Find answers to your questions
Buying a storm shelter
1) Which is safer, an in-ground or above-ground tornado shelter?
At Torshel, both our shelters are designed with safety as the top priority. Both units can withstand the powerful winds of EF-5 tornadoes. The choice of shelter type depends on several factors, such as the shelter’s location and personal preferences. We want you to feel informed and empowered to make the right choice for your needs.
However, 70% of our sales are above-ground units. These units are designed for easy installation, providing a convenient and quick solution. They have proven to withstand an EF5 tornado, giving you peace of mind in the face of a storm.
2) How do you determine the number of people your storm shelter will t?
Torshel adheres to the requirements established by FEMA 320 and ICC 500, which call for three sq. ft. (square feet)/person of floor area per occupant for residential units, five sq. ft. (square feet)/person for commercial units, and ten sq. ft. per/person for a wheelchair-bound occupant.
3) Are Torshel’s tornado shelters pet-friendly?
In the event of a tornado strike, you can get your pet into our shelters with the rest of your family members. Smaller animals can be put in a crate and carried into the units. In the case of bigger animals, we recommend conducting emergency drills for bigger animals every so often to train your bigger pets in that enclosed environment. Getting your pet into an in-ground unit may present a bigger challenge. This will also require some training. To facilitate this, you can lure your pet with treats. Do not forget to include pet food, water, treats, and, most importantly, contact information for your veterinarian in the emergency kit. This ensures that your pet’s health needs are cared for, providing you with peace of mind during an emergency.
4) Can I have electricity inside my storm shelter?
Yes, you can have electricity in safe rooms above-ground. We can drill a half-inch hole inside the safe room and connect a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) extension cord with four outlets and a 125 V, 15 A, 14/3 Gauge switch. You must have an outlet nearby. We can guide you through the installation process, and for the outdoor versions, you can get a local electrician to do the proper installation following the building code guidelines.
We do not recommend installing electricity in in-ground units. These units already have convenient battery-powered LED lights and fans, ensuring comfort and visibility. However, if you must have them, ask a licensed electrician to install them.
5) How many storm shelters has Torshel installed?
With a nationwide reach, Torshel has sold and installed over 2,000 tornado shelters (in-ground, above-ground, and modular shelters) throughout the country’s southeastern region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Georgia, and surrounding states). We also sell and ship storm shelters anywhere in the continental United States. Torshel has served clients in Dallas, New York, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, and many rural areas nationwide.
6) Do you charge delivery mileage?
Yes, it depends if you are buying an above-ground or in-ground storm shelter. Above-ground units are easier to install, and we can travel longer distances. For clients who live far away, we charge a small trip fee.
7) Are your units FEMA 320, FEMA 361 and ICC500 compliant?
Torshel’s shelters are engineered and tested to meet the highest quality standards at a competitive price. All of our residential storm shelters are FEMA 320 compliant, and all of our commercial shelters are FEMA 361 compliant. They also exceed ICC 500 protocols.
8) Will your units stand-up to an EF-5 tornado?
Yes. Torshel’s products are designed to withstand the strongest tornadoes. Our shelters are not intended to be used for protection against fire, floods, or storm surges. Our units have been designed to protect against flying debris, wind uplift, and crushing forces that extreme weather can cause.
9) What prevents the doors from opening during a storm?
Above-ground shelters and modular bolt types have a 4-point locking system to assure your safety.
10) Have your units passed the Texas Tech Wind Research Institute testing replicating an EF5 storm?
Yes. Our tornado shelters have passed the Texas Tech Wind Research Institute and Torshel’s rigorous testing.
11) I want to install it myself; do you deliver your storm shelters?
Yes, we can. You will need some background and understanding of construction skills and equipment to install the unit. We can provide you with an instruction manual and video tutorial. A shipping fee, based on the distance and weight of the unit, will be applied to a sales order. We can ship any unit anywhere in the US if the delivery site is accessible for a truck.
12) What is the warranty on your tornado shelters?
When you choose Torshel’s tornado shelters (above-ground, in-ground, and modular units), you’re not just getting a product but a reliable solution that you can trust. Our 10-year warranty protects you from defects in materials and workmanship, giving you added peace of mind.
Our shelters are built to last, with a lifespan of over 100 years, ensuring you get the most out of your investment.
13) Do you offer customers financing for your storm shelters?
Yes, we have financing available. Please visit our financing page for detailed information.
14) I have excellent credit, what is my best option? Financing with Torshel or with my bank?
Getting a line of credit or a loan with your local credit union or bank will give you the best interest rates.
15) Do you have group discounts?
