Storm survivor stories
These are real people who’ve faced the worst storms imaginable, read our storm shelter reviews to hear their FamilySAFE stories.
EF5 OKC OK
FamilySAFE is the first above ground steel shelter to survive an actual direct hit from a tornado
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Savannah/Franklin TN
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Jackson TN
X2 FamilySAFE survives EF4
Birmingham AL
FamilySAFE survives EF5
Joplin MO
FamilySAFE survives EF4/EF5
Piedmont OK
X3 FamilySAFE units survive
EF5 Moore/OKC OK
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Vilonia AR
FamilySAFE survives EF2 Baxter springs KS (40′ tall tree weighing in excess of 6,000 Ibs. falls directly on FamilySAFE with zero issues)
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Rowlett TX
FamilySAFE survives EF3
Rogers AR
FamilySAFE survives EF3
Dallas/Richardson TX
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Rolling Fork/Amory MS
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Dewey OK
FamilySAFE survives EF3
Pryor OK
FamilySAFE survives EF4
Decatur AR
FamilySAFE survives EF4/EF5
Marion IL
Over 25 years, our shelters have taken direct hits from EF3, EF4, and EF5 tornadoes—and held strong every time. Families walked out safe while everything around them was flattened. That’s why we build the way we do. When the skies turn dark, peace of mind is worth everything.
Don’t Hesitate
Several years ago, a Family Safe installed a storm shelter in our walk-out basement, and they did so in a very professional manner.
After the tornado devastated Moore, OK, and we saw the aerial footage showing only concrete slabs where homes once stood, we decided it was time to invest in a storm shelter. We explored multiple options, and these shelters are the best we found.
Don’t hesitate—just get one!
Battle Tested
Last night our house was in the direct path when two tornados came through. The first storm it was radar indicated tornado and the second storm, tornado was CONFIRMED on the ground headed straight towards us according to the radar. Within the last seconds it barely turned north and missed us within a quarter of mile. Lord was watching over us and heard my prayers!! We are counting our blessings today and thankful to still have our home and all belongings. Everyone in the community is heavy on my mind and heart today. Such a tragedy!
****This time last year I had a family safe shelter installed and it’s been a life changer for myself and my family. I am completely terrified of storms and always think we worst so Keith Black was like Geez just order one, so I did! Best money spent! I have piece of mind that my family will be safe during severe weather and we feel safe too. Just a little crowded lol… I recommend getting a larger one if possible 🤣
Several people have messaged Keith and I today with questions regarding our FamilySafe so I figured I would post this and let EVERYONE know. Brandon Crawford with Family Safe Shelters installed ours and he was amazing. Arrived on time, took his time, and answered all of my questions without hesitation. **If you’re interested in knowing more, just send him a message and ask. He’s a great honest guy and happy to help. Make sure you tell him we referred you and we will get $ and I believe it will save you some as well. Do your research on them and keep your family safe! You won’t regret it! *****
FamilySAFE is the PROVEN leader in EF5-tested, above ground shelter and safe rooms. Not just tested, but PROVEN in 14 of the worst tornadoes in history! Even in the face of devestating EF5 tornadoes, FamilvSAFE has never had a shelter fail. Several of our above ground units take direct hits from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes. Our shelters held firm during complete destructions of homes.
Direct hit survival:
F4/F5 May 8, 2003 Moore/Dell City OK
EF4 Feb 5, 2008 Savannah/Franklin Tenn
EF4 Feb 5. 2008 Jackson Tenn
EF4 April 27, 2011 Birmingham LA
EF4/EF5 May 24. 2011 Piedmont OK
EF5 May 20, 2013 Moore OK (X3)
EF4 May 4, 2014 Vilonia AK
EF2 April 27, 2014 Baxter Springs KS
EF3 March 25, 2023 Armory MS
Protected When Tornadoes Struck
On Friday, a tornado warning was issued in Amory, Mississippi, and my wife and I took shelter in our FamilySAFE shelter. Emergency officials reported that several people were killed by tornadoes that tore through the state that night, destroying buildings and knocking out power as severe weather produced hail the size of golf balls moved through several southern states. Standing outside the safe room on Saturday, March 25, 2023, I can see the devastation around us, but I’m grateful we had a safe place to go when we needed it most.
Healing From Tragedy Through Protection
Thank you, after losing my little sister, brother in law as well as two friends in the May 22 tornado, I have been very anxious about storms. I can now relax a bit.
Installed Monday, Needed Tuesday
THANK YOU, THANK YOU to Amber, Robert and Dave!! Thanks for getting our FamilySAFE to us and installed on Monday. We had no idea it would be so important to us on Tuesday. Straight line winds in excess of 100 mph went through our area Tuesday night. Our property managed to escape damage except for limbs in the drive-way and some downed dead/dying trees in our woods. People 1/4 mile west of us and 1/4 mile north were not so lucky. I cannot tell you how CALM I was during this first storm in nearly 20 years that I had the peace of mind of knowing that I had a safe place to go!! And it’s not even Spring, yet!!
