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By Dave and Mary
Tornado Storm Shelters for Mobile Homes
A Porch that Also Serves as a Storm Shelter
Not just for mobile homes, tornado storm shelters are a wise investment if you are located in a tornado prone area.
Whether you live in a mobile or manufactured home OR in a home without a basement or other safe space, a SafePorch might be just what you need.
The only thing left standing is the porch
Perhaps a SafePorch could be your best tornado shelter option
Mary and I love the idea of using a porch or deck as a tornado storm shelter.
But not just any porch. We found a porch - the SafePorch - that also serves as a storm shelter.
Clearly a novel idea - installing a shelter beneath or adjacent to a porch or deck.
When faced with threatening weather, exit your door and step down into a structure that helps keep you and your family safe and secure.
So let's take a look.
Visually appealing, the SafePorch doesn't even look like a typical storm shelter.
In fact, it can double as your porch, deck or patio if so desired.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Storm Shelters
Avoid these common mistakes when selecting a storm shelter for your family:
- Improper sizing: Choosing a storm shelter that is too small for your needs can be a significant mistake. It is important to consider the number of people and pets who will be using the shelter to provide enough space for everyone comfortably.
- Inadequate structural integrity: Opting for a storm shelter with weak construction or poor materials can be a grave mistake.
Don't compromise.
The shelter should be constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Ensure your shelter meets or exceeds the appropriate safety standards.
- Incorrect installation: Improper installation can render a storm shelter ineffective and dangerous.
Follow the manufacturer's specifications or hire a professional to ensure proper installation.
Failing to do so may compromise the shelter's structural integrity and inhibit its ability to protect you during severe weather events.
- Lack of ventilation: Ventilation is crucial for any enclosed space, including storm shelters.
Without proper ventilation, the air inside the shelter could become stale and potentially hazardous very quickly.
Select a shelter that includes adequate ventilation to supply fresh air.
- Inadequate access and egress: People often overlook the importance of easy access and egress in a storm shelter.
The entrance should be wide enough for all occupants to enter and exit quickly, especially during emergencies.
Additionally, consider the location of the shelter to ensure easy access from your home.
- Ignoring location considerations: Choosing the wrong location for your storm shelter can be a critical mistake.
The shelter should be located in an area that is easily accessible and away from hazards such as falling trees or flood-prone areas.
- Neglecting maintenance: Storm shelters require regular maintenance to ensure they remain in good working condition.
Failing to conduct routine checks, such as inspecting for damage or replacing worn-out components, can compromise the shelter's effectiveness and safety.
- Overlooking your long-term needs: When selecting a storm shelter, it's essential to consider your long-term needs.
If you anticipate changes in family size or circumstances, choose a shelter that can accommodate those changes.
Additionally, if you plan to relocate in the future, consider the portability or adaptability of the shelter.
- Disregarding certifications and safety standards: Verify that the storm shelter you choose meets industry safety standards and certifications.
Look for shelters that have been tested and approved by reputable organizations.
This ensures that the shelter has been evaluated for its structural integrity and ability to withstand severe weather conditions.
- Not considering additional features: Some storm shelters offer additional features that can enhance safety and comfort, such as communication systems, emergency supplies, or reinforced doors.
Neglecting to consider these features may limit the functionality and convenience of the shelter.
Keeping You Safe - Its Primary Purpose
Designed for four adults and two children your SafePorch will be installed adjacent to your home (meaning not connected to your home) which means the destruction of your house
will not adversely affect your family's safety.
The SafePorch is made from 4 1/2 inch thick steel reinforced concrete walls, floor, and roof along with a watertight door and windows designed for air circulation and natural light.
They are installed partially below ground to offer you maximum protection.
We also like the fact they are tested and proven at Texas Tech University and meet FEMA & ICC standards.
Tornado Storm Shelters: Worthwhile Home Improvement Project
Not only will your family be safe, but the SafePorch is also a worthwhile investment.
According to a study by Dr. Kevin Simmons, Professor of Economics at Austin College, tornado storm shelters rank high with consumers and can possibly
increase the value of your home by 3.5 percent or an average of $4,200 (source: Federal Alliance of Safe Homes)
That's more than many other home remodeling projects - meaning it can be a wise investment.
