Which Is Better: Above Ground or Underground Storm Shelter?

Thursday, December 19, 2024

When it comes to storm protection, choosing the right shelter is essential to safety and peace of mind. Above-ground and underground storm shelters each have unique benefits, and selecting between them often depends on specific needs and environmental factors. Here’s an in-depth look at the strengths and suitability of each type to help you make the best choice for your circumstances.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Storm Shelter

The right shelter should meet strict safety standards, like those from FEMA and ICC 500, to ensure top-notch protection in extreme weather. Also consider accessibility, household member ages, and mobility needs. For some, ease of access during an emergency can be as important as the shelter's ability to withstand harsh conditions.

Advantages of Above-Ground Storm Shelters

1. Ease of Access: Above-ground shelters offer superior accessibility, especially for those with mobility issues. These shelters are designed to be quickly entered by anyone, making them a convenient option for families with young children, elderly members, or individuals with physical disabilities.

2. Quick Installation and Portability: Above-ground units are generally faster to install and can even be mobile. Red Dog Shelters provides mobile, installation-free units, allowing easy relocation to meet changing site needs without delay.

3. Flood-Resistant Design: Unlike underground shelters, above-ground units are not prone to flooding. This makes them a reliable choice in areas with a high water table or heavy rainfall, where underground shelters might face water intrusion.

Advantages of Underground Storm Shelters

1. Natural Concealment and Space Efficiency: Underground shelters are discreetly placed below the surface, preserving yard or outdoor space and blending with landscaping. These units are excellent if you need a shelter that remains out of sight but is always ready.

2. Enhanced Wind Protection: Being below ground offers a perception of increased protection from high winds and flying debris, which can be a comfort in areas frequently hit by tornadoes.

3. Traditional Appeal and Proven Reliability: Underground shelters have long been trusted in tornado-prone areas. Their history and perceived security make them a comforting choice for some families, especially in the Midwest and other high-risk zones.

Safety Performance Comparison

Studies have shown that both above-ground and underground shelters can effectively protect against storm-force winds if they meet established safety standards. Above-ground shelters have undergone rigorous debris impact testing, demonstrating their resilience against flying objects just as well as their underground counterparts. Flood resistance is another key factor where above-ground shelters have the upper hand, avoiding water intrusion risks.

Cost Considerations

While installation costs vary, above-ground units are generally more affordable and less complex to install. Underground shelters may require excavation and concrete reinforcement, adding to installation time and cost. Above-ground shelters also tend to have lower maintenance needs over time, especially in flood-prone regions where water damage could impact underground options.

Making the Right Choice for Your Family

The choice between above-ground and underground storm shelters ultimately depends on personal needs, geographic factors, and household considerations. For instance, those in flood-prone areas or needing quick mobility might find above-ground units more beneficial. On the other hand, families with ample outdoor space and a preference for discreet options might lean towards underground units.

Conclusion

Choosing between an above-ground or underground storm shelter comes down to safety, accessibility, and environmental factors. Each offers significant advantages, and understanding these can guide you toward a shelter that best protects your family. For those needing rapid deployment, flexibility, and installation-free solutions, Red Dog Shelters offers mobile, installation-free options, ideal for a variety of worksite needs. From commercial and industrial shelters to construction sites and oil transfer camps, Red Dog Shelters is dedicated to providing the world’s strongest, installation-free shelters for total peace of mind. Protect your crews with Red Dog Shelters—when every second counts, we’ve got you covered.

All shelter designs are protected by the United States Patent and Trademark Office under US Patent No's:

#8,136,303, #8,375,642, #8,245,450, #8,534,001, #D685921 and other Patents Allowed and Pending.

Each Red Dog Shelter is individually stamped and certified by Red Dog Shelters via 3rd party analysis and as authorized by the appropriate Authorities Having Jurisdiction to meet or exceed every major US recognized safety standard for EF-5 tornadoes including the International Code Council (ICC500-2008 American National Standard). The ICC / NSSA STANDARD FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF STORM SHELTERS, the National Storm Shelter Association (NSSA) Standard, the Department of Homeland Security/Federal Emergency Management Agency 320 and 361 Guidelines, and the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE 7-2005 "Minimum Design Loads for Building and Other Structures." Red Dog also certifies all shelters are compliant with the FEMA's Publication "Taking Shelter from the Storm" FEMA P-320, Third Edition/August 2008.