F4 Tornado: Our Safe Haven Proved Its Worth
To the FamilySafe “Family,”
On April 27, 2011 our community was devastated by an F4 tornado with winds in excess of 200 mph. Having an the tornado warning, my husband and I entered our “FamilySafe” tornado shelter as we have every tornado season since it was installed in 2008. The radio broadcast had given us ample warning, approximately 11 minutes before the tornado hit. “Hold on to take shelter, but we heard a loud ‘WHOMP’ from our upstairs bedroom. Do we hunted into our shelter from our kitchen and, as we sat huddled to the extreme winds in our garage looking and ceiling winds of the debris, we were aware that the “FamilySafe” shelter used our safe refuge. At that the “FamilySafe” shelter used our safe refuge. At that moment, adrenaline spiked! The event lasted less than 5 minutes. We followed instructions from the radio broadcast to exit the shelter shortly thereafter. Do we exited and took in the immediate damage to our garage, we were amazed that the stall the FamilySafe’ shelter occupied along with our pick-up truck, was not damaged! The front stall ceiling had been ripped off, drywall hanging from rafters. But we were alive!
We both know we are so fortunate, much more than others, and if there is anything good that came from this disaster, perhaps it is that our two teenage daughters have true value and safe because of “FamilySafe” tornado shelter, and of course, our Creator!
Thank you to the manufacturers and personnel of FamilySafe. Reading and testimonies are big cheats! Feeling safe and secure during an event as this is priceless!
Best Money I Ever Spent
Since getting the 4X8 storm shelter earlier this year we haven’t had any bad weather ……. until today and while it wasn’t as bad as it could have been my nerves were much less frazzled knowing we had safe place to go if needed. Best money I ever spent:) Thanks again guys!
More Than a Shelter—A Lifesaver
Dear FamilySafe,
I want to let you know on behalf of my family, how very thankful we are to have chosen your company to do business with.
We have owned our safe room for several years and have used it numerous times living in the Oklahoma City Moore area, not just for ourselves, but our neighbors also.
While the May 3rd, 1999 tornado destroyed our house, our safe room was not damaged at all and stood alert in the garage while outside walls and roof were falling.
Your camping has been a thoughtful and gracious, checking on us via email and phone calls during the first weeks of recovery to see if we were OK or in need of anything. After hearing our concerns about storage for our safe room when having the remainder of our house demolished, your company let us know you would take it to your storage yard to keep until we needed to have it reset. Wow, what a huge relief that was and still is. I miss the security I felt having the saferoom close.
We tell everyone who will listen about your company, its products and services. So about staying safe. Thanks for what you provide in peace of mind and security.
7 Lives Saved
No doubt the greatest day of my career to stand beside the FamilySAFE that saved 7 lives in Velonia, Arkansas. We will continue to pray for all the families that had to endure the wrath of this tornado. It was a most humbling experience to see the devastation and how these amazing people are dealing with it. Speechless!!!
Same-Day Response to a Tornado Crisis
Wow! Talk about customer service! If you are looking for an above ground tornado shelter, let me recommend FamilySafe. We called them TODAY about Lori’s that just went through the Baxter tornado, because she wanted info on how to move it before they demo her house. FamilySafe came out TODAY. They will move it. They will inspect it. They will repaint it. If it’s damaged, they will fully replace it and they are gonna store it until she has another place. Their product survived the tornado and having a big tree fall on it, but I am IMPRESSED with their service.
Before and After: A Story of Safety and Protection!
These two pictures, taken two years apart, tell a powerful story. In 2012, we installed a storm shelter for this family, providing them with a safe haven in case of severe weather. And then, in 2014, their shelter was put to the test when a tornado struck.
We’re thrilled to report that the shelter held strong, keeping the family safe and sound. This is what drives us—knowing that our storm shelters provide not only protection but also peace of mind for those who need it most.
Perfectly Safe When It Counted
I want to say a big thank you for the shelter. We had to use it for the first time last night, and we felt perfectly safe during the tornado warnings. What a relief!
Great Guys, Great Team
Robert and Tim are great guys. Very professional and knowledgeable. Great product, great team!
Continued Care, Years After the Sale
Family safe came in 3 years ago and put a shelter in our garage. We were so impressed with the communication and how they treated us and helped us figure out which one was best for our family! My best friend also decided to go with FamilySafe and we got ours installed on the same day! Well fast forward to October and I’ve realized I lost the keys to our safe room i immediately called and Vince told me not to worry(bc I was in a panic lol) he asked me my info and if I could send him pics of the lock and he would send me keys in the mail no charge 😩 they just arrived and they WORKED! I would recommend them a million times if I could! The continued help even after three years meant so much to me! Thank u Vince you are the absolute best!!!
Easy to Reach, Easy to Work With
Easily accessible by phone and email. Ordering process was super easy. From sale to install everything was very smooth and professional. Everyone was very easy to talk to and happy to answer questions. Installers showed up on time and were very knowledgeable. We feel good about our decision to go with Family SAFE and will recommend them to others. Thank you!
Join the thousands of families who’ve chosen a FamilySAFE shelter.