WHAT SIZE STORM SHELTER IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?

Storm Shelter in New Construction Home

When severe weather strikes, having a storm shelter can save lives. Choosing the right size for your family is crucial. A shelter that is too small can cause discomfort and panic, while choosing one that is too large may be unnecessarily expensive. This guide can help you understand how to determine the right size for your family, ensuring safety and comfort during a storm.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR FAMILY'S NEEDS

The first step in choosing the size of your shelter is to consider the number of people who will use it. The includes not only your immediate family, but also frequent visitors, pets, and anyone else who might seek refuge during a storm.

• Count everyone who will need shelter, including children and elderly relatives

• Consider pets

• Think about frequent visitors or neighbors who may be seeking shelter

SPACE REQUIREMENTS PER PERSON

Experts recommend a minimum of 5 square feet per person in a shelter designed for tornado prone areas, and 10 square feet per person for shelters designed for hurricane prone areas.

• For a family of four, a tornado shelter should be at least 20 square feet.

• Add space for pets, typically 3-5 square feet per pet, depending on the size of the pet and if you will be using a pet carrier or crate inside the shelter.

• Include room for emergency supplies such as food, water, first aid kits and blankets.

If your family has elderly members or people with mobility issues, consider adding more space to accomodate seating or medical equipment.

PLANNING FOR EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Your shelter should store enough supplies for everyone inside for at least 72 hours. This includes water, food, medical supplies and personal items. Allow space for shelving so that it does not crowd the occupants.

COMFORT AND DURATION OF STAY

The size of your shelter also depends on how long you expect to stay inside. In tornado prone areas, this may be only a few hours. In hurrican prone areas, it could even be days.

More space improves comfort during extended stays. Consider seating options that reduce fatigue. Ventilation and lighting should also be considered.

OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING SHELTER SIZE

Several other factors may influence the size of your shelter.

• Local building codes may set mimimum requirements

• Available space in your home can limit shelter dimensions

• Budget constraints may affect how large you build

• Accessibility needs for people with disabilities

Consult with a licensed contractor, design professional, or local authorities to ensure your shelter meets safety and legal requirements.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHOOSING THE RIGHT SIZE

Choosing the right size storm shelter means balancing safety, comfort, and practicality. Start by counting everyone who will use the shelter, including pets, and allocating at least 5 square feet per person. Add space for supplies and comfort. Consider the type of shelter (tornado or hurricane/tornado) and local requirements, if any. Planning carefully means that your family can stay safe, calm and comfortable when extreme weather hits.