Do I really need a storm shelter in Murfreesboro?
That is a personal decision, but Rutherford County has been hit before. On April 10, 2009, an EF4 tornado touched down near Eagleville and tracked more than 23 miles into Murfreesboro, killing two people and injuring 58, according to the National Weather Service. Most Middle Tennessee homes have no basement, so a tested shelter is often the only truly safe place in the house.
What is the difference between a storm shelter and a safe room?
A "storm shelter" is built to the ICC 500 standard. A "safe room" meets FEMA P-361, which is based on ICC 500 with some extra requirements. For a home in Rutherford County, look for a shelter tested for tornadoes to both.
What protection does a FEMA P-361 safe room provide?
Tornado safe rooms under FEMA P-361 are designed for 250 mph winds, and the walls, roof and door must resist a 15-pound 2x4 board hitting at 100 mph horizontally (67 mph vertically on the roof). That is the same standard used for community shelters. Ask for the test documentation for the specific model and door.
Can I put an in-ground shelter in my yard here?
Sometimes. Much of Rutherford County sits on shallow limestone bedrock, and the area is known for sinkholes and karst. Some yards have rock just below the surface, which makes digging slow and costly or impractical. That is why above-ground safe rooms and shallow garage floor shelters are common choices locally. An installer can assess your site.
How much does a storm shelter cost in Murfreesboro?
Our estimates of typical installed prices: about $3,500 to $8,000 for a garage floor shelter (more if rock is hit), and about $6,000 to $15,000 or more for an above-ground safe room. See the cost guide. A written quote is what counts.
What if a tornado comes at night?
Middle Tennessee often sees tornadoes at night and outside the spring peak, including in late fall and winter. That is a strong argument for a shelter you can reach in seconds from the bedrooms, such as an indoor or garage safe room, plus a weather radio or phone alerts that will wake you up.
How much room do we need?
The ICC 500 standard requires at least 3 square feet of floor space per person in a residential tornado shelter. Plan for everyone in the household, pets, and a small emergency kit.
Do I need a permit?
Often, yes. Inside Murfreesboro city limits, check with the City of Murfreesboro building and codes department. Smyrna and La Vergne have their own departments, and unincorporated areas go through Rutherford County. A good installer knows the process.
Can a safe room go inside my house instead of the garage?
Yes, if the floor can support it and anchoring requirements can be met. In new construction, a closet, pantry or bathroom can be built as a reinforced safe room. In existing homes with wood-framed floors over a crawl space, an indoor safe room usually is not practical without a new concrete foundation, so the garage slab is the usual location.
Should I register my shelter?
Yes. Ask Rutherford County Emergency Management or your city whether they keep a storm shelter registry. Registering lets first responders know to check your shelter if debris blocks the door after a storm.
Are there rebates for safe rooms in Tennessee?
Tennessee and some local governments have offered FEMA-funded safe room rebate programs in the past. Programs come and go and usually require approval before installation. Check with Rutherford County Emergency Management or the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency for anything currently open.
How long does installation take?
Many garage floor and above-ground shelters are installed in a day once the site is ready. If rock is found or a new slab is needed, add time for that work and for concrete to cure.
Have another question? Add it to your quote request and a local installer can answer it.