Tornado Shelter Questions from Amarillo Homeowners

In practice the terms overlap. Technically, a "storm shelter" is built to the ICC 500 standard, and a "safe room" meets FEMA P-361, which uses ICC 500 as its base and adds some stricter requirements. For a home tornado shelter, look for a product that meets both and has been tested for debris impact.

It means the shelter has been designed and tested to protect occupants from extreme tornado winds and wind-borne debris. For tornado safe rooms, FEMA P-361 uses a design wind speed of 250 mph, and the walls, roof and door must withstand impact from a 15-pound 2x4 board traveling at 100 mph horizontally (and 67 mph when falling vertically onto the roof). Ask the installer for test documentation for the exact model.

Our estimates of typical installed prices: about $3,500 to $7,500 for a garage floor or in-ground steel shelter, and about $6,000 to $15,000 or more for an above-ground safe room, depending on size and options. See the cost guide. Only a written quote is binding.

It depends on your home and family. Garage floor shelters are popular because they're close by and don't use yard space. Above-ground safe rooms are the most accessible for people who can't manage steps. In-ground yard shelters can be roomy but require going outside to reach them. See our shelter types.

The ICC 500 standard calls for at least 3 square feet of floor space per person in a residential tornado shelter. Plan for everyone in your household, plus room for pets, a weather radio, water and a small emergency kit.

Most garage floor shelters have a sliding steel lid designed to be driven over. But you need to be able to open the lid quickly, so think about where cars will be parked when storms are likely. Registering your shelter with local emergency management helps responders find you if debris blocks the exit.

Often, yes. Requirements depend on where you live. Inside Amarillo city limits, check with the City of Amarillo building safety department. In unincorporated areas or other towns, check with the county or city. A reputable installer will know the local process and should handle it or tell you what is needed.

Usually. The installer cuts and removes a section of the slab, excavates, sets the steel shelter, and re-pours concrete around it. They will check for buried utilities and soil conditions first. Caliche, common in parts of the Panhandle, can make digging slower.

They are bolted to a concrete slab. FEMA publishes foundation and anchoring criteria for safe rooms, and the slab must be able to resist the uplift and sliding forces of a tornado. Not every existing garage slab qualifies, so the installer should confirm the slab or pour a new pad.

Yes. Many cities and counties keep a voluntary storm shelter registry so first responders know to check shelters after a tornado. Ask Amarillo or your county emergency management office whether they have one and how to sign up.

Many garage floor shelters are installed in a day, with concrete curing afterward. Above-ground safe rooms are often installed in a day or less once the slab is ready. In-ground shelters may take a day or two depending on excavation.

From time to time, FEMA hazard mitigation funds are used by local governments for residential safe room rebate programs. Availability changes, so ask your city or county emergency management office whether any program is open before you buy. Most programs require approval before installation.