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Day: November 10, 2023

Community Storm Shelter

What’s the Difference Between a Safe Room and a Storm Shelter?

November 10 Published by

Many homeowners seek ways to protect their loved ones and property from the dangers of severe storms. Safe rooms and storm shelters are two common solutions for dealing with unpredictable weather. While many people often use these terms interchangeably, they have some significant differences.

Storms, tornadoes, hurricanes and other severe weather events are becoming more common. By October 2023, the United States had already experienced 24 extreme weather events, costing the government over $1 billion in repairs. This figure surpasses the record of 22 in 2020. Because of this rise in dangerous circumstances, it’s best to prepare so you can protect yourself and your family.

Safe Rooms: A Closer Look

Safe rooms are fortified areas within a house to protect against severe weather events, such as tornadoes or hurricanes. These rooms can withstand powerful winds and debris, ensuring the safety of those inside. You can retrofit safe rooms into existing homes or integrate them into new constructions.

Safe rooms are typically part of the house’s existing layout, often resembling a closet, bathroom or basement. Their positioning within the home ensures easy accessibility during an emergency. Safe rooms are constructed using heavy-duty materials, such as concrete or steel. Walls, ceilings and doors can endure high winds, flying debris and even minor structural damage.

Safe rooms often feature ventilation systems, lighting and communication tools and are sometimes stocked with non-perishables, ensuring safety and comfort during a storm.

Benefits of Safe Rooms

Safe rooms have the following benefits:

  • Protection from flying debris: Their solid construction helps shield occupants from potentially deadly projectiles during storms.
  • Convenience: Safe rooms offer the primary benefit of being readily accessible within the home. This accessibility is ideal for families seeking a swift and secure refuge during severe weather.
  • Comfort: Safe rooms often include ventilation, lighting and communication systems, offering a more comfortable environment for occupants during extended periods of sheltering.
  • Customization: You can tailor your safe room to suit your family’s needs and preferences, allowing for design elements that align with your home’s aesthetics. You can upgrade them to include additional features like storage shelving, generators, bunk beds, air filtration systems and even toilets. You can also get concealed built-in gun vaults for added protection.
  • Year-round use: Safe rooms can also double as storage spaces or functional rooms in your home when not needed for storm protection.
  • Affordability: Integrating a safe room into an existing structure may be more cost-effective since you can utilize the building’s structural elements. Costs can vary based on size, location and features.
  • Protection during break-ins: A significant advantage of a safe room is its ability to provide protection from potential intruders. They have reinforced walls and locks, making them a secure refuge during home invasions or other security threats. In 2019, approximately 1 million burglaries occurred in the U.S. In times of danger, occupants can seek safety in these rooms, knowing they have a secure space to protect themselves and their valuables.
  • Increased property value: Safe rooms are valuable additions to residences, and their presence can be an attractive selling point for future buyers. Homebuyers often view safe rooms as an investment in their family’s safety and security, making the property more appealing. Some homeowners may even qualify for insurance discounts or incentives, further enhancing the economic value.
  • Security for valuables: Safe rooms offer a secure location to house valuable belongings, documents and cherished items. This added layer of protection can be particularly beneficial for homeowners with assets they want to keep safe from natural disasters and theft.

Storm Shelters: A Closer Look

Storm shelters are standalone structures designed solely for protection during severe weather. Unlike safe rooms, they are typically located outside the house or as a separate building on the property.

Storm shelters are above-ground or below-ground. Above-ground storm shelters are often pre-fabricated and installed near the home. Below-ground shelters are dug into the ground, offering protection from wind and flying debris.

Storm shelters consist of robust materials and thick walls capable of withstanding strong winds and debris impact. These shelters generally feature reinforced doors and ventilation systems. Some models may serve other functions, such as storage space or even an additional living area.