Seeking shelter is your best option
Specific storm shelter grants, rebates (Oklahoma has such a program), and special funding may also be available to you to offset your costs.
As an example, we understand that FHA offers loans that may cover some or all of the costs involved.
You can also check with your state hazard mitigation office especially if in a high-prone tornado area to see if you are eligible for additional funding.
You can find a listing of state mitigation offices here.
Not Just for Mobile Homes
A SafePorch is an excellent option if your home is built on a slab or only has a crawlspace.
Use it as a patio area adjacent to your front or back porch as depicted below.
Mary and I call these areas patio porches and they are an excellent way to extend your outdoor living space too.
SafePorch installed as a front porch on a mobile home
This SafePorch is constructed as a deck extension
SafePorch as a patio extension
Imagine convenient and easy storm shelter access from your deck or patio
Incorporate your SafePorch into your screened porch
Before and After - To Keep You Safe
Here's an excellent example of replacing your existing steps with an SafePorch!
Typical steps on many mobile or ranch homes
Updated with a SafePorch - Add landscaping and you have a new wonderful entrance
Mary and I love these easy DIY porch handrails that might work really well on your new SafePorch installation or on your existing porch or deck.
InstantRail 3-Step Adjustable Handrail - (Amazon affiliate link for which we may receive a commission)
Enhance The Look Of Your SafePorch
Installers can add a polyurea floor coating adding an element of aesthetics to your SafePorch.
Storm Shelters Save Lives
Watch this short video in the aftermath of an Oklahoma tornado showing the importance of storm shelters.
Watch this video
Other Tornado Storm Shelter Considerations
When considering any type of tornado shelters for homes, it is wise to consider a few factors:
Soil conditions matter. An in-ground shelter may cost more if your soil is rocky as additional prep work will be required.
Mary and I live in a very rocky area and would probably consider an above ground shelter due to increased construction costs.
Another factor to consider is if any member of your family has mobility issues.
In-ground shelters may require climbing down a short ladder which could hinder quick access.
Your shelter should be large enough to accommodate the number of people who would normally occupy it.
Stock Your Tornado Storm Shelters with These Items
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you make a purchase through affiliate links on our site, we earn a commission at no cost to you.
See our disclosure policy.
Stock your tornado storm shelter with the essentials that can prove to be invaluable during an emergency.
Remember, you won't have time to gather materials as the tornado approaches.
We recommend - as a minimum - the following items:
Keep a Weather Radio
Weather radios have proven to be essential in saving lives by informing you of impending storms and tornados. Whichever model you choose, make
sure it is a NOAA Alert Radio and can be charged by both hand cranking and solar. Some can also be recharged by micro usb ports.
We found many such radios at Amazon.com (an affiliate link from which we may
receive a commission). Mary and I like this one as it has all the best features:
NOAA Alert Weather Radio with Alarm (an affiliate link from which we may receive a commission)
Ideas for Survival Supplies
Survival supply kits come with a multitude of items for both survival and comfort. Kits range in price and are based on the number of people
to support along with the number of days. You find a wide variety of kits at Amazon.com.
Here's an example of a 3-Day kit for four people.
Four-Person Standard Disaster & Emergency Survival Kit (an affiliate link from which we may receive a commission)
Our Special Thanks
We appreciate SafePorch Storm Shelters for sharing their images with us in order to provide you with, what we believe, is an excellent option
for you and your family. Please contact Mark at SafePorch for more information about the SafePorch Storm Shelter.
SafePorch Storm Shelters, Lowell, AR
They are located at
526 N Bloomington St.,
Lowell AR 72745.
Their phone number is 479-659-8830.
Contact the folks at SafePorch Storm Shelters to locate a distributor near you.
Interested in becoming a distributor? Contact Mark at the number above.
As an Amazon Associate and Amazon Influencer, we earn from qualifying purchases.
We also earn commissions from other companies where are are participants of their referral programs.
Here is our full disclosure about affiliate marketing.
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