- 1). Contact FEMA and ask for a copy of their 320 "Safe Room" document or download it online (see Resources). This document outlines the federal rules and regulations for tornado and storm shelters. It also provides tips for safe design and construction.
- 2). Design your underground tornado shelter. Most storm shelters require a flat, square or oval room of several feet and a sloping staircase area. Consider how many people will be staying in the shelter when determining the size, allowing for seating as well as storage of emergency safety kits. Allow for a thick, reinforced wall and ceiling.
- 3). Call your gas, electric and water companies to determine the location of sensitive wiring and piping. Choose an area to construct your tornado shelter away from these areas. The tornado shelter should be located in close proximity to your house and should be easily accessible for all members of your family.
- 4). Measure, mark and dig out your tornado shelter according to your designs. Dig the flooring as level as possible. Dig the adjacent slope leading into the shelter to fit the staircase.
- 5). Dig holes around the perimeter of the shelter to house the shelter's posts. Place posts every 3 to 3 1/2 feet. Insert the 4-by-4s into the holes, then fill the holes with cement. Allow the cement to harden and dry. Install your water-barrier kit at the tops and bottoms of the holes.
- 6). Construct the cinder-block walls of all sides of the shelter, using mortar to join the blocks together. Construct the walls of the staircase ramp as well. Lay outdoor flooring stones on the floor to securely fit into the walls and secure them with mortar. Allow the mortar to harden and dry.
- 7). Attach crossbeams to each of the outside posts of the shelter using wooden screws. Lay sheet metal across the beams to create a roof. Drill holes into the metal and beams, then secure both by attaching them with heavy-duty bolts. Do this for all beams and metal sheets.
- 8). Install the prefabricated portions of your storm shelter, including the metal door and any ventilation systems, according to the directions provided in the packaging.
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