Best Disaster Shelters

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Make sure there’s room for your pets in your disaster shelter.

Do you live in Tornado Alley? We sure hope you have a basement, but if your home has no subterranean rooms, you’re in the right place. Weather disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes are becoming more frequent and more intense, as the climate changes. It’s a great time to invest in a disaster shelter, whether it’s underground or above-ground.

There are a lot of disaster shelters out there, so we’ve collected and ranked our favorites to make it easy for you to compare their attributes before making your final choice.

This guide will:

  1. Walk you through the four best disaster shelter options to consider (for all budgets!)
  2. Tell you the honest answer about who needs disaster shelters and why
  3. Help you understand how to select the best disaster shelter for your needs

If you’re in a hurry, all four are linked below, or you can scroll down for the full details. Need more info before making a decision? Check out the FAQ!

Our top picks for disaster shelters for you:

  1. National Storm Shelters Above Ground Safe Room 4 x 6
  2. Swisher SR84X039G ESP Safety Shelter
  3. Portable Buildings & More – 12-Person Storm Shelter
  4. GarageCube Below Ground Tornado Shelter

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1. National Storm Shelters – Above Ground Safe Room 4 x 6

The Above Ground Safe Room by National Storm Shelters is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable, durable, and easy-to-install storm shelter. Made from high-strength steel, this 4×6 safe room offers superior protection against extreme weather conditions like tornadoes and hurricanes. Its compact size is ideal for homes with limited space, while its secure, 3-point locking mechanism ensures safety during severe storms. The shelter is also designed to meet FEMA standards, ensuring peace of mind for families. With quick delivery and professional installation options, this safe room is a practical and trusted solution for emergency protection.

Price: $6750

Dimensions: 4′ x 6′ (fits 6 people)

What we liked: 

  • Made from solid HR steel, thus providing superior protection.
  • Offers near absolute protection against 250 MPH EF5 tornado winds. 
  • Meets the highest FEMA standards. In a word, golden.
  • Equipped with 18 anchor bells with 2200lbs of holding pressure per anchor ensuring complete safety.
  • Features an industrial enamel paint finish that resists rust and corrosion.
  • Boasts a 3/16″ HR steel body with a 1/4” HR steel door. It provides the ultimate protection in an EF-5 tornado.

Verdict:

The Above Ground Safe Room by National Storm Shelters is an excellent investment for those who value safety, without compromising convenience and accessibility during emergencies. Get this big-body storm shelter into your life!

2. Swisher SR84X144G ESP Safety Shelter

The Swisher SR84X144G ESP Safety Shelter is a state-of-the-art above-ground emergency shelter that features robust construction and offers reliable refuge during disasters and catastrophes. It’s a a lot bigger than our top pick, so it’s good for larger families that don’t want to dig a hole.

Price: $14,029.95

Dimensions: 7′ x 12′ (fits 25 people!)

What we liked: 

  • The Swisher Safety Shelter comes with a bolt-together design which ensures easy construction and relocation when needed.
  • Comes with emergency panels for quick and easy exit during emergencies.
  • The sliding door design ensures that it can be opened even when blocked by debris. This also reduces the amount of space needed for use.
  • Has shielded air vents, i.e. it provides uninterrupted airflow while preventing debris from entering.
  • The shelter has a residential capacity of up to 25 people.

Verdict:

The Swisher SR84X144G ESP Safety Shelter is an innovative option for those seeking maximum protection against natural disasters. Its advanced features like double-wall construction and reinforced doors offer unmatched peace of mind. A great pick at a slightly higher price point. Also, we love a pocket door!

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3. Portable Buildings & More – 12-Person Storm Shelter

The 12-Person Storm Shelter from Branson Buildings is a highly recommended choice for families seeking robust protection during severe weather events. Constructed with heavy-duty, 7-gauge steel, it is built to withstand extreme tornadoes and other natural disasters. The shelter’s spacious interior comfortably accommodates up to 12 people, offering peace of mind for larger households or communities. It features a secure, easy-to-operate door with a 3-point locking system and is designed to meet FEMA standards for safety. With professional installation available and a strong reputation for durability, this storm shelter provides reliable, long-lasting protection when you need it most.

Price: $9500

Dimensions: 8’2″ x 7’7″ (fits 12 people)

What we liked:

  • The 12 Person Storm Shelter, a popular below-ground shelter, is EF5 rated for 250+MPH winds.
  • The shelter is FEMA rated and can house up to 12 occupants (Dimensions: 8’2″L x 7’7″W x 6’1″H).
  • It is constructed of heavy duty fiberglass.
  • Offers several security features like a multi-point door locking system.
  • The bench seating comes included for safe and comfortable seating inside the shelter.
  • Has an overhead screened vent for adequate ventilation and full cell phone service.