This is a common question; we have special prices for a client’s neighbors or family. We can bring 2-10 shelters and install them during the same trip, saving time and money. Ask your neighbors; perhaps they also want a storm shelter. The best deals are for HOAs when they buy ten (10) or more units at a time, saving on individual costs and ensuring the entire community’s safety.
16) Where are your shelters manufactured?
Torshel’s shelters are designed and manufactured in the United States. We have manufacturing partners in Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, and Alabama.
17) I have a basement / interior bathroom / etc., why do I need a tornado shelter?
Tornadoes can be strong enough to destroy houses and tear up even the most robust floor framing. Flying debris can even punch through wood beams over eight inches thick. Residential above-ground storm shelters have been tested to withstand EF5 tornados. They are manufactured to comply with FEMA 320 standards. It should be noted that tornado shelters are supposed to be anchored to a concrete slab.
18) When you install a tornado shelter is there a mess to clean up afterward?
Our installation crews pick up after themselves once the work is concluded. They use reasonable efforts to minimize disturbances to the work area’s original condition and try to leave it cleaner than they found it.
19) Will I need a building permit to install my tornado shelter?
It’s important to note that the need for a building permit for a storm shelter can vary significantly from one city or town to another. Contact your local Building Inspection Department or Code Enforcement Department to find out the specific requirements for your area. Storm shelters are generally treated as a building accessory for permitting purposes. Most cities do not require permits for above-ground units, some do for in-ground garage shelters, and some have no established regulations due to a lack of experience. Remember, the client is responsible for the permit fee.
20) Is a deposit required at the time that I place my tornado shelter order?
Yes. Torshel requires a 10% down payment for above-ground units and a 30% down payment for cash buyers to assign you a storm shelter. The remaining balance will be paid with a cashier’s check or credit card upon installation.
A signed contract by both parties is also required before delivery and installation. For units being shipped, we require full payment upfront.
21) Will my cellphone work once inside the shelter?
If your cellphone provider has good coverage in your area, you should be able to have a signal. We have noticed little loss of signal in the above-ground units.
22) Once an order is placed, how soon can we expect our shelter?
At Torshel, we strive to keep a certain number of all our shelter types in stock. If the type and size you require are not available, we will swiftly place an order with the manufacturer. Typically, the waiting period is less than four (4) weeks, depending on the time of the year. For exact lead time, please refer to your invoice or quote.
23) Can I take my shelter when I move?
Yes, above-ground units only, modular units, or welded units can be transferred to a new location. Torshel can come by your residence, remove the anchors, load the unit onto our truck, and install it professionally at your new house. Prices start at $900, depending on the distance and logistics.
24) Are Torshel’s tornado shelters fire resistant?
No. Torshel’s shelters are not designed for fire protection but primarily to provide robust storm protection. This ensures you can confidently rely on our shelters during severe weather conditions. However, if you want to use them as safes, we suggest buying a small fire-resistant safe and putting it inside the safe room; that way, all your documents, money, and important files will be secure during a fire.
25) How is the storm shelter shipped if I live far away?
The modular shelters, including the medium-size units, 4’x6 safe rooms, or 5’x7’ in-ground shelters, are packed in pallets or crates and shipped using companies such as UPS. These companies bring the unit to your site on a truck with a liftgate. The shipping company can deliver it if your house is accessible for an 18-wheeler or semi-trailer truck. If your home is on a hill, they will leave the shelter on the street, and you will need a forklift to move the unit to the desired place. Torshel also ships units to construction job sites.
26) Do you have insurance, what happens if Torshel damages my house while installing the storm shelter?
Rest assured, Torshel is backed by a robust $2 million General Liability Insurance. If our crew damages your property, whether it’s a garage or a wall, we will promptly fix it, or our insurance company will step in to ensure your peace of mind.
While we take every precaution during excavation, we want to remind you that we are not liable for utility damages. We recommend contacting 811 for underground utility line detection to ensure a smooth process. This is a free service. We also urge you to read our warranty carefully, outlining your responsibilities and rights.
27) Who is responsible if during the installation the crew has an accident?
Torshel carries a workers’ compensation insurance policy that covers only our crew. We ask all our clients to stay away or within a safe distance while we perform the installation.
28) Are your above-ground shelters handicapped accessible?
Our above-ground shelters are handicapped accessible, except for the smallest 3×5 and 3×7 models. Outdoor models can be installed with a wheelchair ramp for easy access.
29) What are the sizes of your shelters?
Our highly customizable shelters ensure we can cater to your specific needs. They come in various sizes and can fit anywhere from 3 to 50 people per unit. Our most common stock sizes are 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 4’, 3’ x 7’, 4’ x 6’, 4’ x 8’, and 6’ x 8’. If you have a large family and need more room, Torshel can custom-build an 8’ x 10’ or 8’ x 20’ unit. The standard height of our shelters is 6’ 5”, but we can also customize the height to 7’ or 8’ or any other size you may require.
