Where There's a Will, There's a Way (A Come Along and Truck Help, Too)

[Bailey Guns]

I bought an above ground storm shelter. It weighs a little over 1000 lbs. It was dropped on the parking apron in front of the garage so I had to get a little creative in order to move it to my patio.

I decided to back the pickup to the shelter. I hooked the come along to the lift point on top of the shelter. Winched it over until it almost fell against the bed. Then I eased it down on to the edge of the truck bed. Winched it further up into the bed then backed it into place.


https://i.imgur.com/YNc54tD.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/6AxrJWP.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/onUGTUS.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/BKFqxPb.jpg



Once I got it to this point I realized I'd dropped it too close and it would hit the awning. I also decided I'd never get it off the pallet if I didn't do it now. Winched it back into the truck, removed the pallet, dropped it in place (gravity pretty much allowed it stand itself upright once I started dropping it), then pushed it generally in place with the truck. I pushed it with my lawn tractor to fine tune the placement. All I need to do now is drill the holes in the concrete, install the anchors and bolt it into place.


https://i.imgur.com/M8RFUhb.jpg

***Corgi Butt Not Included***
https://i.imgur.com/HfbEh6o.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/UtV5seY.jpg

[Zundfolge]

They need to make those that look like blue British police call boxes.

[Bailey Guns]

That would be fun. I need to figure out how to deaden the sound inside. It's really LOUD when the door is shut.

[Great-Kazoo]

That would be fun. I need to figure out how to deaden the sound inside. It's really LOUD when the door is shut.

ear plugs ?

[Buff]

So this is used to ride out a twister?
Would make a heck of a smoker in "the off season".....

[Bailey Guns]

That's a good idea. I could put a stack on top and damn near smoke half a cow at once.

[Zundfolge]

That would be fun. I need to figure out how to deaden the sound inside. It's really LOUD when the door is shut.

I wonder if spray foam insulation would work.

[Bailey Guns]

I have some cork underlayment panels for sound deadening under tile floors. I'm gonna stick those on the wall and see if that helps. I may do some type of spray on bedliner material on the outside. Just something to take the sharpness out of the impact noises. Damn.

[TEAMRICO]

Car audio sound deadening material. Self adhesive.
Dynamat or other brands. Check out car audio places.

[Bailey Guns]

^^ Cool... Thanks.

[Zundfolge]

Car audio sound deadening material. Self adhesive.
Dynamat or other brands. Check out car audio places.

Now why didn't I think of that, that's probably the best option.

[BushMasterBoy]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reflectix-Double-Reflective-Insulation/38752784?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1194&&adid=22222222227026725787&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52587358631&wl4=pla-84467738591&wl5=9029047&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112550058&wl11=online&wl12=38752784&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sHx_oKv6gIVi4bACh30NAhCEAQYBCAB EgKOPvD_BwE

[Sawin]

hey, maybe it can double as a really big smoker with some minor retrofitting ;).

[Bailey Guns]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reflectix-Double-Reflective-Insulation/38752784?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1194&&adid=22222222227026725787&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52587358631&wl4=pla-84467738591&wl5=9029047&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112550058&wl11=online&wl12=38752784&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sHx_oKv6gIVi4bACh30NAhCEAQYBCAB EgKOPvD_BwE

Funny! I just came from WM and looked at that. It seemed a little flimsy to me and susceptible to little dog paws tearing it off.

[Bailey Guns]

hey, maybe it can double as a really big smoker with some minor retrofitting ;).

Yep...that's what we decided in an earlier post. Big smoker.

[ruthabagah]

looks like a tactical, armored, porta potty...

[O2HeN2]

Now where have I seen that before... Oh, yhea, in Woody Allen's "Sleeper":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXJsiPojgkU

O2

[Bailey Guns]

looks like a tactical, armored, porta potty...

It might become one depending on how bad the storm gets.

