State Lawmaker Calling For Storm Shelter Regulations

Storm shelter regulations could take center stage next legislative session.

Currently, no agency regulates the installation process in Oklahoma and dozens of storm shelters started popping out of the ground this spring from all the rain.

State Representative Claudia Griffith (D-Norman) said so many people have had trouble with shoddy storm shelters that she wanted to see how often it happens and whether there should be regulations.

She has asked for an interim study on storm shelters while more Oklahomans experience trouble.

Tim Sears of Harrah has wasted $5,000 over two years on a storm shelter that is not safe.

“It's collapsing is what it's doing and when it did it buckled the floor and popped all the welds loose and then that corner sunk it,” said Sears.  “It's had water under all the time,” he added.

Step inside the shelter and you can see the thin walls buckling, allowing water to seep inside.

“They need to regulate it because you can't just backyard engineer these,” Sears told News 9.

Before the standing water, Sears said his shelter actually popped out of the ground and he spent more money installing concrete to anchor it.

Sears said the company that installed his shelter is long gone and he is sharing his story to spare others.

5/13/15 Related Story: Metro Couple Says Storm Shelter Was Installed Incorrectly

“I just learned my lesson and it's going to cost me money, that's just the way it is, but I'd hate to see anybody else have to go through this,” Sears explained.

Sears said he will go with a more reputable company when he buys yet another storm shelter and seals his current one off.

“I'll have to start over,” Sears said.  “I'll put one in the garage and get a genuine company to do it this time and then hopefully I'll be done with it,” he added.

His story is one of many that have surfaced and now lawmakers are considering an interim study that could possibly result in storm shelter regulations down the road.

State Representative Griffith has asked the Speaker of the House for the interim study.

"You don't want to put too much burden on people, because some people think we are regulated enough,” said Rep. Griffith.  “But the ultimate goal is the safety of our Oklahoma citizens,” she added.

Rep. Griffith will find out on July 10^th whether her request for a storm shelter interim study was approved.

Even if the study is approved, that does not mean it will result in legislation.

Representative Griffith said even a state website with recommended companies would help at this point.