FEMA & "safe rooms"

After researching tornado shelters AFTER the start of the construction, I found they have an official name: safe rooms.

FEMA's site had a pdf page about the construction of the "box". We were right in the placement and the material, but we underestimatated the power of "missles" (the flying objects flung around by the tornado). At 100 mph (and hitting square) a 2x4 15 pound piece of lumber can blast through a masonry wall. WOW...er...um...I'll go back to Menard's and get more wood.

So, to use plywood construction, you must either have:

a.) 11 gauge or heavier sheet metal on impact side, and finish the interior with .75" plywood, or...
b.) FOUR sheets of .75" plywood and cover with the same sheet metal.

The moral was that the sheet metal needs to flex on impact.

Karl and I are going to take down the plywood we put up, and replace it with sheet metal, since this is the easier route.

The door was a nightmare, you should check out FEMA's site for how it needed to be. UGH.

Now, these specs were meant for a room above ground, and we're in the basement, so we may be going overboard, but when it comes to your children, every bit counts. Do you think I'd care about tornados if I didn't have kids?

To cheer it up a bit, I purchased bright fabric from Walmart for $1/yard. I also picked up a fire extinguisher, touch lights, and bottled water, among other things. I put all the goods in an airtight box. and we're ready for spring! And, as a bonus, it is cheery to look at, lol.

The bad part? Our state. Illinois is the only tornado alley state that doesn't offer a reimbursement program or tax break for having these shelters. Just like there's no incentive for the National Register designation either. Leave it to IL to be the stingiest state, with being only second to CA in ridiculous laws. Sigh...

This weekend's project? Following the advice of one of the comments, and placing a shutoff valve on the gas line. Thanks for the tip!