Benefits of Storm Shelters

Storm shelters offer the following benefits:

  • Accessibility: Storm shelters extend their benefits to individuals who may not have a safe room within their homes, providing a dedicated space for protection.
  • Multipurpose use: Some storm shelters offer more than a secure space for safety, serving as an additional living area or storage space.
  • Independence from home structure: Storm shelters are less dependent on the structural integrity of your home, which can be crucial in situations where your home may not be safe to remain in due to damage or flooding.
  • Location flexibility: You can position storm shelters strategically to minimize flooding risks, as they’re not confined to the layout of your home. They’re adaptable to a variety of terrains and property sizes.
  • Easy to install: Storm shelters are relatively simple to install. You can place standalone storm shelters in a yard, offering convenient and quick access without requiring major structural modifications to an existing building. This advantage makes them a suitable option for homeowners who want to avoid making changes to their homes.
  • Peace of mind: Knowing you have a dedicated and specialized structure for storm protection provides a sense of security, especially in disaster-prone areas.
  • Financial incentives: In some regions, governments offer financial incentives or rebates to encourage the installation of storm shelters. These incentives can help offset the initial costs, making them a more cost-effective choice.
  • Easy relocation: You can move above-ground storm shelters, offering flexibility if you decide to change the shelter’s location or take it with you if you move to a new property. This portability can be an advantage, especially for those in rental homes or planning to move in the future.
  • Protection from windborne objects: Windborne objects cause the most tornado damage, and while most above-ground shelters are sturdy, below-ground shelters offer extra protection.
  • Low maintenance requirements: Storm shelters usually require minimal maintenance. They can endure harsh weather conditions, and their materials ensure their durability. This durability means that once installed, there’s little upkeep necessary to keep the shelter in good working condition.
  • Scalability: If you have a growing family or need to accommodate more people during an emergency, upgrading your storm shelter or adding additional units to meet your needs is relatively easy.
  • Community safety initiatives: Community storm shelters contribute to a broader safety network in regions prone to disasters. They offer protection for individuals who may not have access to private shelters and can be a vital resource during emergencies.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Choosing between a safe room and a storm shelter depends on your specific needs and circumstances.

A safe room integrated into your home may be the better choice if you’re looking for versatile protection that can serve in various emergencies. It offers the convenience of easy access during emergencies, potentially lower costs and can also provide peace of mind against weather-related threats and intruders.

If your primary concern is protecting your family during extreme weather events, a dedicated storm shelter may be preferable. While it may involve higher initial costs and require going outside to access, it’s specifically engineered to withstand storms, ensuring maximum protection when tornadoes or hurricanes strike.

Choosing between a safe room and a storm shelter should be based on your unique circumstances and the hazards most prevalent in your area.

Prioritize Your Safety

While both safe rooms and storm shelters provide valuable protection from extreme weather events, their differences lie in their intended purpose, construction standards, cost and accessibility. Understanding these distinctions can help individuals and communities make informed choices about the type of protection that best suits their needs. Either way, your safety should be a top priority.

Bunker Flooring Carpet Picture

What Goes Into Selecting the Best Bunker Flooring?

November 10 (updated November 10) Published by

What Goes Into Selecting the Best Bunker Flooring?

While most survival bunkers and bomb shelters are meant to be minimalistic, a little extra comfort goes a long way. If an emergency situation occurs and a whole family has to stay in the bunker for an extended period of time, they’ll be grateful for a cozy and home-like flooring option. This guide goes through the whole process of selecting and installing new bunker floors.

Key Factors to Consider

Survival bunkers are supposed to be functional first and foremost. It’s not a good idea to install new floors just because they match the bunker’s design. Although appearances are important, the flooring material needs to cover a wider range of characteristics.

These factors should play the biggest roles in the final decision:

  • Square footage: The bunker’s square footage is the biggest determining factor of the flooring’s price. Each type of flooring material has a different rate per square foot.
  • Foot traffic: Bunkers experience constant foot traffic. It’s important to choose a durable flooring material that can withstand a heavy load.
  • Moisture resistance: All of the bunker’s water and drainage pipes are directly underneath the floors or behind the walls. Bunkers should also be at least 36 inches below the surface, which means they’re surrounded by underground moisture. A moisture-resistant flooring material is ideal.
  • Comfortability: Bunkers need to be comfortable or else the occupants will quickly get tired of the place. Choose a flooring material that enhances the room’s livability.
  • Long-term maintenance: Think about the flooring material’s long-term sustainability. Low-maintenance materials will be easier to manage and give the bunker fewer problems down the road.

