What is a storm shelter?
A storm shelter is a room or space built underground, usually beneath a building, where people can take refuge in case of a storm. Storm shelters are reinforced and were made specifically so people could find safety from storms and strong winds. Storm shelters have also been built underground, but not underneath a building. Instead they were placed near homes so that multiple families had access to them in times of need.
Storm shelters were made of concrete blocks and bricks. Cement would then be placed over them, also known as facing, to reinforce the building, giving it the ability to withstand strong storms. These storm shelters were not very big, with floor areas generally being 8′ by 12′. They usually had a window, a small one, in order to give inhabitants a view of the outside area, to act as an emergency exit, and to allow light to enter the shelter.
Today there are more modern storm shelters that are crafted out of steel, and stand above ground. They are still just as safe as the original ones that were underground due to materials used and their extra reinforcement. These newer shelters do not have to be built on-site. They can be purchased and delivered fully built, and can hauled should the need ever arise. They also have fully assembled models that can be delivered and placed underground, similar to early storm shelters.
In places where storm shelters exist but are not used for shelter, owners often use them as storage space for canned goods.
A storm shelter is a structure or room which is designed to keep people safe during extreme weather conditions. As fans of the Wizard of Oz may know, underground storm shelters are very common in some regions of the world, but it is also possible to build a storm shelter above ground, and in some cases this may even be preferable. The primary goal with the construction of a storm shelter is to provide a space which will be safe and sound for people during a storm.
