Weathering The Storm: Benefits Of An Underground Storm Shelter For Your Business

If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather such as tornadoes, an underground storm shelter for your business can protect you and your employees from serious injury. Also referred to as a safe room, a storm shelter is an underground escape bunker designed to withstand dangerous wind and even flying debris. With a storm shelter, even if your business construction completely falls apart, you will remain safe. Aside from this main benefit, there are several other benefits to consider when deciding on a storm shelter.

Convenience

When you are located in the path of a severe storm, it is recommended that you seek shelter immediately. If your business is not designed with a basement or other central room where all of your employees can fit safely, you will have to send employees to safety. By providing a storm shelter at your location, you eliminate the need to relocate anyone. You can also continue to go about your business after the storm passes. A storm shelter provides a way to seek shelter immediately.

Low-Cost

Businesses that are built with strict specifications to weather high winds can be very expensive to build. By choosing to construct an underground shelter, you can save money and offer better protection than any above-ground structure. Both above-ground and below-ground shelters must be constructed to the same specifications, but underground shelters have an advantage because they aren't hit with flying debris.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes a safe room as a room that provides close to perfect protection from extreme weather. For a public safe room, you may also be able to receive designated types of government funding to help build the room. This funding includes the Community Development Block Grant Funds, Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funds and the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Program Funds. Information can be found with your State Hazard Mitigation Officer (SHMO).

Functionality

Installing a shelter underground does not require you to take up space within your existing office structure. In some cases with an above-ground structure, you have to cut into existing space that could be utilized for storage or offices. An underground structure is available when you need it, and you can keep it well stocked with batteries, bottled water and other necessities for the event of an emergency.

Especially in the spring and early fall, tornadoes and extreme weather conditions pose a threat on businesses, homes and people. Underground shelters provide a safe and convenient location to go to weather the storm. An experienced contractor, like Central Canadian Structures Inc, will be able to help you decide if building an underground shelter would be a wise decision for your business. 

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