Above Ground Storm Shelters

Hill Construction Solutions is your Exclusive Central Oklahoma Distributor for Safe-T-Shelter®

The Best Above Ground Storm Shelters In Oklahoma, Protecting What Matters Most

When it comes to safeguarding your property during Oklahoma’s unpredictable storms and tornadoes, Hill Construction delivers unparalleled above ground storm shelter solutions. Our expertly engineered and professionally installed tornado shelters provide the ultimate peace of mind, ensuring your family and/or your employees stay safe during even the most severe weather conditions.

Types of Tornado Shelters From Hill Construction

COMMERCIAL TORNADO SHELTERS

Commercial storm shelters from Hill Construction can help protect your employees during a tornado or from wind storms.

RESIDENTIAL TORNADO SHELTERS

A Storm Shelter can protect your family and loved ones in the event of a tornado touching down in Oklahoma.

ABOVE GROUND STORM SHELTERS

A Storm Shelter can protect your family and loved ones in the event of a tornado touching down in Oklahoma.

ABOVE GROUND STORM SHELTER BENEFITS

Protection From Tornadoes

Our residential and commercial tornado shelters are custom-built to meet or exceed FEMA P-361 and ICC-500 standards, providing reliable protection for groups ranging from 20 to over 500 occupants. Each of our tornado shelters are designed with the specific needs of your family or your businesses in mind, ensuring optimal safety and functionality.

A tornado shelter is designed to withstand the force of an EF4 or even an EF5 tornado so you will be safe inside.
Above ground storm shelters act as a safe room which is highly impenetrable so you will be safe from flying debris.

High Quality Construction Features

  • Robust Build: Constructed from ¼-inch solid steel plates with internal support, our tornado shelters are built in America using US-made steel.
  • Superior Protection: Our above ground storm shelters are rated to withstand EF-5 tornadoes with wind speeds exceeding 250 MPH as well as the associated debris impacts.
  • Secure Entry: The tornado shelters are equipped with a six-point locking door secured by three 1-inch solid stainless steel slide bars, for maximum protection.
  • Foundation Integrity: Installed on a monolithic concrete foundation reinforced with rebar matting and anchored using ¾-inch bolts embedded with two-part epoxy, each rated for 24,000 lbs of load force.

High Quality Construction Features

  • Robust Build: Constructed from ¼-inch solid steel plates with internal support, our tornado shelters are built in America using US-made steel.
  • Superior Protection: Our tornado shelters are rated to withstand EF-5 tornadoes with wind speeds exceeding 250 MPH as well as the associated debris impacts.
  • Secure Entry: The tornado shelters are equipped with a six-point locking door secured by three 1-inch solid stainless steel slide bars, for maximum protection.
  • Foundation Integrity: Installed on a monolithic concrete foundation reinforced with rebar matting and anchored using ¾-inch bolts embedded with two-part epoxy, each rated for 24,000 lbs of load force.

Professional Above Ground Storm Shelter Installations

Our experienced team ensures that every above ground storm shelter installation is performed quickly but properly, with minimal impact on your time and property. We prioritize quality craftsmanship and attention to detail because we know that if you need to use a tornado shelter, it needs to work properly!

Tornado shelters can hold from 5-100 people, depending on how they are built so make sure you get one that can hold everyone.

Why Choose Hill Construction?

  • Local Expertise: As a trusted Oklahoma company, we understand the unique challenges of storm safety in our state.
  • Dependability: All our tornado shelters come with a warranty against leaks and corrosion, ensuring long-lasting protection.
  • Custom Solutions: We work closely with you to determine the best above ground storm shelters for your situation.
  • Business Focus: Protecting you & your employees is our top priority. We design every tornado shelter with your safety and operational continuity in mind.

Standard Tornado Shelter Features For Enhanced Safety And Comfort

  • 8-foot interior height with 36-inch-wide, ADA-compliant doorways.
  • Guarded forced-air ventilation system.
  • Primed and painted with a commercial high-performance coating; standard color is tan, with white available as an option at no additional charge.
  • Overhead LED interior lighting, emergency lighting, and exterior lighting.
  • Dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable environment.
  • Bench seating for occupants.
  • Exterior locking door handles for added security.
  • 10-foot-wide shelters come standard with front and rear doors; 8-foot wide shelters include one door and one escape hatch.

Standard Tornado Shelter Features For Enhanced Safety And Comfort

  • 8-foot interior height with 36-inch-wide, ADA-compliant doorways.
  • Guarded forced-air ventilation system.
  • Primed and painted with a commercial high-performance coating; standard color is tan, with white available as an option, at no additional charge.
  • Overhead LED interior lighting, emergency lighting, and exterior lighting.
  • Dehumidifier to maintain a comfortable environment.
  • Bench seating for occupants.
  • Exterior locking door handles for added security.
  • 10-foot-wide shelters come standard with front and rear doors; 8-foot wide shelters include one door and one escape hatch.

Optional Tornado Shelter Features

  • Battery backup systems, with or without solar panels, to ensure continued operation during power outages.
  • LP/NG air-cooled standby generators with automatic transfer switches for reliable power supply.
  • Restroom facilities, including chemical or standard toilets, constructed from steel tubing and plate, painted to match the shelter, and featuring aluminum doors and frames.

 

STORM SHELTER FAQS

Can a storm shelter protect you from tornadoes?

Absolutely! Storm shelters are specifically designed to withstand extreme winds and flying debris from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes.

FEMA-compliant shelters or those tested to ICC-500 standards provide the highest level of protection. Hill Construction can install an above ground tornado shelter tailored to your needs.

What's the safest type of above ground storm shelters?

There are many different types of shelters that have the purpose of keeping whomever is inside, safe from storms. However, the safest type of storm shelter is one that meets FEMA P-361 and ICC-500 standards. Tornado shelters that meets these standards ensure protection from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes.

Typically, shelters that meet these requirements are underground, made of reinforced concrete or steel. These offer excellent protection from wind and debris. Above-ground steel safe rooms are also an excellent choice, especially for those with mobility issues or in flood-prone areas. All of Hill Construction shelters are tested and certified to withstand extreme winds, flying debris, and ensure protection from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes.

 

Do cellphones work in a storm shelter?

Cell phones may or may not work in a tornado shelter, depending on the shelter’s materials, location, and your personal phone carrier’s signal strength. Underground shelters or those made of thick concrete and steel often block cellular signals. However, some people keep a NOAA weather radio or battery-powered emergency radio in the shelter.

 

Can you install a tornado shelter yourself?

While it’s technically possible to install a tornado shelter yourself, it’s highly recommended you have professional install it instead. Preferably one that has experience with FEMA or ICC-500 compliance. Without meeting all compliance requirements, it could affect your insurance or safety certification.

Where is the best place to put above ground storm shelters?

The best place to put a storm shelter ultimately depends on the layout of your property. Generally, the shelter should always be easily and quickly accessible during an emergency. Common safe locations include in the garage, inside the home, in the backyard, or in a basement.

Get in Touch With Hill Construction

If you’re ready to get started on your above-ground storm shelters, start by sending us a message about your project details. One of our experts will get back to you shortly.

 

Tornado Shelters OKC

From Hill Construction