ARJ Defense ad

Anyone own a storm shelter?

The #1 community for Gun Owners in Texas

Member Benefits:

  • Fewer Ads!
  • Discuss all aspects of firearm ownership
  • Discuss anti-gun legislation
  • Buy, sell, and trade in the classified section
  • Chat with Local gun shops, ranges, trainers & other businesses
  • Discover free outdoor shooting areas
  • View up to date on firearm-related events
  • Share photos & video with other members
  • ...and so much more!
  • texcross

    Well-Known
    Admin
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Aug 28, 2013
    1,799
    96
    Sanger, TX
    Anyone own a storm shelter? Signed up for the rebate deal here in our county and waiting, want an above ground on, disabled wife, no way I can get her below ground!

    This home has a ton of closet, would be nice to just build one in a closet. Doubt the rebate deal would cover it...
    Venture Surplus ad
     

    F350-6

    TGT Addict
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 25, 2009
    4,237
    96
    I got an in ground one around 15 or so years ago after a tornado heading straight for us jumped back in the clouds around 3 miles away.

    Not completely underground. The top half sticks up close to 3' and is buried with dirt. The door sits at around a 30 deg angle. We've used it a few times over the years. The most recent being this year when an F2 got within 2 miles.
     

    robertc1024

    Moderator
    Staff member
    Moderator
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    20   0   0
    Jan 22, 2013
    20,779
    96
    San Marcos
    I live on top of a hill in a split-level. Bottom story is 4' underground. Storage place is completely underground. In-Laws live three houses down. If tornado's come, party at my house.
     

    just jk

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 27, 2011
    2,626
    21
    dee eff dub
    there is a company - probably in Oklahoma - that makes safe room type shelters - i think thats what you're looking for - 4 HARD walls, and anchored to the ground

    and apparently - the report from Moore is that the above ground shelters are now considered the preferred kind
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Oct 15, 2009
    38,007
    96
    Lampasas, Texas
    When I remodeled our last house I built a storm shelter in our closet.

    I built a few engineered tornado shelters with a friend so I had a good idea what is involved. The ones we built were in garages.

    They make perfect gun rooms BTW.
     

    just jk

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 27, 2011
    2,626
    21
    dee eff dub
    the ones they put in the floor of your garage - i like that idea - but the only thing i wouldnt like is the potential for having your door covered by debris and being stuck till they come dig you out
     

    Dawico

    Uncoiled
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    14   0   0
    Oct 15, 2009
    38,007
    96
    Lampasas, Texas
    the ones they put in the floor of your garage - i like that idea - but the only thing i wouldnt like is the potential for having your door covered by debris and being stuck till they come dig you out

    The door should open inwards just for that reason. I have seen what you are talking about though.
     

    just jk

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 27, 2011
    2,626
    21
    dee eff dub
    The door should open inwards just for that reason. I have seen what you are talking about though.

    yeah - that makes sense - i guess i'm thinking about a situation where you're at home- the car is in the garage - you have to back it out enough to gain access to the shelter - if the garage implodes on top of your shelter....

    i guess the PD where you live would have a record of your shelter - and that would be used to aid in a search????
     

    breakingcontact

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    13   0   0
    Oct 16, 2012
    18,298
    31
    Indianapolis
    i doubt you'd have room to operate that - those shelters are pretty small - like a tiny jail cell - you wouldnt have the space to swing anything, and a chain saw would just bring debris down on top of you

    I don't know then. I guess you're stuck. Let us know when you get out.

    I suppose you could have some sort of external indicator like a strobe or something to show your shelter is occupied.
     

    just jk

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 27, 2011
    2,626
    21
    dee eff dub
    I don't know then. I guess you're stuck. Let us know when you get out.

    I suppose you could have some sort of external indicator like a strobe or something to show your shelter is occupied.

    the occupied thing is a good point - because there were several homes in Moore last May - that had shelters - but nobody was home

    you gotta figure that during that time - your electricity and phone are likely out......cell towers may or may not be reliable


    interesting
     

    Acera

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Jan 17, 2011
    7,596
    21
    Republic of Texas
    If you want a do it yourself project, something like this might be able to be built on the cheap.






    af7f52d0a79622797d6664a6e62f796bd897c563
     

    just jk

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Feb 27, 2011
    2,626
    21
    dee eff dub
    i'm curious what those things weigh? i've seen tornadic weather lift 18 wheelers off the ground....if its bolted or secured to the ground - then fine - otherwise -that thing may become a rolly polly ride
     

    ZX9RCAM

    Over the Rainbow bridge...
    TGT Supporter
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 14, 2008
    59,732
    96
    The Woodlands, Tx.
    i'm curious what those things weigh? i've seen tornadic weather lift 18 wheelers off the ground....if its bolted or secured to the ground - then fine - otherwise -that thing may become a rolly polly ride

    It would definitely need to be secured, lol....
     

    Acera

    TGT Addict
    Rating - 100%
    6   0   0
    Jan 17, 2011
    7,596
    21
    Republic of Texas
    i'm curious what those things weigh? i've seen tornadic weather lift 18 wheelers off the ground....if its bolted or secured to the ground - then fine - otherwise -that thing may become a rolly polly ride

    First I think the shape would have a lot to do with not giving the wind any thing to lift on and packing/mounding dirt around the sides would help with that and it's stability.

    Second, if you get an inside diameter of 7 foot or so you are going to be at 2,600+ pounds per foot, so a decent sized shelter for a moderately sized family would have some heft. ( I get that info from this pdf http://www.shermandixie.com/products/pipe/42_84_pipe.pdf )

    (as a bonus, reinforced concrete is strong and fairly well protected from EMP)
     

    Obamascared

    New Member
    Rating - 0%
    0   0   0
    Oct 23, 2013
    39
    1
    a FRIEND got a state voucher for like 3800 dollars from the state I can dig into what he actually did to get it . I cared a couple of years ago and then lost interest so I didnt follow up. But will if needed.
     

    F350-6

    TGT Addict
    Lifetime Member
    Rating - 100%
    2   0   0
    May 25, 2009
    4,237
    96
    If you have a shelter, tell several different friends who live several miles away to come dig you out if a big one hits. Above or below ground won't matter much if a Buick or 18 wheeler end up blocking your door. Or large trees, neighbors houses, etc.
     
    Top Bottom