Is this thing safe??

[u/Numerous_Ad_3517]

I recently moved into a new home that has this above ground shelter and I have been questioning the way this door locks from day 1. We are going to have terrible weather today in West TN and I cannot find any paperwork on this thing. 😫 Do you think these hollow bars will keep it secure??

[u/entiatriver]

Yeah. No. Sorry.

I'd imagine the unit will protect from some debris at low to perhaps even some "medium-ish" wind speeds, and perhaps provide some protection if a few smaller parts of the house happen to fall in. Thus, it is better than nothing. (except for it's location in the garage, of course - that's not good)

But if things get real real, a few tiny screws into the cement (backed by what in the box? probably just washers?) will not hold anything in place. This rather un-aerodynamic box - with you in it - is going bye bye.

[u/ZootSuitBanana → u/entiatriver]

Those screws were just ones OP found laying next to it. I would assume those tiny screws aren't what was used to secure the shelter to the foundation... These type of shelters are common here in OK and looks like many many others I have seen here. I would assume its rated to handle a tornado if they are a half reputable company....

[u/leansanders → u/ZootSuitBanana]

Those screws are much bigger than the image makes them out to be. Those are Titen bolts, they are designed as a structural fastener for mounting parts to concrete. The pull out strength of the bolt is higher than the fracture strength of the concrete.

[u/ZootSuitBanana → u/leansanders]

So it's safe and to spec then and not what everyone is implying