

Unfortunately, these shelters are not usually waterproof, so water can seep in. Con: Flooding – Underground storm cellars require ventilation to ensure that you don’t suffocate.Underground storm shelters can avoid most debris because they’re not exposed. Something as small as a stick or a rock can become lethal during a storm. Instead, it’s when the wind picks up and throws heavy or dangerous objects at high speeds. Pro: Less Prone to Wind-Driven Debris Damage – The biggest threat during a tornado or hurricane is not the wind itself.Pros and Cons of an Underground Storm Shelter Let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

When picking a storm shelter for you and your family, you need to decide between an above-ground tornado shelter or an under-ground unit. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FEMA 320 guide offers guidelines for a storm shelter company or manufacturer on specifications for each model type’s size, shape, and installation requirements. New construction shelters can exceed FEMA guidelines. For example, if a tornado destroys all or part of your home, you may need to sit tight in the shelter until you can find more long-term lodging until your house gets repaired. That said, the interior can be spacious enough for multiple people and come equipped with supplies for a few days, just in case. Once the storm passes, you can exit the shelter and survey the damage. Typically, storm shelters are not too big because they’re designed for temporary use. However, storm shelters can work well for other situations like hurricanes or windstorms. The primary purpose of a tornado storm shelter is to protect the occupants from extreme weather events. But, the biggest question you have to ask yourself is: underground or above-ground? Let’s dive into this topic and see which option is best for your needs. These shelters can withstand high winds, flying debris from ef5 tornados and protect you and your family from danger. One of the best ways to ride out a tornado or similar extreme weather event is inside a storm shelter or safe room. Tornados and other storm systems can cause massive amounts of damage, and if you’re not prepared, these storms can be deadly. Construction costs for the project are estimated to land between $2.5 to $2.9 million.Natural disasters are a part of life in the United States, particularly for those who live in tornado alley like Oklahoma or other states throughout the Midwest. The south parking lot will get improvements to include more parking spaces and the north parking lot will be adjusted to allow more efficient parking flow.Ĭonstruction is scheduled to begin early 2022 with an expected completion in early 2023. It will be just under 8,000 square feet consisting of two classrooms and one common room. This will be a multipurpose space allowing it to be used to offer Pre-K services at Benton Elementary. This additional funding made possible by FEMA means that the shelter will be larger with automated functions that allow the surrounding community to use the space in times of a weather emergency.

Neosho School District recently received confirmation of a $1.8 million FEMA grant that will allow what was previously slated to be a multipurpose storm shelter at Benton Elementary to become a FEMA Community Safe Room. The project is expected to cost $2 million, turnkey.īenton Elementary | FEMA Community Safe Room Construction is expected to begin in January and be completed by August of 2021, barring any unforeseen delays.
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multipurpose storm shelter that will double as a learning and professional development space. The Neosho Middle School structure is a 5,500 sq.ft. This project is the third project in the scope of the measure, preceded by the installment of metal storm shelters located at Central Elementary and Field Early Childhood. The shelter is one of the projects made possible by The Next Step Ballot Measure that was passed on June 7, 2020.

Neosho School District broke ground on the storm shelter located at Neosho Middle School on Thursday, Dec. Neosho Middle School Multipurpose Shelter Steel shelters at Field Early Childhood and Central Elemtentary were completed in October. Two shelters are complete, another will be completed August 2021, and the fourth has just received approval as an official FEMA Community Safe Room.įield Early Childhood & Central Elementary Storm Shelters "The Next Step" ballot measure included four storm shelters located at Central Elementary, Field Early Childhood, Benton Elementary, and Neosho Middle School.
