Free referral service · Jackson, TN
Which storm shelter fits your home?
When the siren sounds, you need a place you can reach in seconds. Here are your choices.
Free. No cost to you.
1. In-ground shelter (below ground)
- A strong box set into the ground, often in the yard or under the garage floor.
- You go down steps or a ladder.
- Harder for people who can't climb steps.
- FEMA says to plan for flooding. A shelter in a flood area needs extra care.
2. Above-ground safe room
- A strong steel or concrete room. It can sit in a garage, a closet, or a new room.
- No stairs. Easier for older people, kids, and wheelchairs.
- It must be anchored very well. FEMA says a normal floor slab often is not strong enough by itself.
3. Basement shelter or safe room
- If you have a basement, part of it can be made into a safe room.
- It still needs to be built to the safe-room standard to give near-full protection.
4. Community shelter
- Some towns have public shelters. They may not always be open.
- Ask the Jackson-Madison County Emergency Management Agency about public shelters near you.
Mobile homes
The National Weather Service says mobile homes are not safe in a tornado. Plan where you will go before storms come.
Quick tip
Ask each company: "Is this shelter built and tested to ICC 500? Can I see the test report?"
Sources
Is in-ground or above-ground better?
Both can protect you if they are built to FEMA guidance and ICC 500. Pick the one that fits your home, your body, and your yard. Above-ground has no steps. In-ground needs flood planning.
Can I put a shelter in my garage?
Often yes. Many safe rooms sit in a garage, either on the floor or under it. The floor and anchors must be strong enough. Ask a company and your city.
Free. No cost to you. You choose if you want to talk to a company.