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Original Concrete Shelter

The "Original" is our most popular shelter model offering a 6' x 8' interior at the lowest cost per square foot. The ceiling height inside is 6'2" inches and the shelter is rated for 8 people. Many shelters of this type were in the paths of the terrible storms that ravaged Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding cities in 1999. One of those shelters ended up with more than 20 people inside.

Built to standards recommended by FEMA, the Original is constructed of 6,500 PSI concrete with fibermesh and reinforced with 3/8" inch rebar every 12 inches or less throughout. The walls are 3" thick, the ceiling and floor are over 4 1/4" thick, and the shelter weighs approximately 12,600 lbs.

This model comes with 8" and 6" screened vents creating up to 185 cfm of airflow inside the shelter, a steel interior fixed staircase with dual hand rails, a leak proof 10 gauge steel door with four high strength hinges and a three point/lockable latch & handle. A gas spring mounted in the door makes operation easy and supports the door when entering or exiting the shelter.

The Original is installed 5 ft. into the ground with approximately 2 ft. remaining above grade. The dirt from the excavation is placed around the above grade portion on three sides creating a small mound and completely surrounding the shelter with earth. Normal installation can be completed in about 3 hours.

The landscaping shown on this page was completed by the owner of the shelter following installation.

• Shelters
• About U.S.