If you live in Washington, DC or on Rhode Island, it may not be necessary to construct tornado shelters. This is because tornados are rare in both places. However, when it comes to other cities, towns and even states, this may not be the case. In Arkansas, for example, the average number of tornados annually is 39. Some researchers estimate that this figure will rise in response to the increased rate of climate change.
What to Look for in a Tornado Shelter
Certain criteria are essential if a tornado shelter is to be effective. Among the necessary characteristics are:
- Durability: Must remain intact against the force of powerful winds and debris
- Solid stable construction
- Functionality: Suitable for its purpose
- Safe
Overall, a tornado shelter must be able to withstand the impact of the storm’s high winds and be resistant to any severe impact from such airborne debris as diverse as paper and vehicles.
Tornado shelters must be able to address the risks of the type of storms characteristic of the environment. In Arkansas, for example, storm shelters need to be able to resist the impact of typical storms in your region.
Relying on Tornado Shelters
If you live in a region where tornados are more than a possibility, consider the benefits to you and your loved ones of constructing a storm shelter. By adopting a proactive approach, you can assure the shelter will meet high standards and reflect the needs of your family. It means the shelter will be in place whenever you need it.