It’s also important to consider the flooring installation process. Since the project will take place in an unconventional setting, some unconventional steps are required.

Bunker Flooring Installation Steps

Since this project is smaller than most other floor installations, it should only take about a week to complete the necessary steps. These are the most important steps to installing new floors in an underground bunker.

1.    Reinforce the Foundation

Underground floor installations often require the builders to reinforce the surrounding foundation. Survival bunkers should have two main layers beneath the flooring — a concrete foundation and a waterproof coating to prevent leaks. Shelters also need metal beams to prevent cave-ins and walls up to three feet thick to protect against radiation.

If the bunker is located in an earthquake-prone area, it might even be necessary to install foundational features that redistribute seismic waves such as cross braces and moment-resisting frames.

2.    Verify the New Floor’s Height

Before doing anything else, the new floor’s height must be verified. The height must align with the bunker’s door frame to ensure smooth opening and closing. Doing careful measurements will also ensure that the floor is completely level, with no slopes or divots. However, perfect measurements are impossible.

It’s always better to err on the lower side. If the floors are a little too low, the installers can always add a threshold to fill up the empty space under the door. But if the floors are too high, the entire door frame needs to be adjusted.

3.    Add the Subfloor and Underlayment

Once the height gets verified, it’s time to add the subfloor and underlayment. These additional layers provide a flat and structurally sound surface for the main floor layer. Subfloors are typically made of plywood because of the material’s strength and elasticity. The underlayment goes above the subfloor and directly beneath the main floor layer.

4.    Establish a Consistent Temperature

Every type of flooring material has specific temperature conditions that help them settle into their new environment. It’s important to maintain these conditions during the main floor layer’s installation to prevent warping. The installers might even ask to keep the temperature the same throughout the entire project.

5.    Add the Main Floor Layer

Now it’s time to add the main floor layer. The installers have to establish a cutting area so they can cut specific tile shapes to fit the bunker’s design. The cutting area should be a hard surface with adequate lighting and access to an electrical outlet. This step is usually the fastest part of the project.

Best Flooring Materials for Bunkers

Bunker owners will be hard-pressed to find a flooring option that checks all of the boxes, but a handful of materials come close to perfection. Let’s go through the best flooring options for underground survival bunkers and bomb shelters.

1.    Hardwood

Hardwood is a popular flooring option for bunkers and other survival-focused buildings, such as remote cabins and off-the-grid homes. It can handle decades of constant foot traffic, which makes it ideal for small contained areas. It’s also the most eco-friendly option, consisting of 100% natural ingredients.

The main downside of hardwood floors is their susceptibility to water damage. However, staining the floors instead of painting them will give them more moisture resistance. A stain finish seeps deeper into the wood, which seals up vulnerable areas and increases the floor’s lifespan in the process.

2.    Carpeting

Wool or nylon carpets can give otherwise gloomy survival bunkers a cozy atmosphere. Moisture isn’t a problem because dehumidifiers, fans and other simple tools can help to remove water from the fabric. Carpeting handles heavy traffic well, but its lifespan is typically just eight to ten years because of the soft build.

Carpets also attract dust, dirt and other allergens. Air quality could become an issue later down the road. That’s why it’s crucial for all survival bunkers to have ultra-low penetration air filters. ULPA filters remove 99.999% of airborne particles and keep the bunker’s limited air supply clean.

3.    Ceramic

Ceramic flooring is a simple combination of stone, clay and water. These ingredients are naturally resistant to heat and moisture, which makes ceramic flooring a fantastic choice for underground bunkers. It can even be molded into different shapes to fit the bunker’s interior design. Glazed ceramic has a rough texture, while unglazed is smooth and reflective.

However, ceramic tiles often show signs of scratching, cracking and chipping if the foot traffic gets too rough. Families with young children and pets might want to pursue another option. It’s impossible to repair these types of damage with everyone trapped inside a bunker. The only solution is to replace the broken tiles with new ones.

