Free referral service · Jackson, TN
Storm shelter questions, plain answers
Straight answers. No sales talk. Official sources.
Free. No cost to you.
What is a storm shelter?
A strong room or box built to protect people from tornado winds and flying debris. FEMA's word is "safe room." The building-code word is "storm shelter."
How strong should it be?
FEMA says home safe rooms should be built for 250 mph winds, no matter where you live. Shelters are built and tested to a standard called ICC 500.
Do you build shelters?
No. We are a free referral service. We connect you with independent local companies. They do the work.
Does this cost me anything?
No. Our help is free for you. You never have to hire anyone.
Is an above-ground shelter as safe as an in-ground one?
FEMA says shelters inside or outside the home give the same protection if they follow FEMA design rules. The key is the standard and the anchoring.
Do I need a permit?
Ask your local codes office. Inside Jackson city limits it is City Building & Codes. In the rest of Madison County it is the Madison County Building Department.
Who checks that a shelter is strong enough?
Shelters are tested to ICC 500. FEMA does not certify makers. Ask the company for the test report or engineer-sealed drawings.
Should I register my shelter?
Yes, it is a good idea. Inside Jackson, the Jackson Fire Department has a free storm shelter registry so responders can find you after a storm.
Will you share my info?
Only if you check the consent box. Then we may share your request with up to 3 independent local companies. We never sell it to list sellers or spammers.
Can you give me a price?
No. We are not a contractor. Prices depend on your home and the company. See what changes the price on our cost page.
Free. No cost to you. You choose if you want to talk to a company.