This shelter was specifically designed to give the feeling of spaciousness, comfort and a bright easy-to-clean space. We offer three versions (small, medium and large) of the shelter to give you the exact size you need for the amount of people you want to protect.
The manufacturer of the Refuge shelters is a family-owned company focused on quality not quantity and is based in Alabama.
They are members of the American Tornado Association, as are all of the dealers for the Refuge. The primary purpose of this association is to ensure the highest quality of manufactured and constructed storm shelters, designed to protect people from injury or loss of life from the effects of tornados, hurricanes, high winds, micro-burst or severe thunderstorms.
Large Refuge Shelter
Medium Refuge Shelter
Small Refuge Shelter
Why Fiberglass vs in-ground concrete or steel?
Did you know that fiberglass and carbon fiber are used to make bodies and hulls of ships due to their strength and lightweight feel?
Body ribbing
This ribbing is found on all sides of the shelter. It gives added strength to the entire frame of the shelter which will hold to pressure of moving water and dirt once it is installed.
Hydraulic doors
The Refuge doors are large and consist of a strong hydraulic system. These doors offer an ease and comfort while descending into the shelter.
Carpeted Stairs
The carpeted stairs add an additional sense of comfort by eliminating and kind of slipping or falling. Note that smaller the door is, the steeper the stairs. Carpet is a plus.
High Ceilings
This is important for any storm shelter you purchase. The higher the ceilings are, the easier it is to breathe and relax during a natural disaster. It is also much cooler in the warm temperatures. The Refuge shelter ceiling heights range from 6’2 to 6’10.
Additional Features
Additional features include clean, dry interior, easy maintenance, and overall safety during an event.
Fiberglass Shelter 320 Specifications
We strongly encourage anyone shopping for a storm shelter is aware of FEMA testing. Our shelters are tested with FEMA’s 320 guidelines. Testing includes all storm shelters, doors and components that meet these specifications. Ask for the test results!
Tested Storm Shelters Certification
Our fiberglass storm shelters are tested at the Debris Impact Test Center at Texas Tech’s wind science and engineering department. The actual test consisted of 2 x 4 “missiles” fired at a force to equal a 250-mph tornado. These strategically, laser-guided projectiles were impacted at designated targets considered to be the most vulnerable. Critical areas such as hinges, door latches, and walls are severely impacted and tested to their limit of strength.
Wind Engineer Evaluation
Next, the storm shelter is evaluated by a wind engineer to determine the structural integrity of the shelter as a whole. Questions are evaluated like, “Will it actually withstand all the violent forces that occur in an EF-5 tornado?” To determine how much stress and strain the shelter can withstand, the top-rated wind engineers in the world, Dr. James R. McDonald, PHD. and Dr. Kishor Mehta, PHD. of McDonald-Mehta Engineers, LLP., then do their intense evaluation.
McDonald & Mehta are the two wind engineer scientists hired by the National Weather Service to create the new rating scale for tornado intensity. It is formerly known as the “Fujita Scale” or “F-Scale”. Recently, it has been upgraded and has replaced the new “Enhanced Fujita Scale” or “EF-Scale”.
Texas Tech’s Wind Science Engineering
The Refuge storm shelters were tested and certified by the Debris Impact Test Center at Texas Tech University’s wind science and engineering department.
Underground Fiberglass Refuge Shelter Installation
In an extreme weather event, which includes tornados, high winds or hurricanes your shelter should be close to your home’s exit door in order to make a quick and safe entrance into your shelter. The space for the shelter should be free of any underground lines, including water, power, phone, cable, field lines, septic tank, and sprinkling systems. Did you know you can call 8-1-1 for a free line check in Alabama? Overhead trees and power lines should be avoided. Make sure you are not in a flood zone. The location for your storm shelter should be accessible for any equipment vehicles such as backhoes or excavators. We can help you with locating the perfect spot for your shelter.
Once the location for the shelter is determined and approval for digging is cleared, we can begin your storm shelter installation process. The site is excavated which means removing earth carefully and systematically from an area. Once the hole is dug, we make sure the bottom of the hole is level. Steel poles are placed in the fabricated openings, which are on the bottom of the shelter. Once the shelter is carefully placed in the excavated site, we make sure the shelter is level in all directions. We place 2- 2,500lb reinforced concrete anchors on each side of the shelter which will sit on top of the steel poles.
After the shelter is level and secure, we add the straps or cables over the top of the shelter and secure them to the rebar hooks on the anchors. The shelter is then ready for backfilling. Backfilling consists of packing dirt on all sides and sometimes using water to carry the excess dirt in the tough spots. The majority of the installation process is grooming and clean-up. We take pride in our work and the customer’s satisfaction with the finished product is our priority.