4.    Concrete

Concrete is the main flooring material for most underground rooms because of its ability to control temperatures. Concrete has a high thermal mass, which allows it to absorb and slowly release heat into the surrounding environment. Bunkers with concrete floors will have no issue staying cool and comfortable.

Concrete floors are also highly customizable, with an endless variety of colors, patterns and textures. Installation can be tricky, though. It’s crucial to completely seal and polish the concrete during installation to prevent it from absorbing moisture. If concrete gets too much moisture, it will start to crack.

5.    Vinyl

Vinyl plank flooring is an alternative to hardwood floors. It consists of polyvinyl chloride sheets, multiple protective layers and an outer shell that resembles hardwood. Easy customization is the best feature of vinyl flooring. Custom floors will create a home-like atmosphere inside the bunker and make the place more hospitable.

Vinyl’s multi-layered design also makes it highly resistant to all kinds of damage. It also provides more comfortable underfoot cushioning, which is ideal for high-traffic areas. The only two long-term maintenance requirements are vacuuming and cleaning. Completing these simple tasks will allow vinyl floors to last for decades without issue.

Find Your Ideal Bunker Flooring

Installing new floors is one of the biggest steps of building an underground bunker. Many factors can influence the choice of material, but the most important thing is longevity. Consider the required installation steps and the different types of flooring materials, then make an informed decision. There’s no such thing as being too careful when it comes to building a survival shelter.

How Does Steel Fabrication Work?

November 10 (updated November 13) Published by

Steel fabrication is the procedure behind the creation of a wide variety of products, including survival bunkers and storm shelters. It involves many different techniques and requires pinpoint accuracy, but it’s the most efficient way to turn raw steel into complex structures.

Here’s a full breakdown of the steel fabrication process and its many benefits — plus the advantages of having a steel bunker over other materials.

A Simple Breakdown of Steel Fabrication

In a nutshell, steel fabrication is the practice of creating steel items through secondary manufacturing methods. While primary steel manufacturing takes place in steel mills and foundries, steel fabrication takes place in your average warehouse or assembly plant. This industry is more efficient than ever thanks to advancements in automated manufacturing.

Steel fabrication takes semi-finished steel items and turns them into finished products in a handful of ways:

  • Cutting: Technicians fracture the steel with a saw, drill or grinder into the desired shape, leaving small pieces called “chips” behind. Chips are recycled or repurposed for other items.
  • Welding: Instead of splitting up the steel, welding fuses two or more parts together through heat and pressure. Gas metal arc welding is the most common type.
  • Bending: Workers use a press brake tool to force steel sheets or rods into a predetermined shape.
  • Drilling: Drilling is a specific cutting technique that bores holes with specific dimensions into the steel, which requires a high-speed steel drill bit.
  • Bolting: After drilling the required holes, two or more steel parts may be bolted together with semi-permanent joints.
  • Coating: Metal coating is often applied to steel surfaces as a protective barrier against oxidation, which causes rust and corrosion. The process usually consists of hot-dip galvanizing or thermal spraying.

Each of these techniques has its place, but cutting is usually the primary steel fabrication method because pre-fabricated steel often gets split into multiple units. Bandsaws are the main tools for the job, as there are many specialty saws that can cut through heavy steel grades like a hot knife through butter.

Steel fabrication isn’t always the same as metal fabrication. The latter process deals with raw metals like copper and titanium, but steel is an alloy made from iron ore. Alloys go through a more intense fabrication because they’re stronger than naturally occurring metals. It starts with the purification of iron ore, followed by the addition of carbon to lower its melting point.

Other common alloy elements that manufacturers add to steel include aluminum, chromium, nickel, copper and manganese. They all have varying effects, but their overarching purpose is to make steel stronger and yet more malleable.

Benefits of Steel Fabrication

When it comes to underground shelters, fabricated steel is the best material hands down. A steel bunker is the safest place someone can be during an emergency event. Here are some of the biggest reasons why steel fabrication is so valuable for bunker construction.