[Bailey Guns]

Now where have I seen that before... Oh, yhea, in Woody Allen's "Sleeper":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXJsiPojgkU

O2

That's the Deluxe Model...couldn't afford that one.

[Aloha_Shooter]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Reflectix-Double-Reflective-Insulation/38752784?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=1194&&adid=22222222227026725787&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=52587358631&wl4=pla-84467738591&wl5=9029047&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=112550058&wl11=online&wl12=38752784&veh=sem&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2sHx_oKv6gIVi4bACh30NAhCEAQYBCAB EgKOPvD_BwE

that looks like thermal insulation, not sound insulation. Still might be a good thing for summer months -- I imagine that big steel tube is gonna get hellahot -- but would be placed on the outside, not the inside. Self-stick cork tiles or car audio sound deadening material, even carpet squares, would be better for cutting down on echoes inside.

[Hummer]

I might cover the interior with indoor-outdoor carpet and surround the walls with gun racks. Then a comfy swivel chair in the center.

[brutal]

Three things came immediately to mind when I saw this post.

That's a huge ass smoker.
It's round and can be rolled.
Farts would be thunderous in there.

[Irving]

I hope you never have to use it and it just else up being an expensive shed.

[Bailey Guns]

Me, too... But like the old saying, better to have it and not need it...yada, yada...

[newracer]

I'd use something like this for the interior.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81boSD29BqL._AC_SX466_.jpg

[SideShow Bob]

“That was Commissioner Gordon, To the Bat Poles, Robin”.


Other than that, I got nothin.....

[Irving]

Print this out and hang it inside. I took this today in Akron.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dt1p76gdfbIqKArTsUN0MTvvM5xqq6IJBKpIkOCoNyAPSwjoP YeOCemS4NDzDoFZ1J1mc0gH6_o2dWima76VomB4qsWA0Emx-36EXZJdE_gjDWr8xoW9sJ_e65-iyM5Q3Z81MxicCFl-nt-_FR9O1TDg=w1112-h625-no?authuser=0

[Bailey Guns]

Nice...

[buffalobo]

Print this out and hang it inside. I took this today in Akron.

https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/ACtC-3dt1p76gdfbIqKArTsUN0MTvvM5xqq6IJBKpIkOCoNyAPSwjoP YeOCemS4NDzDoFZ1J1mc0gH6_o2dWima76VomB4qsWA0Emx-36EXZJdE_gjDWr8xoW9sJ_e65-iyM5Q3Z81MxicCFl-nt-_FR9O1TDg=w1112-h625-no?authuser=0Working? Have you seen alot of damage claims due to weather in northeast part of state this season?

Cool pic.

BG, cool can. Bedliner outside, cork inside probably best bang for buck.

[Irving]

Working? Have you seen alot of damage claims due to weather in northeast part of state this season?



Yes, and no. The only significant work I've had this year has been out of state.

[def90]

Dynamat..

I assume that thing gets bolted down? Otherwise it could be a fun ride..


https://youtu.be/liHm39jlKgk

[Irving]

Don't worry, he's going to lash it to his trampoline.

[Bailey Guns]

Dynamat..

I assume that thing gets bolted down? Otherwise it could be a fun ride.


Yep...16 anchors/bolts into the concrete pad. It actually has the same safety ratings and certifications as the underground concrete shelters. Plus it can be moved and it's easier to get the dogs into it. Also, no worries about it "floating" should the water level get too high like there is with underground shelters. Biggest thing is it's 2' from the back door.

[rondog]

WTF - THAT'S a "storm shelter?" Looks more like one of those money tube things bank drive-ups use to suck your goodies away. A tornado would suck that thing up like a trash can.

REAL storm shelters are underground where you're actually SAFE.

[Bailey Guns]

OK, Boomer...

