Big Name Retailers Now Selling DIY Storm Shelters To Oklahomans

More big retailers are getting into the storm shelter business, and many of the models they sell are ones you can install yourself.

While becoming more common, Tornado Alley Armor has been selling the shelters you can install yourself since 2011. They've shipped them to people in 25 states so far.

The larger the shelter, the bigger the savings are if you install it yourself; another benefit is you can dismantle and reassemble the shelters if you move.

"People don't want to invest several thousand dollars into some kind of property, just to turn around and leave it behind when they move on to the next house through a job promotion, life change, whatever the case may be,” said Monty McGee with Tornado Alley Armor.

McGee said anyone who can operate a ratchet set and a drill and who can lift 90 pounds by themselves or with help can install the shelters.

"It's basically a big erector set, for instance, this unit behind us, every panel is the same panel. They all have matching bolt patterns. It's kind of like Legos, no matter how you put it together it's going to go together,” McGee said.

He said anyone installing a shelter on their own needs to follow the instructions 100 percent.

He also said customers should make sure the model they buy has a seal of approval from the National Storm Shelter Association, which means it's been independently verified that it meets FEMA standards.

"That's really the only protection that the public has, independent verification that they do in fact meet, or exceed FEMA guidelines,” said McGee.

Tulsa Emergency Management leaders said people shopping for a shelter, especially one you install rather than a professional, need to do a lot of research to make sure the shelters meet those FEMA guidelines.