Verdict:

With its advanced construction and the unique circular design, the Portable Buildings & More 12-Person Storm Shelter provides exceptional safety and comfort for tornadoes. This makes it an ideal investment for homeowners or businesses located in tornado-prone areas.

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4. Survive-a-Storm ShelterCube Extreme Tornado Shelter

This beast is built from quarter-inch steel and can handle just about anything Mother Nature decides to throw at it—tornadoes, flying debris, you name it. The best part? You can stick it anywhere you’ve got a concrete pad, and the escape hatch opens from the inside so you’ll never get trapped, which is exactly the kind of peace of mind you want when the sirens start wailing.

Price: $5,760

Dimensions: 4′ x 6′ (fits 8 people)

What we liked: 

  • You can install it anywhere — garage, carport, backyard — if you’ve got a concrete pad, you’re good to go. No need to dig up your yard or sacrifice precious basement space.
  • The escape hatch removes from the inside, so even if debris piles up outside, you can still get yourself out. That’s the kind of detail that actually matters when things get real.
  • Quarter-inch steel construction meets ballistic resistance standards, so this thing isn’t messing around. It’s designed to take a beating and keep you safe.
  • The locking bench lets you store emergency supplies, valuables, or that stash of snacks you don’t want to share. It’s functional seating that doubles as secure storage.
  • With over 70,000 PSI of tension strength, this shelter is staying put, even when everything else is airborne.

Verdict:

If you’re serious about tornado protection but don’t want to deal with underground installation or major construction, the ShelterCube Extreme is a solid investment in peace of mind. It’s built to withstand the worst storms nature can throw at you, anchors down like it means business, and gives you the flexibility to place it wherever makes sense for your property.

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Do I really need a disaster shelter?

Quick Answer:

In the event of a disaster, a disaster shelter can mean the difference between life and death. 

Not convinced how?

Consider this:

The tornado outbreak in Oklahoma in May 2013 caused over 40 fatalities and destroyed more than 1,200 homes.

Brain Todd, however, could save himself and his family.

How?

With a disaster shelter that he had built in his home.

Watch the following video by CNN to see how the shelter saved 12 lives. 

That should give you a fair idea about what a disaster can do for you when the situation arises. 

Especially if you live in areas prone to natural disasters or are concerned about potential man-made disasters such as nuclear war or terrorist attacks, a disaster shelter is a must. 

What if you live in an area that is not considered high risk for disasters? 

A disaster shelter can still be a wise investment. 

It can serve as a backup plan in case of unexpected emergencies. 

It can become a place to store emergency supplies.

And above all, it can provide you with the peace of mind of knowing that you and your loved ones have a secure and safe place to go during an emergency.

But, wait before you pick the first disaster shelter you find on the Internet.

All disaster shelters are not built alike. Choosing the right one matters.

It is paramount to ensure the safety and survival of individuals during calamitous events. And you can avoid your disaster from spelling a harrowing tale of tragedy and loss for you by understanding the various types of disaster shelters and knowing the right option for your needs. 

Types of Disaster Shelters 

  1. Underground shelters: 
    • Built underground… as mentioned above
    • Can provide protection from natural disasters such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and earthquakes. 
    • Can include amenities such as air filtration systems, backup generators, and emergency supplies.
  2. Above-ground shelters:
    • Built above ground… as mentioned above
    • Used for protection against hurricanes or other severe storms. 
    • May include features such as ventilation systems, backup power, and communication devices.
  3. Container shelters:
    • Modified shipping containers that can be converted into disaster shelters.
    • Usually made of steel 
    • Can be customized to include features such as ventilation, insulation, and emergency supplies.
  4. Personal safe rooms:
    • Small, private shelters that can be installed in homes, garages, or underground. 
    • Offer protection against natural disasters such as tornadoes and hurricanes.
    • Can be customized to fit the needs and budget of individuals or families.
  5. Mobile shelters:
    • Portable shelters that can be moved from one location to another in the event of an emergency. 
    • Used for disaster relief efforts
    • Can be quickly deployed to provide temporary shelter

When choosing a disaster shelter to purchase, it’s important to consider factors such as the type of disaster most likely to occur in your area, the size and features of the shelter, and your budget.

We hope our guide helps you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing a disaster shelter for your home.

About the Author

It takes a village! We are researching, writing and fact checking as a family. Collaboration is the name of the game, whether we’re running from a zombie horde or finding the best way to turn a complex concept into a deliciously digestible set of bullet points.