Saves Time and Money

Fabricated steel is much easier to install than other metals during construction. The steel already has the required dimensions to seamlessly fit within the building’s infrastructure. It’s much easier to prepare the steel in a controlled environment and transport the finished parts to the worksite. Technicians can prepare each part with pinpoint accuracy, allowing for greater customization.

Steel fabrication is an essential component of a greater trend called prefabricated construction. With “prefab” construction, workers develop sections of the building off-site and transport them to the site for assembly later on. This new method of construction makes it much easier to add steel panels, beams, trusses and fasteners.

Enhances Steel’s Durability

Steel is already one of the most durable and long-lasting metals available, which is why it’s so popular in construction. Steel fabrication enhances these qualities even further. Technicians can cut, bend and weld the steel into exact shapes, drill or bolt parts together and add protective coatings.

These improvements make steel the superior material for underground structures because it can withstand cracks, corrosion, moisture and harsh weather. Buildings with fabricated steel are more likely to last for their expected lifespans and less likely to require frequent maintenance.

Better for the Environment

Fabricated steel is also the best choice for the environment. It’s corrosion resistant, which means it takes a long time to decompose and seep into the earth at landfills. Buildings with fabricated parts also tend to produce less construction waste — especially timber, concrete and steel. Waste is the biggest contributor to the construction industry’s overall pollution.

Steel is also 100% recyclable, meaning that builders can repurpose it again and again without sacrificing its durability. In theory, a building’s panels and beams could consist entirely of recycled steel with no difference in quality.

Advantages of Steel Bunkers

Underground shelters are either made of steel or concrete. Although concrete is usually more affordable and easier to install, steel has some more important advantages. Here are the most relevant reasons why fabricated steel is the best choice.

Unmatched Flexibility

Bunkers come in many shapes and sizes. There is no one-size-fits-all solution because every family has different needs and preferences. That’s the biggest reason why steel is the perfect material. Steel bunkers are fully customizable for both security and luxury, allowing homeowners to specify every detail and make changes during construction as necessary.

For example, a family might need handicap accessibility for an elderly or disabled relative. They might also want to expand the bunker in the future if they plan on having more children. Whether they want to add another bedroom, kitchen, bathroom or recreation center, these customization options are the easiest to pull off with steel.

Resilient to the Elements

The strongest survival bunkers are made of quarter-inch carbon plate steel, which is two times thicker than federal requirements for steel structures. This level of thickness makes bunkers twice as resilient against the elements, including earthquakes. It would take an apocalyptic disaster to remove a steel bunker from its foundations.

Steel plates also usually have industrial rubber coatings that improve the shelter’s longevity. The coating provides extra protection against all forms of corrosion. This added layer is a huge advantage for underground shelters because they’re supposed to support long-term residency. Occupants might have to stay there for years, so they need all the protection they can get.

Steel’s anti-corrosive quality also neutralizes the greatest nonlethal threat to underground bunkers — moisture. Over time, rain and groundwater can corrode concrete and other metals, leading to leaks, mold and significant foundational damage. Steel doesn’t absorb any water, so the bunker’s occupants never have to worry about these problems.

Those who are willing to pay extra can also request galvanized steel, which has an extra coating of zinc. Galvanized steel is more resistant to rust than regular steel, and it can also protect against fire more effectively. Fire resistance is a must-have for bomb shelters in particular.

Fabricated Steel is the Only Real Option

Based on all of these benefits of fabricated steel — both in terms of construction and long-term performance — this material is the only real option for survival bunkers. No other material can offer the same combination of durability and flexibility.

While it’s not the cheapest option, money shouldn’t be the deciding factor when preparing for potential disasters. The deciding factor should be which material gives the best chance of survival, and fabricated steel is the clear answer.

Bullet Proof Glass With "spider Web" Cracking

How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?

November 10 (updated November 10) Published by

Bulletproof glass is one of the most impressive security advancements in the last few decades. It can be found in almost every commercial building, and now it’s becoming more common in residential applications. How does it work, and what is the science behind this unique invention? There’s a lot to it. Here’s what people should know about bulletproof glass to ensure their and their possessions’ safety.

Is Bulletproof Glass Really Bulletproof?

