Securing superior protection for your loved ones is not an easy task. Even a simple Google search turns into an all-night affair scrolling and clicking through countless pages of half-promises and bad reviews. As you try to see past all the bells and whistles of mediocre websites trying to sell you rinky-dink tornado shelters, it’s easy to become bogged down in all the jargon. FEMA? EF5 wind protection? What does it all mean? If you’ve spent anytime at all researching tornado protection or home evasions, you might suddenly find yourself asking, “What’s the difference between a safe room and a tornado shelter?”
Aren’t they the same?
While similar in design, tornado shelters and safe rooms are often synonymous in use although with a few key differences. Tornado shelters are most commonly used as underground bunkers. Structural engineers and meteorologists alike agree the subterranean accommodations are the best place to ride out a tornado although above-ground shelters have also proven effective in withstanding Mother Nature’s brutalizing forces. Differences in terminology can also vary by region, sort of like dialect. Ever heard the age-old debate of “soda” vs. “pop?” In the end, they typically mean the same thing, but humans adopt differing naming conventions to satisfy their pre-conceived notions of manmade constraints. The term “tornado shelter” probably feels little bit more reassuring to a person living in Tornado Alley than the phrase “safe room.” Yes, both can accomplish the same end result, but certain nuances can make all the difference in positive reinforcement.
Can a Safe Room Withstand a Tornado?
When installed correctly, a safe room can also withstand the high wind speeds and flying debris associated with tornadoes. Safe rooms are also less conspicuous in design since they aren’t delivered as a solid unit. Don’t let this fool you. Panelized bolt together kits are just as strong as our solid welded units. Since safe rooms are installed as pre-manufactured light-weight panels, they can be discreetly installed into any existing room or office within your home. Although originally designed to protect families during home invasions, panelized safe room kits are also a great front-line protection against killer tornadoes.
Which One is Best for Protecting My Family?
Ultimately, the design profile of your home, proximity to flood zones and structural integrity of your home’s infrastructure will determine if you should pursue a tornado shelter or safe room. Panelized bolt-together safe room kits are ideal for homeowners who would like to maximize their floor plans without knocking down any walls or disturbing adjacent rooms. Underground tornado shelters can also offer additional storage space for residences that have reach maximum capacity. You should also consult with your community’s permitting office to ensure your home is not located in a flood zone as this could prove disastrous for those wishing to bury an underground bunker.
