PRICES START AT $5,500 (CARRY OUT)
Financing Options Available
At TN Tornado Shelters, we strive to assist families across Southern Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama in acquiring a top-of-the-line storm shelter to keep their family safe, secure, and dry during the worst of weather. There is no better peace of mind than knowing you have a safe place for your friends and family during a tornado.
We offer prompt, affordable service, and settle for no less than the best installation practices.
Services
TN Tornado Shelters offers full service from direct carryout sales, delivery, and of course, installation by our professional team.
“Living in Southern Middle Tennessee, we all know how fast the weather can turn. Tornadoes don’t give much warning, and when they come, you’ve got to be ready. At the end of the day, it’s about protecting the people you love. That’s why we do what we do – so families can feel safe, no matter what’s coming their way.”
Rusty Grammer
• Owner, TN Tornado Shelters
Safe. Simple. Local.
At TN Tornado Shelters, we make installing your inground storm shelter easy and stress-free. From helping you choose the best location to handling every step of the installation with care and precision, we treat your home like our own.
We’re a local team serving Southern Middle Tennessee – not a big box brand – and we’re proud to offer more than just storm shelters. We offer peace of mind. Built to last and installed with integrity, our shelters are designed to protect what matters most: your family.
Testimonials
Our Promise
Built to Protect
At TN Tornado Shelters, we treat every installation like it’s for our own family – because we’re your neighbors, not just contractors. Based in Southern Middle Tennessee, we know how fast severe weather can hit, and we’re here to help you prepare.
Our shelters are built to last and installed with care, but what truly sets us apart is our service. We show up, do things right, and guide you every step of the way – because peace of mind starts with people you can trust.
FEMA Standards
Structural Integrity and Anchoring
• Uplift Resistance: In-ground safe rooms must be designed to resist buoyancy, especially during heavy rainfall and high water tables, which could cause the shelter to float out of the ground.
• Foundation and Anchoring: The foundation must be designed to withstand uplift, overturning, and sliding forces caused by extreme winds.
• Connection Strength: Connections between all parts of the shelter must be strong enough to resist failure, and the walls, roof, and door must resist penetration by windborne missiles.
Debris Impact Protection
• Wind-Borne Debris: Shelters must be able to withstand impact from wind-borne debris.
• Testing: Shelters are tested for debris impact resistance, and this is a fundamental part of the FEMA criteria.
Accessibility and Occupancy
• Access Opening: A minimum access opening size of 24″ wide x 30″ long is typically required.
• Vertical Access: Stairs, if used, must have specific tread depth, riser height, and width requirements, with handrails required on stairways with more than three stairs.
• Occupant Density: A minimum of 3 sq. feet of usable shelter area per occupant.
Ventilation
• Natural Ventilation: Shelters must have ventilation openings to prevent suffocation and ensure adequate air circulation.
• Configuration: The configuration of ventilation openings is specified to ensure proper airflow.
Compliance with Codes and Standards
• ICC 500: In-ground safe rooms must comply with the ICC 500 Standard for the Design and Construction of Storm Shelters, which provides minimum design and construction requirements for extreme-wind shelters.
• FEMA 320 and FEMA 361: These FEMA publications provide guidance on safe room design and construction.
Key Considerations for In-Ground Shelters
• Waterproofing: Proper waterproofing is crucial to prevent water intrusion, especially in underground shelters.
• Drainage: Adequate drainage is necessary to prevent water from accumulating around the shelter and causing buoyancy issues.
• Accessibility: Ensure the shelter is easily accessible, especially during emergencies.
• Emergency Access: Exterior key accessibility is often required for emergency personnel to access the shelter in case of an emergency.
Design Requirements
ALL TN TORNADO SHELTERS MODELS MEET OR EXCEED THE REQUIREMENTS LISTED BELOW:
• ICC 500 Sect 502.2 Access Opening – Requires access opening minimum size 24″ wide x 30″ long.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Vertical Access – Requires minimum tread depth 8″ and maximum riser height 9-9/16″
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Vertical Access – Requires minimum Stair width 22″ and slip resistant surface.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1 Overhead Clearance – Requires minimum overhead clearance 6′-8″ or 5′-0″ with signage.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.3.1.2 Handrail required on stairways having more than three stairs.
• ICC 500 Sect 502.4 Occupant Density – Requires minimum 3 sq ft usable shelter area per occupant.
• FEMA 320 and 361 Requires minimum 3 hinge attachment points and 3 positive latch points.
• ICC 500 Sect 302303/304 Requires exterior key accessibility for post storm Emergency Entry by EMS personnel if needed when latches are engaged from the inside.
• ICC 500 Sect 305/306500 Emergency access can be made by removal of full length hinge from outside with 2-7/16” wrenches.
• Sect 804 Loads and load combinations, Hydro-static loads, wind loads, required for the construction of shelters.
• FEMA 320/361 Our shelters have been tested by a third-party engineering firm for underground structural design. All models exceed the requirements.
• NPCTS Windborne Debris Hazards – Requires tornado shelters exposed surfaces to be designed tested to emulate wind speeds of 250 mph. 15-lb sawn lumber 2 x 4 missiles impacting exposed surfaces less than 30 degrees from horizontal at 67 mph and exposed vertical surfaces at 100 mph.
• ASTM E 1886 DESIGN TESTED AND PASSED TESTING AT T.T.U. WIND ENGINEERING FACILITY. DATA AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.
• ICC 500 Sect 702.1 Requires 2 sq. in. or 4 sq. in. of natural ventilation based on location of ventilation ports per occupant.
Get In Touch
Call
931-247-2035
(Call or text; leave a message if no answer)
Hours
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.