Weathering the Storm: Turn Your Shipping Container into a Storm Shelter
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or tornadoes, you know the devastating effects these weather events can have. One of the most destructive forces in any adverse weather event is wind. As an article in Family Handyman points out, EF-5 tornadoes and CAT-5 hurricanes “can pack winds of more than 200 mph—enough to blow a well-built house right off its foundation.” Although we’re often told to just head to an interior room of the house for protection, the article explains that “those areas aren’t designed to withstand extreme winds and the wind-driven debris that comes with them. A drywalled, 2×4-framed room is no match for a 2×4 traveling at 100-plus miles an hour, even if it’s in the middle of a house.”
For better protection, consider adding a steel shelter to your property to protect you and your family from the furious winds of tornadoes, hurricanes, or other severe storms. Shipping containers are an excellent choice for a ready-made storm shelter. Designed to withstand harsh conditions, these steel structures are a durable, cost-effective option.
Let’s take a look at the main advantages of using a shipping container as a storm shelter:
Strength
Most modern shipping containers are made from weathering steel. Often referred to by its trademarked COR-TEN name, weathering steel is a high-strength, low-corrosion alloy. These properties make shipping containers an ideal solution for protection from damaging winds.
Affordability
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notes that safe rooms (FEMA’s term for storm shelters) “range in price from as low as $3,000 to $9,500 depending on size and height.” Though costs vary depending on size and location, shipping container prices are generally on the low end of that scale and can even be found for less in some areas. Contact a sales agent from USA Containers for current pick-up and delivery prices, or click here for an automated quote at any time.
Efficiency
If you choose to use a shipping container as a storm shelter, your life won’t be disrupted by endless estimators and contractors. You won’t have to wait for materials to come in or delays in construction. Our experienced drivers will not take up any more of your day than the time it takes to place the container in the spot you want it—usually less than thirty minutes.
Versatility
In addition to using the container as a storm shelter, you’ll have it available for everyday use. Shipping containers have many uses beyond providing shelter from the storm. They can be used as assisted dwelling units (ADUs), man caves, sheds, art and music studios, game rooms, home gyms, and more!
While all of these qualities make shipping containers a convenient storm shelter option, a few modifications might be required depending on regulations, the climate in your area, and your individual needs. To turn your shipping container into a shelter that will help you weather the storm, consider whether adding insulation or additional ventilation will make remaining inside the container for any length of time more comfortable. Plan to reinforce the container if you want it to be partially or completely underground, and ask if your state, county, or local government requires the container to be anchored for above-ground use. Stock the container with essentials such as first-aid supplies and medical equipment, emergency lighting, seating, inflatable mattresses and bedding, food and water, and battery-operated communication devices that you and your family may need to survive the storm.
Though shipping containers are fairly inexpensive, financial assistance for building storm shelters is available if needed. FEMA provides funding to “eligible states, tribes, and territories” through the Hazard Mitigation Assistance program. These funds are allocated to local governments, which distribute the money in the form of grants. Other funding might be available through city, county, or state programs for disaster preparedness or recovery efforts.
USA Containers is a nationwide supplier of 20’ and 40’ standard height and high cube shipping containers that can easily be turned into storm shelters. The containers are strong, affordable, efficient, and versatile, making them an ideal choice for anyone wanting protection from the damaging winds and flying debris of tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events.
Shipping Container Storm Shelter FAQs
Most frequent questions and answers
A shipping container storm shelter is a modified shipping container designed to provide protection during severe weather events, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. These containers are reinforced and equipped with safety features to keep occupants safe during a storm.
Yes, shipping containers can be a reliable choice for storm shelters when properly modified and installed. They are durable and structurally sound, making them a robust option for protecting against extreme weather conditions.
Shipping containers are typically modified by reinforcing their walls, adding ventilation systems, and installing emergency exits. They may also be buried partially or fully to enhance stability and insulation.
A shipping container storm shelter should have secure locking mechanisms, adequate ventilation to prevent suffocation, and easy-to-access emergency exits. It should also be anchored securely to the ground to prevent it from being lifted or moved during strong winds.