First, it’s important to answer the underlying question: Is bulletproof glass really bulletproof? The answer is both yes and no. Bulletproof glass is not 100% impenetrable, but it can withstand multiple shots before cracking by absorbing the energy from the bullets upon impact. It’s a valuable extra line of defense against armed intruders but not a forcefield.

The strongest bulletproof glass ever made is a Level 8 on the Underwriter’s Laboratories’ (UL) ballistics scale, or a Level III on the National Institute of Justice’s scale. That means it can stop multiple rounds from a 7.62 mm rifle before breaking. It can also stop weaker types of ammunition such as 9 mm, .44 magnum, .30 caliber and 5.56 mm, even with full metal jackets.

Although bulletproof glass won’t stop all projectiles, it can still protect people from common pistols and rifles. It will also provide an extra few seconds for self-defense, which could make the difference between life and death.

How Does Bulletproof Glass Work?

Bulletproof glass has multiple layers — one of regular glass and one or more of polycarbonate. A thin urethane or polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membrane separates each layer for extra support. The standard thickness of polycarbonate bulletproof glass is ¾-1 ¾ inches thick.

Some bulletproof glass also utilizes monolithic acrylic instead of polycarbonate. This plastic material is a solid sheet of acrylic thermoplastic, ranging from 1 ¼-1 ⅜ inches thick. This variety also has urethane or PVB membranes for improved strength and flexibility. The glass and plastic layers are fused under high pressure and temperatures.

The polycarbonate or acrylic absorbs a bullet’s force and velocity, bringing it to a sudden stop. The breaking glass from the first layer also assists in slowing the bullet upon impact. The average bullet travels at about 1,700 mph, so every layer must contribute to slowing it down.

Bulletproof glass has other relevant functions. It’s also strong enough to withstand blunt-force weapons such as hammers and baseball bats that intruders often use during home break-ins.  It can stop flying debris such as stones and tree branches during extreme weather events. It might get a few cracks, but it won’t shatter.

Although bulletproof glass is most often found in large commercial buildings, it can also be installed in vehicles or domiciles. For example, Return Fire bulletproof glass is available for residential doors for bunkers, safe rooms, storm shelters and other unique applications.

There is one major weakness of bulletproof glass. Bullets shot from inside the building can penetrate through the glass because they strike the plastic layer first. The glass then breaks outward instead of inward, allowing the bullet to pass through with little to no energy loss. People can only rely on bulletproof glass to protect them against external threats.

Types of Bulletproof Glass

Not all bulletproof glass is created equal. It’s vital to select the right type for businesses or residences. There are four main options, each with different protection levels.

1.    Acrylic Glazing 

This type of bulletproof glass, also known as ballistic glass, contains a simple layer of glazed solid acrylic. It can withstand bullets from small- and large-caliber handguns, but not high-powered rifles. It’s the cheapest and most widely available type, so it’s the most financially feasible option for those on a budget.

Acrylic is also affordable because it’s easy to cut and work with. People experienced with DIY renovations might be able to install acrylic bulletproof glass by themselves.

2.    Laminated Polycarbonate

 Laminated polycarbonate consists of thinner plastic layers but provides more protection than acrylic glazing. That’s because the polycarbonate, plus the additional urethane or PVB membranes, offer more flexibility and greater bullet resistance. It can stop up to Level 3 firearms on the UL ballistics scale, or .44 magnum bullets.

Although laminated polycarbonate is strong, flexible and lightweight, it’s also prone to warping and scratching if not cleaned properly. Preventive maintenance is especially important for this type of bulletproof glass.

3.    Glass-Clad Polycarbonate 

GCP consists of the same polycarbonate layers and membranes, with one crucial addition: a layer of real glass. This feature makes the product more visually appealing and takes it to a new level of strength. GCP can reach up to Level 8 on the UL ballistics scale — the strongest glass available.

GCP has the same maintenance requirements as laminated polycarbonate. The outer layer must be kept clean to prevent abrasions and avoid creating weak spots in the glass.

4.    Insulated Glass

Insulated bulletproof glass has the same protection level as GCP but has better energy efficiency and helps with indoor temperature control. These benefits come from small air gaps between the polycarbonate layers.

