How is the TornadoSafeRoom™ anchored and do I need special concrete for anchoring?

The TornadoSafeRoom™ is anchored to your concrete slab using specialty concrete bolts that are 5" in length and 1/2" in diameter. These bolts are impacted into your concrete foundation. We do not use expansion bolts or epoxy type anchoring systems. The Standard Building Code requirement for concrete floors in homes and garages is a slab with a minimum thickness of 4". This is sufficient for installation inside your home, garage or basement. If you are pouring a separate slab just for the TornadoSafeRoom™ , there are specific guidelines and requirements and you will need to contact us for that information.

Can I get a TornadoSafeRoom™ if I do not have a concrete foundation?

In the event your home is not built on a slab and you do not have a garage, carport or patio; a separate concrete slab can be poured just outside one of your entry doors to accommodate the installation of the TornadoSafeRoom™. We do not do concrete work, however we will supply you with the necessary requirements for that new slab.
Please contact us via our toll free number 1-877-723-7666 or my personal cell 615/663-2373 for that information.

Do you have dealers or distributors?

We manufacture, deliver and install the TornadoSafeRoom™ using our own personnel. To keep the cost to the consumers as low as possible, we do not use any dealers or distributors.

Where can I see an installation?

Our plant is in Murfreesboro, TN. We welcome visitors and have units on display. If you are not near Murfreesboro, TN, we will be happy to locate an installation near you for you to see. We have satisfied clients in 24 states who are always happy to show their units to potential customers.

Can the TornadoSafeRoom™ be installed inside my home?

Yes, so long as you have a concrete floor where you wish the unit to be installed. Our units are site assembled which allows us to install them in closets, utility rooms, dens, bedrooms, basements, etc. We are able to take the unit panels thru regular sized doors. The Two Person TornadoSafeRoom™ is a favorite to place in walk-in closets.

How does the door swing and what is the size of the door opening?

Our doors swing outward. The units are stronger when this manner is used because we are able to place extra steel upright supports on both sides of the door. The size of the actual door opening is 27"

What about debris blocking the door and trapping me inside?

In our 18 years of installations, we have never had anyone trapped inside their unit. We realize there is always that possibility with any shelter design no matter how the doors wings. In the storms of 2011 a family was trapped in their under the garage floor shelter, which by the way, we do not manufacture nor install. We always advise our clients to notify their local Fire Department, neighbors, friends and family of the location of their shelter. As soon as the storm has passed; your neighborhood will be covered with people checking on their neighbors. In some areas, cell phones work inside the TornadoSafeRoom™ TM.

Can I purchase the TornadoSafeRoom™ and install it myself?

Because we feel your safety and security are top priority and because the installation requires experience working with steel, we do not sell our products for self installation. The cost of shipping the unit to you would override any savings as the installation costs are a very minor part of the total cost.

Do you accept credit cards for payment?

Answer: no we do not accept credit cards for payment. Because our prices are wholesale to the customer and there is no middle man mark up and therefore no " extra cushion" to cover the credit card company's handling fees. For us to accept credit cards, we would have to raise our prices and this would not be fair to our customers who pay by personal or business check.

Do you offer units that are wheel chair accessible or other custom sizes?

Yes. We do manufacture units that are wheel chair accessible by making them wider (40" wide instead of 30") and have a larger door (34" wide). The increased cost for these two changes is about $600.00 per unit. We also manufacture and install custom units. These are priced individually and you will need to contact us and discuss your specific needs to receive a quote for a custom unit.

What is the order to installation time frame and how long does the installation take?

The order to installation time frame is usually within 4 to 5 weeks. This can change if the season is a particularly busy one. We will be on the job site for approximately 4 hours for the installation.

From what materials are the units manufactured and can they be painted to match my decor?

The wall panels and door are manufactured of 10 gauge, galvanized steel and we do not paint those pieces. The top is manufactured of 1/4" carbon steel plate and is prime painted with aluminum paint to match the walls and the door. We do not provide any different color painting, however many of our clients have painted their units and we can provide you with the instructions for this process.

Do the units come with any wiring for lights and will my cell phone work inside the unit?

We provide just the basic unit. We can assist you with suggestions if you wish to add wiring for lights. Most clients simply purchase battery operated lights for their units since during a storm the power is often not operable. In some areas, depending on the nearness of the towers and the cell provider, you cell phone will operate. The same is true for weather radios.

Do you offer financing?

We do not offer any in-house financing.

Can I attach tools to the top of this unit without damaging the integrity of the unit?

This unit is a favorite among our clients. You can attach tools to this top without harm to the unit. I like the idea of the WorkBench unit because I can use it all the time.

Have any of your client's homes been hit by a tornado?

Yes. We know of 3 client's homes that have been hit. There may have been others of which we are unaware. In each of the cases, the homes were damaged (in two of the cases the entire rooms where the unit was sitting were destroyed with no damage to the safe room). In northern Alabama, our customer's home was damaged while she was in the safe room. Homes on both sides of her home were destroyed.

Is there any issue with regard to lightening since the unit is made of steel?

The anchoring system acts as grounding since the bolts go thru the concrete.

Did you provide a TornadoSafeRoom™ for the Extreme Makeover Show?

Yes. We donated and installed a unit for a family in Indiana for the Extreme Makeover Show.

Are you a member of NSSA?

We have not applied for membership in the NSSA. We are familiar with this organization but have not found membership to be beneficial to our firm. Paying for membership in these fee-based organizations would only cause us to have to increase the price to the customer. We feel the FEMA standards are a sufficient guide for storm shelter manufacture and installation and we meet and exceed those standards.