every safety and engineering standard for above ground storm shelters in the United States, including FEMA/ICC500. Our shelters are also fully-engineered, complete with engineer-stamped drawings.

Where can FamilySAFE storm shelters be installed?

We can install storm shelters across the United States. From California to North Carolina, we are ready to help you protect your family with our shelters. Our home base for tornado shelters is Springfield, MO, with dealers in many other states ready to work with you.

Our storm shelters can be installed almost anywhere that has a quality concrete slab. Our standard models fit easily into most garages and our bolt together models can accommodate basement or closet installs. If you have any questions about suitable install locations, contact us today to speak with a dealer or make an appointment.

Will I be electrocuted if the storm shelter is struck by lightning while I’m inside?

We hear this question from time to time, and the answer is simply no. Should your shelter be struck by lightning while you are inside, the electricity will travel down the outside of the shelter and into the ground through the anchorage system. The electricity will not go into the inside walls of the shelter to harm you. It is similar to being in a car that is struck by lightening, you would also not be electrocuted. The scientific reason for this is called the Faraday Principle.