The best $3500 purchase (that I hope I never have to use)

[Hawk Teflon]

It holds up to 100,000 pounds of pressure on top (or something crazy like that). Also, there will be a vehicle parked over it for more "padding." It takes an unbelievable amount of force to crush it in. On top of that, once you have on installed, you have it registered with the fire department. Then, right after the storm, the FD comes out to those houses and starts checking the storm shelters.

 

[Rippie]

=Also, there will be a vehicle parked over it for more "padding."

Who's the poor unlucky sap who gets to be locked out of it so they can park the car over it?

I do think it would be wise to keep some kind of communication device either IN it or NEAR it (to grab at the last moment before you get in)
in case the garage does collapse on top of it and people don't know to look for you.

I wouldn't personally just trust a record that you own it at a fire dept.
Things could get messy and uncoordinated on their end after a big event like that.

 

[Hawk Teflon]

Very true. Maybe I could pick up one of those cell phone range amplifier type things. Worst case I can post on facebook: "Trapped in storm shelter. House probably gone. Help."

 

[ugafan]

While I like the idea quite a bit, the design seems a bit flawed... what happens if the garage collapses on top of it while you're inside?

just thinking about it gives me a panic attack. i can't get out of that tiny box because something is covering the top.. i need a xanax.

 

[Rippie]

just thinking about it gives me a panic attack. i can't get out of that tiny box because something is covering the top.. i need a xanax.

If you're in the house and the house collapses would you rather be IN that tin can? or outside of it?

 

[Hawk Teflon]

The houses don't really collapse in. They blow away in a sudden burst of force. Some people have had their belongs travel around 100 miles away.

Here's an example of one such house: