We recently had someone ask us, “Why are stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot selling tornado shelters? Big box stores and other home improvement stores seem to be pushing them but are they good ones? Do these stores have knowledgeable sales people to help customers?”

Tornado Alley Armor’s answer: Some big box retail chains are starting to carry tornado storm shelters, but can you trust them? One would think that if you see something like a tornado shelter for sale in a big box store like Lowe’s Home Improvement or Home Depot that you would be able to trust that it is strong and can withstand F-5 tornadoes, simply because it is for sale there. Well, we have found that in general, just because an item is for sale in a store it doesn’t mean that it is a quality product or that it will live up to its claims. And getting knowledgeable help from a big box store employee? Are they trained specifically about that tornado shelter? Tornado shelter safety is a full time position itself.

If the tornado safe room company is a member of the NSSA then you will know you’re on the right track. They have had an independent verification of their design checking for FEMA compliance. But, that doesn’t mean the storm shelter will have all the features possible, or that you won’t get pummeled with debris when things start blowing around outside. We have noticed that there are a few safe rooms for sale in big box stores that have very large air gaps in and beside the doors which will allow debris to blow in and impale you while you are riding out the tornado. IF YOU CAN SEE OUTSIDE THE SAFE ROOM FROM THE INSIDE WITH THE DOOR CLOSED YOU ARE NOT FULLY PROTECTED. THIS INCLUDES GAPS AROUND THE DOOR AND AIR VENT HOLES THAT AREN’T ADEQUATELY SHIELDED. Here at Tornado Alley Armor Safe Rooms we have considered that, and our safe rooms are designed so that you can get plenty of fresh air ventilation without risking pieces of debris from getting inside.

You may or may not be able to talk to a sales person at a big box store that really knows the ins and outs of the tornado shelter you are looking at. They aren’t an employee of the storm shelter company, and may be guessing when they answer your questions. Do you want to take a chance with your family’s safety and not know if the sales person really knows the answer or is just guessing?

As always, do your homework, compare features and strengths, and make an informed decision. If you live in the Tulsa, OK or Dallas, TX areas you can stop by our showrooms and talk to knowledgeable people that will take the time to explain all the details and features of our tornado safe rooms and what you need to know to make that informed decision. Afterwards, decide for yourself what is best for your family.

Tornado Alley Armor. Your LIFETIME tornado defense. Toll free 918-518-1551.