Which is better, an underground shelter or an above-ground shelter?
Studies have shown that you are just as safe in an approved/certified above-ground safe room as in a below-ground shelter. In certain situations you could actually be safer in an above-ground shelter, such as when there is flooding or if the door is blocked by debris with no other way out.
How hard is it to install the ESP Safety Shelter?
Can I do it myself or do I need to hire someone? The ESP Safety Shelter is very easy to install with the help of one or two additional people. It takes minimal tools and experience. However, you may also hire a professional contractor to do the work. Some helpful hints on locating a contractor can be found inside the installation manual. No matter who performs the installation, the inspection checklist sign off procedure recommended by NSSA is critical in ensuring that the Safe Room provides near absolute protection during a high wind event.
What is a Safe Room vs. a Storm Shelter?
There is no law that requires manufacturers to test and certify their storm shelters. Buyer Beware! There are many shelter manufacturers out there that are not certified. The buyer should always ask if the manufacturer’s products have been approved and verified by the NSSA (National Storm Shelter Association). It is logical that debris impact testing would be more important for above-ground shelters, and ground stress testing would be more important for below-ground shelters. Since most communities would require a building permit for such a project, a family would have to have a building inspector examine the plans for the shelter, and what building inspectors require would probably vary from community to community perhaps even requiring the approval of a professional engineer. The Swisher ESP Safety Shelter does qualify as a FEMA Safe Room based upon compliance with ICC 5001 , FEMA P-3612 , and FEMA P-3203 . The ESP Safety Shelter passed all tests at Texas Tech National Wind Institute and underwent a rigorous design analysis to withstand 250 mph winds from any direction as generated by an EF5 tornado.
What is the NSSA?
The National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) grew out of concern for storm shelter quality after the Oklahoma City tornadoes of May 1999. The NSSA was formed in 2001 to ensure the highest quality of manufactured and constructed storm shelters for protecting people form injury or loss of like from the effects of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other devastating natural disasters.
Is there FEMA funding available?
To determine if FEMA funding is available in your area, contact your local, county, or state emergency management agency. Then once all the paperwork required by your state (and local jurisdiction) has been completed, you will receive a rebate. The amount varies by state, jurisdiction, and the amount of funding available overall. To be eligible for a $2,000 rebate (under FEMA’s Project Impact, designed to help victims rebuild after natural disasters), the product must be compliant with the requirements for a Safe Room under FEMA P-3612 and FEMA P-3203 . Shelter manufacturers may or may not have this done, as it can cost thousands of dollars, and it may even require extensive reworking of material or design elements in the structure. The ESP Safety Shelter does qualify as a Safe Room under FEMA P-3612 and is verified by the NSSA as being such.
What is the best location for my shelter?
The one thing we can control in life threatening events, is how quickly we can get to our Safe Room. The best spot for your shelter is one that can be easily and safely accessed without being an intrusion in your day to day life. We understand that you won’t need to use your Safe Room daily, but when you do, the easier it is to access, the more likely it is that you will use it quickly and when needed.
What type of warranty do you provide?
ESP Safety Shelters properly installed and registered come with a Lifetime Storm Damage Replacement Benefit and a 5 Year Limited Warranty. See product owner’s manual for complete replacement and warranty details.
What kind of steel do you use in your safety shelters?
ESP Shelters are made of 3/16” hot rolled A36 Steel. They have been tested at Texas Tech’s National Wind Institute and proven to withstand 15 lb. 2x4’s at 100 mph. This is equivalent to a 250 mph tornado wind force, per FEMA P-3612
What type of concrete foundation is required for your shelter?
To obtain near absolute protection from 250 mph EF5 tornado winds, the ESP Safety Shelter should be secured to an adequate concrete slab as outlined in your shelter’s installation manual. At a minimum, a 5” thick slab of 2500 psi (min) concrete is required with reinforcing of #4s on 24” centers. In addition, an overhang of concrete is required, depending on the shelter size (see installation manual for details). Any deviation from these minimum requirements would require an independent evaluation performed by a structural engineer.