[Coffee]

[BushMasterBoy]

First option in a F5 tornado is get in the truck and leave. The National Weather Service radar will show the tornado on your smart phone. You can out run it, if you have knowledge of the local roads and a plan. If the twister drops down suddenly, by all means get in your shelter.
I was in a F1 tornado in a trailer park. The twister suddenly came out of the sky and was ripping off shingles of of neighboring houses. As it came over the trailer park, it ripped off my neighbors aluminum patio enclosure. It also flipped my boat over. Some trailers were yanked off their cinder blocks. The wind was louder than the space shuttle taking off, I lived 18 miles from the launch pad. Top it off, I had just locked myself out of the trailer.
I'm not bashing your shelter, but in 250 mph winds your trailer is going to slam into it. And all the other trailers will be flying around. I was in Florida for hurricane Andrew too. Only thing you can do is evacuate. Even Homestead AFB was destroyed, it was unreal to see the evacuees that had survived. Links below for reference...


https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/enhanced-fujita-scale-20130206

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Andrew#/media/File:Hurricane_andrew_fema_2563.jpg

[fitz19d]

Those things sometimes had good loot in fallout when you search the dead bodies inside.

[Bailey Guns]

First option in a F5 tornado is get in the truck and leave. The National Weather Service radar will show the tornado on your smart phone. You can out run it, if you have knowledge of the local roads and a plan. If the twister drops down suddenly, by all means get in your shelter.
I was in a F1 tornado in a trailer park. The twister suddenly came out of the sky and was ripping off shingles of of neighboring houses. As it came over the trailer park, it ripped off my neighbors aluminum patio enclosure. It also flipped my boat over. Some trailers were yanked off their cinder blocks. The wind was louder than the space shuttle taking off, I lived 18 miles from the launch pad. Top it off, I had just locked myself out of the trailer.
I'm not bashing your shelter, but in 250 mph winds your trailer is going to slam into it. And all the other trailers will be flying around. I was in Florida for hurricane Andrew too. Only thing you can do is evacuate. Even Homestead AFB was destroyed, it was unreal to see the evacuees that had survived. Links below for reference...


https://weather.com/storms/tornado/news/enhanced-fujita-scale-20130206

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Andrew#/media/File:Hurricane_andrew_fema_2563.jpg

I was an Air Force weather forecaster when it was just the Fujita Scale...not the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale. And I was at Keesler AFB during Andrew. Fortunately EF-5 tornadoes are rare. However, this shelter is rated, certified and tested beyond the FEMA, NSSA and Texas Tech storm shelter testing requirements and is certified to withstand an EF-5 with 250+ MPH winds.

I've never heard of anyone recommending trying to leave in a car though I'm sure people will do it. I suppose that's fine as long as you know it's coming and know where it is. But if I'm awakened in the middle of the night by my Tornado App going off I'm gonna round up the dogs and get in the shelter. Most people are injured or killed by flying debris in tornadoes and other serious storms.



Those things sometimes had good loot in fallout when you search the dead bodies inside.

I'll try to remember to take something good with me during the next tornado!

[Beer]

[BREATHER]

that is one hell of an outhouse, all ya gotta do is paint it blue

[Mtneer]

Odd that the door opens out not in. Wouldn't take much debris to trap someone inside.

[bradbn4]

and silly me - I thought it was nuclear protection on a budget Pulowski Preservation shelter
https://fallout.fandom.com/wiki/Pulowski_Preservation_shelter

[BushMasterBoy]

This company is building houses out of shipping containers. Probably the strongest housing available. Factories are in Caldwell, ID and Pueblo, CO. Just add some hurricane proof windows like they do in Florida and you would probably safe in any weather. I know this timber framed house would be destroyed by a tornado, but there is no real history of that here in Pueblo West. It was almost destroyed by lightning tho'...

https://www.indiedwell.com/

[Bailey Guns]

Odd that the door opens out not in. Wouldn't take much debris to trap someone inside.

It's too small for the door to open inward on this model. It does come with a 10 year subscription to a GPS locator service. Company automatically sends rescue to your registered location if they can't contact you or if there's a problem like that.