30) How does the tornado shelter door open if debris falls on it?
Torshel’s above-ground shelters have the option of doors swinging inwards or outwards. We can provide a floor jack if your door swings out for an extra fee.
31) What is the gauge/thickness of the steel used during the manufacturing of the units?
At Torshel, we take pride in our shelters, which are manufactured with structural A36 steel thicknesses of 3/16” for the smallest units and 1/4” for units bigger than 4’ x 6’. Each of our shelters has undergone rigorous testing and engineering to ensure they can withstand even EF-5 tornados.
At Torshel, we take pride in the strength of our shelters. Each one is equipped with a reinforced steel structure that surpasses our competitors, providing you with a sense of security and peace of mind during the most intense storms.
32) How long will my safe rooms last?
If the unit is installed inside the house, away from the rain, it can last hundreds of years. If it is outside, you must paint it every 3-5 years to protect it from corrosion. Depending on the weather conditions and maintenance, it should last 100 years at a minimum.
33) Will lighting hit my safe room?
The chances of getting hit by lightning are minimal. However, we only install a lightning rod on the outdoor safe room models.
34) Can I place the safe room against a wall?
You can place a safe room against an interior wall, like the garage. However, if you must put it near the edge of the concrete, we suggest placing it at least 6” from the edge.
35) How come Torshel’s safe rooms do not have a floor?
Torshel safe rooms do not need a floor because they are anchored to the concrete slab of your home or into an outdoor concrete pad. Our units are rated for EF5 tornadoes, and a metal floor would be unnecessary -it will be a waste of material. Our installation procedure places great emphasis on the anchors, ensuring that they will hold the power of the wind and debris.
36) What is a tension cable concrete slab?
Tension cables are a popular option used in areas with unstable soils. They are used instead of rebar during construction. Such cables are installed before the concrete is poured and are tensioned (pulled) afterward. Unfortunately, if somebody cuts one cable, it can create massive damage to the structural integrity of homes and even cause injury and death -imagine cutting the string on a guitar but on a bigger scale.
If this is a DIY installation, you must scan your concrete before buying.
In this video, you can learn more about post-tension cables:
37) How do I know if my concrete slab has tension cables?
Your homebuilder if s/he has used them or will be installing them. If you have an old house, you may not find the homebuilder. In such a case, the second option is to remove some soil with the aid of a shovel at the edge of the concrete slab –dig about 4”- 8” deep and 4’ long; if you find patches, then your house has tension cables. Perform this procedure in 2-3 different places around the house.
38) My house has tension cables; can I install a safe room?
Yes, the installation can be conducted about 99% of the time. If Torshel is performing the installation, we will bring a rebar scanner to spot them and mark them on the concrete slab as a reference for the drilling process. Then, we will place the safe room in the desired area, avoiding the floor marks. We can always move the shelter to the sides, front or back, ensuring that we do not cut the cable.
If this is a DIY installation, you must scan your concrete before buying. We recommend a scanner similar to this one:
39) What is a modular type shelter?
This model consists of steel panels weighing approximately 60-80 lbs. each, connected using structural steel bolts/connectors and attached to a concrete slab foundation with an anchoring system.
40) What are the sizes available in the modular type?
This modular tornado shelter is not only versatile in size but also in its potential for expansion. It comes in standard sizes of 3’ x 5’, 4’ x 6’, 4’ x 8’, 6’ x 6’, and can even be customized to larger units such as the 6’ x 10’ and 6’ x 20’. The nature of its components, particularly the panels, allows for this adaptability. You can order new panels to make the unit bigger if needed, ensuring that your shelter can grow with your needs. The wall panels are 6” or 12” wide, further showcasing its versatility.
41) What is the smallest unit I can buy?
The minimum width of a modular unit is 3’, and the maximum is 6’. The minimum length is 5’ with a maximum size of 50’.
42) What is an outstanding feature of the modular units?
An attractive feature of this type of shelter is that it can be installed inside an existing room in your home, business, or school if you have a solid foundation. They can be fitted to just about any size room. Such units can be expanded to any size in panels of 6” or 12” increments. The modular type can be assembled with standard tools in less than 8 hours, providing a quick and easy solution for your safety needs relieving you from the stress of a prolonged installation process.
The master closet or spare bedroom is the most popular space for installing this unit type. Like their counterparts, the modular shelters are designed with your safety in mind. They are equally safe and can withstand EF-5 tornados, guaranteeing protection in extreme weather conditions. These shelters are as strong as any other bolt-together unit on the market, providing peace of mind during severe weather events.