Although each type of glass is strong enough to stop low-caliber bullets, they can be made even stronger with a few simple adjustments. People can add an abrasion-resistant coating to the exterior for increased durability against extreme weather. They can also install additional polycarbonate safety shields or security films over the existing glass.

Common Bulletproof Glass Applications

Bulletproof glass is most often used in large commercial buildings, such as schools, offices and shopping centers, but it has several other interesting applications.

1.    Home Security 

Bulletproof glass has become an increasingly popular part of home security, protecting families against burglaries and extreme weather events. Acrylic is the most common ballistic glass for this application because of its affordability, ease of use and ability to adapt to existing window frames.

However, even the strongest bulletproof glass will not protect a home from explosives. It might stop some of the shrapnel but not the brunt of the blast. People seeking protection from all types of weapons must create at least a 36-inch barrier between their shelter and the outside.

2.    Armored Vehicles 

All military personnel drive armored vehicles, whether or not they’re in designated combat zones. Government officials and other public figures also rely on cars with bulletproof glass for much of their transportation. The most common example is the Popemobile, which has had many bulletproof glass variations over the years.

Bulletproof glass is also available for private vehicles, with installation costs ranging from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on the car and the glass’s level of protection.

3.    Disaster Preparedness

Insulated bulletproof glass is a fantastic upgrade to storm shelters because of its weather resistance and climate control abilities. Small places get hot and stuffy because of the cramped space, but insulated windows allow for a little more airflow. Their transparency is also on par with acrylic windows, so people get as much natural light as possible.

Protect Loved Ones and Belongings

Bulletproof glass isn’t the impenetrable force field everyone wishes it could be, but it still offers sufficient protection from most pistols and rifles. It would make a great addition to a home, business or vehicle. People should explore the different glass options and decide which variety will best help protect their loved ones and belongings.

Storm Shelter In Storm

How Do Storm Shelters Stand up to Extreme Winds?

November 10 (updated November 13) Published by

Storm shelters are designed to protect their occupants from all kinds of catastrophic weather events, including blizzards, tropical storms, tornadoes and hurricanes. All these storms have one thing in common: strong winds. Here’s an in-depth explanation of how different types of shelters stand up to extreme winds.

How Common Are High-Wind Events?

High-wind events are more common than most people realize — especially tornadoes. A surprising amount of the United States faces a moderate to high risk of a tornado strike, including most of the Midwest and Southeast. Some states get hundreds of these storms every year. Tornadoes only take a few hours to develop, leaving communities little time to react.

Communities within a few hundred miles of the East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico face a constant risk of hurricane and tropical storm damage. These events can take just a few days to develop, so evacuation might not be an option. States farther north that get lots of snowfall can experience a handful of debilitating blizzards every winter.

It’s also worth noting that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe due to the growing effects of climate change. The country is at a greater risk of high-wind weather, which continues to increase.

Lucky individuals will only experience minor exterior damage to their homes. In the worst-case scenario, entire houses can get carried away by strong winds, never to be seen again. Nobody wants to be trapped inside if that happens. A storm shelter prevents such a disaster, keeping everyone and everything inside safe from the outside world.

Storm Shelter Building Regulations

The International Code Council and American National Standards Institute are the main governing bodies that set global standards for storm shelter construction. The 2020 ICC-500 is the latest criteria, including design requirements for the main wind-resisting structural system, lighting, sanitation, ventilation, fire safety and floor space.

An ICC-approved shelter must meet the following criteria when it comes to wind resistance:

  • Walls and roofs must have adequate anchorage to resist overturning and uplift.
  • Walls, ceilings, doors and windows must withstand design wind pressures and resist penetration by windborne objects and falling debris.
  • Connections between building elements must withstand design wind pressures.

The term “design wind pressures” refers to the strongest potential winds the shelter might face, which depends on its location. Homeowners who want to build a storm shelter must know their local wind zone. All residential properties in the U.S. must have a data plate indicating the building’s wind zone.

