Preparing for the Storm: Storm Shelter Tips and Tricks

There are plenty of benefits to owning a personal storm shelter, especially for individuals living in regions that are prone to tornadoes and severe weather conditions. However, a shelter is only useful if you manage it correctly. That means ensuring the structure is as prepared for storms as you and your family are, even at a moment’s notice. Luckily, the storm shelters at Swisher are built to last and require little to no maintenance. Even still, it’s important to be prepared for any and all situations. Prepare for the storm with this helpful guide on storm shelter tips and tricks.

The Benefits

Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it’s important to go over the benefits of owning a storm shelter, especially if you’re on the fence about this purchase. If you live in a storm-prone region, chances are you already have some type of shelter in place, whether it’s a basement, cellar, or nearby public structure. This is true for most individuals living in Florida, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, or Texas, as these five states are typically the most impacted by natural disasters and severe storms. However, no one area in the country is impervious to severe weather, so it’s important to consider how a storm shelter can protect you from regional weather events. Let’s explore the benefits you’ll enjoy after purchasing a secure tornado shelter.

Family Protection

This benefit is obvious but important—a storm shelter provides superior protection to you and your family in the event of a disastrous event. Our shelters feature a reinforced steel door and a Grade 5 carbon steel body, which keep you safe from EF5 tornado strikes. This form of protection is essential, especially if you lack a reinforced basement or cellar on your property. At a moment’s notice, you and your family can quickly find coverage inside your shelter, nearly eliminating the chances of injuries or fatalities. And yes, this protection extends to all members of the family, including the four-legged furry ones!

Multi-Faceted Security

While our shelters primarily protect you and your family from tornadoes, that doesn’t mean you can’t use your shelter for other purposes. They make excellent safe rooms in the event of break-ins or other imminent dangers, as you can barricade everyone inside a secure location. They’re also fantastic places to store valuables without worrying about them being swept away in a storm or by an intruder. You can also dedicate space inside your shelter to housing essential documents and supplies. However, we always recommend that you uphold the primary function of your shelter, which is protection against severe weather. Don’t limit the amount of space inside your shelter by overfilling it with non-essential items.

Tip #1 – Stay Stocked Up

It is very unlikely that you spend significant, continuous time inside your storm shelter. Most “stays” typically last anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours. However, that doesn’t mean you won’t need survival supplies and resources pre-stocked inside your tornado shelter. Here is a basic list of items you should have prepared inside your safe space:

General first aid supplies
Sanitation items, such as toilet paper, sanitizer, and waste bags
Flashlight(s) with full batteries
Enough non-perishable food for a day or two
At least two to three liters of water per person
Spare clothing and gear
Fire prevention equipment and a fire extinguisher
Pet supplies

This list might make it seem like you’re preparing for the end of the world, but each item is essential for both your physical and mental well-being during disaster events. There’s a good chance you won’t use any of these objects during a tornado, especially if you only need to shelter momentarily. But having these things handy and secure prepares you for the worst outcomes each and every time.

A good trick for saving money on your emergency supplies is to do regular check-ins to determine expiration dates. Expiration dates aren’t solely related to food products. In fact, every item has a specific shelf life, from batteries to medical supplies. By regularly checking and rotating your supply, you are less likely to waste items. Plus, this ensures you always have effective equipment, provisions, and gear in the event of an emergency.

Tip #2 – Practice Saves Lives

Luckily, using one of our storm shelter tips is straightforward—secure the family inside and close the door! However, you should still conduct regular family drills to ensure everyone can quickly get into the safe space at a moment’s notice. This limits the chances of making a mistake amid the chaos of getting everyone secured.

Each member of the family should understand where the shelter is, the quickest and safest way to get there, what they need to bring with, and how to act while inside the shelter. We recommend holding trial runs a few times a year to keep everyone sharp and informed.

Tip #3 – Best Locations

Having a storm shelter structure is one thing, but putting it in the best possible location is another. With a covered location and proper anchoring, you can put your shelter outside of the home, though it must be at least 150 feet from the nearest home entrance or exit. However, we recommend finding an interior location for your safe room. The garage and basement are preferred spots for a few reasons. They are easy to get to from inside the house, they typically have fewer windows than every other room in the house, and they are an easy place to anchor your shelter. Consult our team at Swisher to determine the best spot on your property for placing a tornado shelter.

Preparing for the storm can feel scary and induce dreadful feelings of stress and anxiety—that’s completely normal! Swisher produces storm shelters to make you and your family more prepared and safer in the event of a weather disaster. By following these storm shelter tips and tricks, you can ensure that every member of the family is happy and healthy following a tornado. For additional information, questions, or concerns related to sheltering, please feel free to contact our friendly team today!