If you live in an area that is prone to severe weather, then you might want to consider the benefits of a storm shelter. A safe room in your home can be used for the shelter if you don’t have enough space outside or if you want to have easy access to your shelter instead of going outdoors. After deciding on where the shelter will be located, you can begin adding items that your family might need for the duration of being inside including bottles of water and non-perishable foods.

Warning Signs

Although some radar images can detect conditions that are favorable for storms to develop, there are some storms that are unpredictable and that can be at your back door in only a few moments. If you have a safe home shelter in your basement or even in a closet, then you can quickly take cover during severe weather.

Security

During any kind of storm whether it’s an ice storm that could result in branches and power lines that fall or a tornado that can cause significant damage to your property, you want to provide an area where your family can feel safe. When you’re in a shelter, you can protect your family and important belongings including documents that you might not be able to replace. Even if you’re unable to gather birth certificates and similar items, your shelter can offer additional walls between your family and the storm outside as a way to decrease the chance of injuries that could occur.

Easy Access

When you design a safe home shelter inside your home, you’ll be able to easily access the area when a storm arrives instead of making sure everyone is together before going outside to a shelter. This is also a beneficial option if you’re unable to leave your home to go to a community shelter due to trees that might be on the road or power lines that might be down.

Plan Ahead

After deciding on the best location for your shelter, you need to make a plan as to how your family will communicate with each other and when you’ll enter the shelter. You also need to plan ahead for necessities that you need to store in the shelter so that they are readily available without needing to go to a store right before a storm arrives or after a storm is in the area.

Items To Store

Your shelter should include items that are considered basic necessities for your family so that you can survive in the room for a few days if you have to stay in there for an extended period of time. These items should be put in the shelter after it’s designed so that you don’t have to search in your home for things that you need when a storm is outside. Items that you want to put in your shelter include a gallon of water for each person that will last for at least three days, crackers, non-perishable foods, a can opener, diapers and formula for babies, and flashlights. Batteries and a radio can be kept in your shelter as well so that you have a way to listen to storm reports.

While in your shelter, try to keep something over your head for protection. This could be a mattress, a cloth, or a hat that offers support in the event that your home is damaged. The door should remain secure with a clear pathway out of the shelter for when the storm is over. Avoid going outside until you know that the danger has subsided and it’s safe to check for any damage to your home.