[Duman]

Is that a re-Tardis?

[Wulf202]

This company is building houses out of shipping containers. Probably the strongest housing available. Factories are in Caldwell, ID and Pueblo, CO. Just add some hurricane proof windows like they do in Florida and you would probably safe in any weather. I know this timber framed house would be destroyed by a tornado, but there is no real history of that here in Pueblo West. It was almost destroyed by lightning tho'...

https://www.indiedwell.com/

Monolithic is the only storm proof construction.

Containers aren't very cost efficient, or even good. Just popular

[jhood001]

All I could think about while looking at the pics is how badly I would want ear pro inside that thing in the middle of a tornado.

[Bailey Guns]

There's a warning sticker right on the inside of the door, first thing you see" WARNING: Wear ear protection during tornado.

Comforting...

I do have some sound-deadening materials on the way.

[CS1983]

There's photos of these things being the only structure standing after an EF5 in Moore, OK:
https://oklahoman.com/article/3840636/oklahoma-tornadoes-aboveground-shelters-stood-up-in-face-of-ef5-moore-tornado

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-9831d90e981548f9c65157ef14b70844.jpg

Since they are above ground and secured to the foundation itself they are less susceptible to rising ground water, which is a concern for underground (they can "float"):
https://www.news9.com/story/5e34c6c4e0c96e774b34be6e/norman-womans-storm-shelter-floated-above-ground-after-severe-storm
https://d3nbrdofkhtiou.cloudfront.net/kwtv/production/2015/May/7/norman-womans-storm-shelter-floated-above-ground-after-severe-storm.1431057846000.jpeg?w=1050&h=590.617&fit=crop

Some more examples of the underground problems: https://buildblock.com/buildblock-icf-above-ground-safe-rooms/

All in all, the consensus is that, if properly installed, they are just as safe, if not safer, than underground and easier to deal with/maintain.

[Irving]

Is there a model that can be installed in a tree? Asking for a friend.

[CS1983]

Is there a model that can be installed in a tree? Asking for a friend.

The lengths to which you are willing to go for the Squirrel is truly heartwarming.

[Wulf202]

There's photos of these things being the only structure standing after an EF5 in Moore, OK:
https://oklahoman.com/article/3840636/oklahoma-tornadoes-aboveground-shelters-stood-up-in-face-of-ef5-moore-tornado

https://cdn2.newsok.biz/cache/large960_blur-9831d90e981548f9c65157ef14b70844.jpg

Since they are above ground and secured to the foundation itself they are less susceptible to rising ground water, which is a concern for underground (they can "float"):
https://www.news9.com/story/5e34c6c4e0c96e774b34be6e/norman-womans-storm-shelter-floated-above-ground-after-severe-storm
https://d3nbrdofkhtiou.cloudfront.net/kwtv/production/2015/May/7/norman-womans-storm-shelter-floated-above-ground-after-severe-storm.1431057846000.jpeg?w=1050&h=590.617&fit=crop

Some more examples of the underground problems: https://buildblock.com/buildblock-icf-above-ground-safe-rooms/

All in all, the consensus is that, if properly installed, they are just as safe, if not safer, than underground and easier to deal with/maintain.

"Another overlooked option is to use it as a safe, for storing valuables while on vacation, firewarms, and other items"

Not sure if that's a typo or anti keywords.

[Bailey Guns]

I installed an additional 6 concrete anchors on the shelter to augment the 12 it came with. I also think the round shape will tend to deflect a lot of debris that a flat-sided shelter might not. My sound deadening stuff should be here Friday. I'm anxious to see how it works out.

There is one shelter that looks like the one in Cav's picture a few blocks away except it's concrete. Another underground shelter just up the street that's full of water. Another reason I didn't want to do an underground shelter. A lot of people question the steel shelter vs lightning issue but apparently that's not a problem. They act like a Faraday cage apparently. And if you're still worried about it you can always drive a grounding rod into the ground and attach a ground wire to the shelter. Apparently electrical shock isn't an issue.

