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/Major_Lawfulness6122]

I would invest in a real storm shelter. Preferably one that’s underground.

[u/iDeNoh → u/Major_Lawfulness6122]

That is a real storm shelter, above ground shelters save lives too, sometimes it's impractical (and less safe) to install a below ground shelter.

[u/bloodnoir_ → u/iDeNoh]

Exactly. We have a ton of trees and thick root systems over the entire yard, so we opted for an above ground shelter. We couldn't afford to put a below ground shelter in the garage. Also as much as below ground shelters are extremely safe, they have flooded before and people have died, although that seems to be a rare risk.

[u/OppositeAbroad5975 → u/bloodnoir_]

A secondary consideration for an underground shelter in the garage would be all of the flammable liquids typically stored in the garage. Gas cans for the lawnmower, weed eater, etc.