Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms

By Harold Bearden
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 | 10:06 AM
https://hbtv.us/news/?story_id=805

It has been two months since the devastating tornadoes tore through much of Alabama, bringing death and destruction. Thursday FEMA representatives came to Haleyville with a sample of ways to build or add a safe room for homes. The type construction FEMA was representing can be done as part of a new home or retrofitting an existing home. Reinforced concrete under, around and on top of a room is the basis of the hardened or "safe" room. Plans for construction and specifications can be found in handouts available at the Haleyville city hall or on line at http://www.fema.gov/rebuild/index.shtm. 

In ground, above ground or a retrofit to your home is a decision you will need to make in order to have a storm safety shelter.  Units from both companies listed below had units in Hackleburg or Phil Campbell, both of which are credited with saving lives. 

Also displayed was a "safe" room built of 1/4 inch steel which can be bolted to a garage or car port concrete slab. The units are available in various sizes, including very large units for use by cities or schools. More information about the Safe-T-Shelter can be found at http://www.sormshelter.com 

Information about The Storm House, an in ground shelter was made available by Haleyville Lumber and Supply the local representative. The Storm House is made of reinforced concrete and also comes in various sizes. More info can be obtained from Haleyville Lumber and Supply at 486-2292 or http://www.hbtv.us/ADS/hville_lumber/index.htm