Shelter FAQs
Which storm shelter is right for me?
Choosing the right storm shelter is important. Ask yourself these questions:
Think about the space you have on the sides of your home and the access to your backyard. Some homes in newer neighborhoods do not have enough access space for the delivery truck to place the shelter in your backyard. Do you have 14′ height and 10′ width of clearance?
Do you need accessibility for people with disabilities?If so, consider a safe room instead of a storm shelter. They are wheelchair accessible and have a 36″ wide door.
Are you concerned about intruders?If so, this may be another reason to consider a safe room. The steel door and deadbolts allow it to also work as a “safe” room in the event of home invasions.
All products rated to hold a number of persons based on FEMA guidelines.
How was your shelter tested and by whom?
Biggs Storm Shelters are tested at Texas Tech University and meet or exceed all FEMA standards.
How long does it take to install the shelter?
On average, above ground shelters take two to three hours to install and below ground shelters take three to five hours to install.
What type of ventilation do your storm shelters have?
FEMA standards require two ventilation locations for every shelter. Ventilation locations vary depending on the type of shelter.
What is the warranty on your shelters?
At Biggs Storm Shelters we stand behind our products.
Below ground shelters include a warranty that guarantees there will be no leakage in the concrete structure for a period of ten years from the date of installation.
Do you require a deposit?
We do not require a deposit on below ground or above ground concrete safe rooms. Our above ground steel safe rooms are custom made to order and require a deposit.
When do i have to pay for my shelter?
Full payment of shelter is required upon installation. We accept cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard.
Do you work with rebate programs?
As one of the oldest and most reputable storm shelter companies in the state, we have been part of the earliest rebate programs and continue to meet all of the standards for current participation.
Where is the best place to put a storm shelter?
We get this question quite a bit, and our best answer is to put the shelter in a place where you can get to it in a hurry. If your back yard can accommodate a shelter, then that’s probably the most common. The one piece of advice we offer is to be sure the shelter will not interfere with underground wires, sprinklers or cables.
We do check with Okie to have them mark off where the underground utility wires are, but you will know best where sprinkler lines may be.
How much clearance do I need to fit a storm shelter?
Clearance is one of the biggest issues when adding a storm shelter to your home. We need at least 10’ width and 14’ height to place a storm shelter. If you do not have this much space, you may want to consider placing the shelter on the side of your home. If there is no way that will work either, consider an above ground shelter in your garage. These can be fitted into an existing home and are affordable.
How many people can a storm shelter hold?
FEMA guidelines recommend that your shelter have space for three to four square feet per person. However, keep in mind that supplies and seating can effect space inside a shelter. We recommend bench seating instead of folding chairs; they can fit against the wall and take up less space. You can also store supplies underneath them.