This guy is an engineer at Texas Tech where they do all the storm shelter testing and he seems to think above ground shelters are just fine:



https://youtu.be/IiBTp09JRwE

[Duman]

Is there a model that can be installed in a tree? Asking for a friend.

Does it need to be large enough to hold Bullwinkle?

[CS1983]

Should do a half moon symbol like an outhouse on the door.

[Bailey Guns]

^^ Yeah...I've thought of all sorts of socially unacceptable things to decorate it with.

[CS1983]

What about a retro 60’s paint job and “Let’s do the Twist!” on it?

[Gman]

I was thinking of a theme like this:

http://youtu.be/FJ6SstTS4YY

[brutal]

Barber pole.

Too think for a stripper.

[Bailey Guns]

If this shelter's a rockin'...there's probably a tornado going on.

[crays]

What about a retro 60’s paint job and “Let’s do the Twist!” on it?

Or a Laugh-In themed paint job with "Sock It To Me"

[Bailey Guns]

I got the sound deadening underlayment I ordered. Very nice 3'x2'x1/4" panels. I used a spray adhesive to attach to the inside shelter walls. So far, so good. Not including the door it covered about 50% of the interior wall. It's still loud inside but not nearly as loud. When tapping the outside before it made a very loud and sharp, echoing noise inside. Now the same tapping results in a dull-sounding "thud". The sharpness and echo is substantially reduced. I'm pretty pleased with the result.

https://i.imgur.com/6jbcpbt.jpg

[CS1983]

That looks great.

You should tack up some motivational pics, Scripture, etc., so if you have to actually get in there real-world, you have something to look at and focus on in case it gets intense.

What's interior lighting like? I assume it's battery operated?

[Bailey Guns]

Yeah, it's a battery operated light. I have a little "go bag" by the back door with stuff like water, dog treats, collapsible dog bowl, basic first aid kit and a flashlight. I'll add a few things here and there as I think of them.

ETA: I've started giving the dogs an occasional treat to entice them to get accustomed to going inside. Positive reinforcement. Now every time I open the back door they run down the stairs and stand in front of the shelter door.

[brutal]

That looks great.

You should tack up some motivational pics, Scripture, etc., so if you have to actually get in there real-world, you have something to look at and focus on in case it gets intense.

What's interior lighting like? I assume it's battery operated?

Like these?

https://i.imgur.com/wyP8yJB.png

https://i.imgur.com/TC9hOVM.png

[Bailey Guns]

There's also a pass-thru for electrical wiring in case a guy wanted power inside. Also has a shielded air vent. Some people get really fancy with their shelters. This one is small so I don't have much room. But some people have TV, landline phone, A/C, etc inside their shelters. I was on a strict budget so I had to go with what I could afford. I am gonna put some type of soft, rubber flooring inside once I can find something suitable.

I did apply for a rebate program that will give back 75% of the shelter cost, up to $2000. It's sponsored by FEMA and the state. It's a lottery system so you may get selected sooner...or later. It'd be nice to have the bulk of the cost of the shelter refunded.

[FoxtArt]

Can't see pictures here. Curious - assuming it's all metal, is it possible to get any cell phone reception at all from the inside? I'm thinking not, but curious.

[20X11]

For soft rubber flooring, check out a restaurant supply store and look for the mats they use in kitchens and behind the bar

[Bailey Guns]

Can't see pictures here. Curious - assuming it's all metal, is it possible to get any cell phone reception at all from the inside? I'm thinking not, but curious.

I haven't even tried yet.

[buffalobo]

For soft rubber flooring, check out a restaurant supply store and look for the mats they use in kitchens and behind the bar^^This, some sort of antifatigue mat or feed store probably carries the mats used in barns these days.

[Irving]

Here are some rubber mats. Not in your area though.

https://www.govdeals.com/index.cfm?fa=Main.Item&itemid=22429&acctid=8149