DIY Storm Shelter

user.69169 · Oct 13, 2020

Probably best if you start on dirt side wid a giant baggie to keep hmidity, water, mold and such outside. If you don't gonna cost a fortune to encapsilate inside..

Doofy · Oct 13, 2020

Why not beef up a small connex, anchor properly and install a small escape hatch in case the doors get blocked by debris? Old rail cars also come to mind.

RoyKing · Oct 14, 2020

Small shipping container anchored painted use it for storage and have couple of foldup cots a bucket with toilet seat and some bottled water and led lites done, just like immigrants coming in illegally.

Doofy · Oct 14, 2020

RoyKing said:
Small shipping container anchored painted use it for storage and have couple of foldup cots a bucket with toilet seat and some bottled water and led lites done, just like immigrants coming in illegally.

Solar fans for cooling and ventilation, reflectix on the inside to help with cooling and to help prevent mold and mildew, light colored paint on the outside. Darn, I'm beginning to want one now. Could be a relatively inexpensive and fun project.

jaxs · Oct 14, 2020

We have always had provisions for sleeping in our shelters. No sense staying awake all night waiting til the storm is on you before taking shelter. Manys of people have been killed or injured on their way to outdoor shelters. Besides the risk,getting soaked then shivering is no fun.

RoyKing · Oct 14, 2020

Buy and air condition container, they pull the unit, but all ready insulated and water tight, cheap also, the Ac run on 480 3phase

MossRoad · Oct 14, 2020

I wonder how much anchoring it would take to hold down a shipping container in an F3 or F4 tornado? Probably nothing would protect it in an F5.

I don't think it would be a good choice for a storm shelter. You'd be better off with the FEMA plans.

MossRoad · Oct 14, 2020

Reading a few articles on burying shipping containers.... you can't just dig a hole and bury it. The sides will collapse from the weight of the dirt. The corners won't, but the side walls will.

This article suggests you put gabion baskets (those wire baskets filled with rocks) around it before burying it.
What Happens When You Bury a Shipping Container | ContainerAuction.com

But for above ground, I'd want something as low and aerodynamic as possible.

EddieWalker · Oct 14, 2020

I wouldn't use a container either. If you look at the FEMA plans, one of the most difficult parts in building to their plan is tying it into the foundation. You have to cut out the existing foundation, and then dig under the slab to create a footing that is below the existing foundation. Then the other thing is that you have to have a door that opens inward, and is also strong enough to withstand hundred miles an hour winds and projectiles. A flying 2x4 will go right through a container at well under 100 mph.

MossRoad · Oct 14, 2020

Here's the video I was thinking of... it's a truck terminal in the Dallas area getting hit by a tornado. Airborne semi trailers like leaves in the wind. Watch the whole clip, as at a couple points they highlight the trailers flying through the air. Pretty darn impressive.