Dumas is the Moore County seat, about 50 miles north of Amarillo on US-87/287, a working town tied to agriculture and the area's meat-processing industry. Many households here are large, and some include grandparents, extended family or boarders. That makes two things especially important when choosing a shelter: it must be big enough, and everyone must be able to get in quickly.
Sizing a shelter properly
ICC 500 sets a minimum of 3 square feet of floor space per person for residential tornado shelters, and FEMA P-361 uses the same baseline for residential safe rooms. Some quick math:
| People | Minimum floor area | Practical size to ask about |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 12 sq ft | a compact room or 4-to-6-person shelter |
| 6 | 18 sq ft | a 6-to-8-person shelter |
| 8 | 24 sq ft | an 8-to-10-person shelter |
| 10+ | 30+ sq ft | a large shelter or above-ground room |
Those are minimums. Add room for anyone using a wheelchair or walker (FEMA guidance allows more space per wheelchair user), for pets in carriers, and for a small supply kit. Manufacturers' "seats X" ratings vary, so ask for the actual interior floor area.
Accessibility
If anyone in the home uses a wheelchair or walker, or can't manage steep steps, an above-ground safe room is usually the right choice: a door at floor level, no ladder. Some garage floor shelters have gentler steps than others, but they still need a climb down. See above-ground safe rooms.
Everyone needs to know the plan
In a big household, people are home at different times. Make sure every adult and older child knows where the shelter is, how to open and lock the door, and when to go in. Practice at least once each spring. Keep a weather radio and phone alerts on, especially for overnight storms.
Book before spring
Demand for shelters jumps after storms hit the region, and lead times can stretch in April and May. Ordering in late summer through winter usually means a shorter wait. Ask any Amarillo-based installer about travel charges to Dumas.
Rebates
Moore County is within the PRPC's 26-county region. Check our rebate guide for how Panhandle programs have worked and what to ask.
Get a quote
Send your ZIP code, household size, and any mobility needs. One installer who covers Dumas will contact you. See the cost guide.
Common questions
How big should a shelter be for 8 people?
At least 24 square feet of floor space under ICC 500 (3 square feet per person), more if anyone uses a wheelchair or you want room for pets and supplies.
Are "seats 8" ratings reliable?
They vary between manufacturers. Ask for the interior floor area in square feet and compare that against the 3-square-feet-per-person minimum.
What is the best shelter for someone in a wheelchair?
Usually an above-ground safe room with a door at floor level. Check the door width and interior space with the manufacturer.