ESP Safety Shelters

EF5 PROTECTION

AMERICAN BUILT

VERSATILE SECURITY

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Which is better, an underground shelter or an above-ground shelter?

Studies have shown that you are just as safe in an approved/certified above-ground safe room as in a below-ground shelter. In certain situations you could actually be safer in an above-ground tornado shelter, such as when there is flooding or if the door is blocked by debris with no other way out.

Cons for below-ground shelters

  • Susceptible to stresses and strains of the ground freezing in the wintertime
  • Can be forced out of the ground in areas where the water table is high
  • Expensive to dig if bedrock exists
  • Possibility of flooding from rain, broken water pipes, or a high water table
  • Steep, narrow stairs for entry

Pros for above-ground shelters

  • Little or no ground preparation required
  • Can be entered easily, particularly by elderly or disabled
  • Less chance of flooding from rain or broken pipes
  • less expensive to install in most cases
  • Can be conveniently located within the house or structure

SHELTERS

  1. 6-Person ESP Corner Safety Shelter - SRCS84X62G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $8,059.95 Special Price $6,208.95
  2. 25-Person ESP Safety Shelter - SR84X144G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $13,639.95 Special Price $10,486.95
  3. 20-Person ESP Safety Shelter - SR84X114G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $12,139.95 Special Price $9,316.95
  4. 14-Person ESP Safety Shelter - SR84X084G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $10,609.95 Special Price $8,175.95
  5. 9-Person ESP Safety Shelter - SR84X054G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $8,999.95 Special Price $6,962.95
  6. 6-Person ESP Safety Shelter - SR84X039G - FREE LOCAL PICKUP
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    was $8,199.95 Special Price $6,388.95

ACCESSORIES

  1. SRAC20226 & SRAC20229 Combo - ESPCOMBO
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    was $309.95 Special Price $254.95
  2. ESP Large Shelf - SRAC20226
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    was $114.95 Special Price $90.95
  3. ESP Small Shelf - SRAC20221
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    was $78.45 Special Price $72.95
  4. ESP Deluxe Gun Rack - SRAC20338
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    was $315.81 Special Price $269.95
  5. ESP Standard Gun Rack - SRAC20282
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    was $176.82 Special Price $172.95
  6. ESP Bench - SRAC20229
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    $170.78
The most important thing to look for is a company that has had their shelter’s quality verified by NSSA (National Storm Shelter Association) for wind speeds generated by an EF5 tornado. Quality verification involves having the shelter debris-impact tested and also a written structural wind engineer evaluation. The structural wind engineer evaluation is not the same as a stamped engineered drawing. Any engineer can stamp a drawing, but only an engineer specializing in wind engineering can provide a written structural third-party evaluation. The ESP Safety Shelter meets all of these criteria—debris testing, stamped engineering design specifications, and engineering third-party evaluation (peer review).
To obtain near absolute protection from winds produced by an EF5 tornado, the ESP Safety Shelter should be secured to an adequate concrete slab as outlined in your shelter’s installation manual. At a minimum, a 5” thick slab of 2500 psi (min) concrete is required with reinforcing of #4s on 24” centers. In addition, an overhang of concrete is required, depending on the shelter size (see installation manual for details). Any deviation from these minimum requirements would require an independent evaluation performed by a structural engineer.
The best spot for your shelter is one that can be easily and safely accessed without being an intrusion in your day-to-day life. We understand that you won’t need to use your ESP Safety Shelter daily, but when you do, the easier it is to access, the more likely it is that you will be able to use it quickly and when needed.
The ESP Safety Shelter is very easy to install with the help of one or two additional people. It takes minimal tools and experience. However, you may also hire a professional contractor to do the work. Reach out to us for assistance in locating a contractor in your area, and we also provide some helpful hints inside the installation manual. No matter who performs the installation, the inspection checklist sign off procedure recommended by NSSA (National Storm Shelter Association) is critical in ensuring that your shelter provides near absolute protection during a high wind event.
To determine if FEMA funding is available in your area, contact your local, county, or state emergency management agency. Please keep in mind that funding opportunities are usually rebates and not paid up front. You must first purchase and install your shelter and have it inspected, then once all the paperwork required by your state (and local jurisdiction) has been completed, you will receive a rebate. The amount varies by state, jurisdiction, and the amount of funding available overall. Some states also require you to attend training sessions where you will learn how to properly follow the process. This process can take several months, and there may be deadlines to get started. Please check with your local emergency management agency for details.
Yes! We understand the number one obstacle to owning a safe room is cost. When it comes to the safety and protection of your family, cost should be the least of your concerns. That is why we are proud to offer affordable financing through Bread Pay and PayPal. Contact us today to find out how we can help make this purchase a reality for your family.
ESP Safety Shelters properly installed and registered come with a Lifetime Storm Damage Replacement Benefit and a 5 Year Limited Warranty. See product owner’s manual for complete replacement and warranty details.

ESP Tornado Shelters & Accessories

Swisher takes safety and home security seriously for its customers. That’s why we are proud to offer above ground tornado shelters and storm safety shelters. Emergency Security Preparedness Safety Shelters, or ESP Safety Shelters, are perfect for our customers who are looking for a steel tornado shelter or safe room for severe weather.

Swisher ESP storm safety shelters are American-made and reviewed by registered structural engineers. Our tornado shelters have also undergone successful testing at the Texas Tech National Wind Institution, and sustained impacts of forces equivalent to EF5 tornadoes. In addition, our ESP Safety Shelters have been verified by the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) to be in compliance with FEMA 320, FEMA 361 and the ICC-500-2014 Code requirements when installed per the manufacturer’s guidelines and inspected by a qualified inspector. We offer several designs, including wheelchair-accessible layouts, and you can also shop for extra accessories, such as benches, shelves, and lighting. Let us help you prepare and secure your steel safe room with our above ground tornado shelters and storm shelters.

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