Several companies advertise storm shelter services in northwest Oklahoma, so probably other areas in the region. Some go in under the garage slab, some are bunkers either completely or partially underground. I recall seeing one in a residential back yard that was above grade and overlaid with tiered soil as a very nice garden area.

Soil and substrate is probably a major consideration. Another would be the water table in the area; makes little sense to put a shelter 6 or 8 feet down if the ground water level is 3 or 4 feet.

I would plan on deep-cycle batteries with a power inverter. LED lights are very efficient, very low amperage draw, but the more battery storage you have the better off you would be. Emergency communications; cell phones and radio signals may be useless without some sort of above-ground antenna to broadcast and receive (maybe something that can be manually raised so it isn't exposed to the storm).

Don't overlook ventilation. Circulating fresh air through is a must. Any powered device could quickly deplete your electrical storage so a manually-operated system could be a good idea.

A good first aid kit, preferably sufficient for trauma care (fractures, serious bleeds, etc). If possible an emergency supply of pain meds and antibiotics. Any regularly needed prescription meds.

Warm clothing, blankets and/or sleeping bags.

Fresh water supplies, frequently updated or rotated. Food supplies, either canned or freeze-dried (or both) for long-term storage, rotated as needed. Some type of portable toilet facility (preferably with sealed storage of contents).

Snacks and forms of diversion (games, cards, whatever), especially with children involved.

Most tornados are short-term events, but some storm fronts may require sheltering for extended time periods. Onw of my concerns would be having the escape route blocked and being stuck inside the shelter until rescue arrives (and hopefully finds us under the debris). Even then there may be a need for shelter for some time afterward.

I would make sure that a trusted family member or neighbor knows that I may be in my shelter and they should make sure we got out afterwards .Some type of attention getting device like a flag or a handheld air horn that could be utilized through the vent .

The OP is posting about Lubbock, TX, and like many cities/counties they have a Storm Shelter registration so if disaster strikes emergency services can find trapped people in storm shelters. If it were me, emergency services checking in after a storm would be my back-up plan and like selogic posted the primary plan would be trusted neighbor/friend/family member.

One of the first things I did when I bought this place in 2012 was to build a FEMA designed indoor storm shelter in the then unfinished basement following their plans. Since then, it's morphed into a multi-purpose gun safe room, survival room, safe room etc.

Since building it, we have spent several nights in the basement and a couple in the storm shelter.

Lots of good information here as well as plans.


Safe Room Publications and Resources | FEMA.gov


The criteria for a safe room are provided in FEMA P-361, Safe Rooms for Tornadoes and Hurricanes: Guidance for Community and Residential Safe Rooms

Guidance for residential safe rooms and construction drawings for site built safe rooms are provided in FEMA P-320, Taking Shelter from the Storm: Building or Installing a Safe Room for Your Home.

quote:

Originally posted by StorminNormin:
Maybe product of this company: https://www.usstormshelters.com/

Zero need for a tornado shelter up in these parts, but that'd make a great little root cellar.

Several years ago when we lived in Hurst, TX we had a company out of Oklahoma City (Flat Safe) build us a tornado shelter in the floor of our garage. You would park your car on top of the shelter, slide the steel door forward and enter under rear of your vehicle and close the door. Capacity was 6-8 persons. Also came with a heavy duty come-a-long hooked to the door in case debris or car was on door. Our location was registered with the county emergency service in case they had to look for us. 4 other family members had the same installation. They cut the slab out of the garage making it 8 inches all around larger than the shelter which was a larger fiberglass tub. Set the tub and poured concrete all around it. We had to use it a couple of times.

quote:

Originally posted by cndrdk:
Several years ago when we lived in Hurst, TX we had a company out of Oklahoma City (Flat Safe) build us a tornado shelter in the floor of our garage. You would park your car on top of the shelter, slide the steel door forward and enter under rear of your vehicle and close the door. Capacity was 6-8 persons. Also came with a heavy duty come-a-long hooked to the door in case debris or car was on door. Our location was registered with the county emergency service in case they had to look for us. 4 other family members had the same installation. They cut the slab out of the garage making it 8 inches all around larger than the shelter which was a larger fiberglass tub. Set the tub and poured concrete all around it. We had to use it a couple of times.

Not sure I would want a tank full of gasoline right above me.