43) Can a modular type of shelter be installed outdoors and will weather elements damage my shelter?
Yes, modular shelters can be installed outdoors. However, a slab foundation must be constructed to do so. Due to exposure to weather elements, Torshel recommends reapplying silicone to the unit’s roof at least once a year or placing a shed to cover it.
Weather elements can damage the shelter’s powder coating, and deep scratches can compromise the integrity of the panels’ paint coating. Torshel recommends touching up scratches. If deep scratches are not repainted, water will gather on the surface, and corrosion and rust will occur.
44) Will the modular shelter be attached to the wall?
No. To perform the installation, we require a minimum of 2” from the wall to install the bolts.
45) Can the modular unit be installed on tile or carpet?
Yes, we can install it on tile, hardwood, or carpet. You must be 100% sure that the concrete slab underneath is in good condition. If you are unsure about the concrete condition, we recommend removing the carpet or wood to inspect and confirm no cracks.
46) Does condensation occur in in-ground tornado shelters?
Depending on the temperature and humidity, condensation can occur in all in-ground shelters.
47) How do you treat the condensation in an in-ground shelter?
Condensation is treated by moving air through the unit and installing a dehumidifier or moisture remediation kit.
48) Are the in-ground units prompt to get flooded?
Torshel’s steel in-ground storm shelters are leak-proof, seal-welded, inside and out. However, if you live in an area prone to flooding, we suggest an above-ground shelter.
49) Will my in-ground unit rust?
Torshel’s steel in-ground units are covered with a coal tar epoxy coating that prevents corrosion for many years. This type of epoxy is used in underground pipelines and marinas to avoid corrosion.
50) Do you install the in-ground shelter, or do I have to install it myself?
Our installation crew can conduct the installation of your in-ground indoor or outdoor unit, ensuring a safe and secure process. You can also do it yourself if you have experience in construction or are mechanically inclined and have the required equipment for such a task (e.g., excavator, etc.). You can also hire a qualified third party to perform the installation. Two people will make the installation task more manageable and safer.
51) Do you pour concrete for in-ground shelter?
Yes, we encapsulate all shelters with 4 to 5 inches of concrete.
Please refer to the installation method here.
52) How does the tornado in-ground shelter door open if debris falls on it?
Torshel’s in-ground shelters come with a three (3) or 8-ton, easy-to-use hydraulic jack to pry the hatch open should debris block the entrance.
53) Where can I install an in-ground shelter?
Our storm shelters can be installed in almost any location during new construction, outdoors, or in the garage for existing homes. Customers should consider the geological makeup of the chosen site before deciding whether to purchase an inground shelter installed below the ground or a safe room, such as an above-ground unit.
A safe room or aboveground unit is recommended for customers living in areas prone to flooding or with accessibility issues.
54) How long does it take to install an in-ground shelter?
In most cases, our in-ground tornado shelters can be usually installed within one day.
55) Does the in-ground unit offer enough light and ventilation?
Yes. Torshel’s in-ground garage units have a cut-out on the front lid to offer additional light and air circulation. In addition, the units come with a portable battery-operated fan to increase air circulation. Our shelters meet and exceed FEMA’s requirements for ventilation.
56) Can I park my vehicle over the in-ground indoor storm shelter?
Yes. The in-ground indoor storm shelters are designed to be straddled with your vehicle. In most cases, you can even leave your car in the garage and still access the storm shelter without backing out. Remember, the primary purpose of these shelters is to keep you safe during a storm. However, you cannot drive or leave a car directly on the shelter. This practice will damage the lids (doors) of your storm shelter.
57) What happens if I have water, sewer, or other utility lines underneath the slab of our garage?
Our only option is to install an above-ground or modular shelter to prevent any accidents in such a case.
58) What is the 811 service?
Remember, it’s crucial to call before you dig. This free service is available to the public to locate the utilities around your house. It’s a necessary step for any underground storm shelter work. Just like 911, you call them to inform them that you will be digging a pit/hole in the garage, backyard, or patio. They will send a crew to mark gas, electricity, water, sewer, etc. If a utility line is in the storm shelter’s desired location, we must find another spot or install an above-ground unit. Not using this service could lead to severe consequences, such as damaging utility lines or causing accidents.
59) Can I lock the shelter from the outside and open it from the inside?
Yes, you can use the tornado shelter to lock valuables. Our shelters come with a deadbolt lock on the door, which you can open and close using a key. However, you cannot lock a person in because inside the unit. There is a knob that opens and closes the lock. You can remove this deadbolt lock and install your locking mechanism if you wish, ensuring your safety and security.
We hope that the information provided above satisfies most of your concerns regarding our products.