Most residences fall into Zone 1, requiring homes to resist wind speeds up to 70 mph that often occur in severe storms. Zone 2 houses must withstand up to 100 mph and typically lie within a high-risk hurricane or tornado zone. Zone 3 applies to residential properties that must resist wind speeds up to 110 mph.

Homeowners should also take their local geographic features into account. Some landmarks are more exposed to strong winds than others. Cities and woodlands are the least vulnerable because of their tightly packed obstructions, while grasslands and areas near large bodies of water are much more exposed.

Every storm shelter in the U.S. must also meet all requirements set forth by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure its structural integrity. The American Society of Civil Engineers provides additional documentation for wind loads and other structural guidelines. These organizations work together to enforce specially engineered shelter designs.

Wind-Resistant Storm Shelter Materials

Concrete masonry is the ICC and FEMA’s preferred material for storm shelters because it provides a continuous load path from roof to foundation. Connecting concrete roof slabs to the shelter’s walls with reinforcing bars is simple construction. It’s the strongest material against winds, withstanding up to 250 mph in tests conducted at Texas Tech University.

Although the ICC and FEMA prefer concrete masonry, other viable materials exist. For example, quarter-inch carbon plate steel is popular for many U.S. shelters because it’s two times thicker than federal requirements. Builders can easily adapt steel plates to projects, including small residential bunkers and large community shelters.

Steel plates also provide the opportunity to apply an industrial exterior coating that improves the shelter’s longevity. The coating protects against corrosion, cracks, moisture and mold, helping the inner shell last for generations. This feature is a huge advantage for storm shelters, bomb shelters and survival bunkers designed for long-term residency.

Types of Storm Shelters

Storm shelters come in many shapes and sizes, but they all fall under two categories — underground and aboveground. Both types offer adequate protection against extreme winds but have some advantages and disadvantages.

Underground Storm Shelters

Underground storm shelters provide the greatest protection from outside elements as long as they can remain dry when surrounded by moist soil. Soil is another protective layer from strong winds and flying debris, but it can also get oversaturated with moisture and damage the shelter. This factor is another reason nonporous steel is a better alternative to porous concrete.

Of course, underground shelters are also more effective against high-wind events because the wind can’t carry them away. An aboveground shelter connected to the house could get carried away with the rest of the structure. Moreover, subterranean structures face a lower risk of getting hit with flying debris. Storms glide right over them with minimal disturbance.

However, although underground shelters can’t get carried away by winds, occupants can get trapped inside if the entrance is blocked during the storm. That’s why they are usually designed for long-term residency. They include emergency phones, food storage compartments, and complete bathrooms and kitchens.

Versatility is a huge advantage of underground shelters. They allow for numerous upgrades and customizations to the interior, including secondary exits and wheelchair accessibility. Floor plans are also completely customizable, allowing designers to maximize the shelter’s structural integrity within its unique environment.

Aboveground Storm Shelters

Aboveground shelters might not offer as much protection as their underground counterparts, but they’re still effective against strong winds. FEMA suggests staging residential storm shelters in a basement or interior room on the first floor. The location must have a floor extending to the ground or sit on top of a concrete slab-on-grade foundation.

Aboveground shelters with a solid foundation can be as strong as underground ones. They consist of the same primary material — concrete masonry or plate steel — and are easier to access than subterranean bunkers. Everyone inside the building can reach the shelter at a moment’s notice if a tornado suddenly strikes.

Building an aboveground shelter for communal areas, such as schools and large office complexes, is more practical and cost-effective. These buildings need a centralized location that everyone can quickly access during an active storm. Aboveground shelters are more accessible and can fit into more places than underground bunkers.

Although aboveground shelters are naturally more vulnerable and have some design limitations, they’re still viable options for wind protection. Their accessibility, affordability and flexible location sites make them even better than subterranean bunkers in some scenarios. Still, both options will serve well when people need emergency shelter from extreme weather.

Strong Winds Don’t Stand a Chance

Strong winds won’t stand a chance against an underground or aboveground shelter. As long as the bunker meets all federal building requirements and utilizes durable materials, it will withstand the heaviest winds from tornadoes, hurricanes and other extreme weather events.