We had a tornado shelter installed today. Dear Husband grew up here and never had a basement or shelter. His parents have lived here for 40+ years and never had one until last year. Even though we live in tornado alley, Norman has never really seen a lot of damage, until the past few years. My parents were aghast that our house didn’t already have a shelter when we bought it and find it baffling why so few homes in Norman have basements. In 1994 a tornado ripped through the pasture right behind my parents house and came within 100 yards. After the storm my mom promptly started digging a cellar and now they have the peace of mind that their own little hidey-hole gives them.
After a series of events we were finally able to purchase our own beloved tornado shelter.
The guys from Smart Shelters, Inc. came and were done in 4 hours flat. I found this process fascinating, hence all the pictures.
The showed up with their trailer loaded down with a backhoe, shelter, cement cutter and other sundry installation items.
Harry watched on with interest as they unloaded their gear.
In case you’re wondering…I found this swing sitting outside someone’s house. Obviously it was free so I took it. Don’t worry, I have plans for it. Also, our garage is very messy but we’re fine with that. It’s a car hole for goodness sake, it’s supposed to be messy. People who have sparkling clean garages frighten me a little and I’m not sure if I completely trust them.
There was not a ramp on the trailer for the backhoe and we watched with suspense as he maneuvered it off this 4 foot drop. I can’t begin to tell you how dangerous this looked and I gasped several times. I don’t think this is a legit way to get this thing off a trailer but I’ve never known a backhoe operator to shy away from a challenge.
Once he was safely on the ground they cut through the concrete in the garage.
Time to start digging. One of my favorite things about this was that these guys did most of this work with a cigarette hanging out of their mouths. 
Once the shelter was in place, they put quick set concrete all around the space in between the dirt and the shelter to secure it in place.
There you have it, our own little scaredy-hole. 8 feet long by 3 feet wide by 4 feet deep. Hopefully we won’t have to use it often or for very long. It is equipped with a battery operated ventilation fan and light. Each tornado shelter is registered with the fire department so that if our house if flattened on top of us they will know where to find us and dig us out.
Okay, Gary England, do your worst. We’re ready for you.
Wesley and Kathryn Green
We’re so relieved!!!!! Mom and Dad
Mommy
I got anxiety just by LOOKING at that thing – I have claustrophobia, so even *before* you mentioned the possibility of the house falling down on top of it, I started to hyperventilate. Can’t believe that guy getting the backhoe down without a ramp – insane!
Hugs, Kisses and Snot
I haven’t been in it with all 4 of us and the lid closed so I’m not sure what my anxiety level is. Let’s hope I don’t have to push it to the limit.
crazytraintotinkytown
I agree with Mommy, but the kids are going to love it!
Hugs, Kisses and Snot
Ha! yes, Addison has already asked if this could be his secret club house.
Brandi Barnett
I’m with your mom. I need my hidey hole! Tornadoes terrify me. But the fancy maneuvering of that backhoe? Wow. My four-year-old would be so impressed.
Chris Carter
WOW! What an amazing thing…to watch. You have peace now I bet… Your kids were so precious in those pictures!!! Praying you never have to use it!!! 🙂
Hugs, Kisses and Snot
Thanks. I’ve never been super worried about tornados even though we live in tornado alley but it is nice to know we have the peace of mind of safety.
2013 Blogging Year In Review - Hugs, Kisses and Snot
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Sam Jones
Thanks for this detailed blog. The pictures really helped in understanding the process.
Also, I would like to emphasize that animals and our pets are equally affected by the storms. Along with other things, we must take care of them as well and reading blogs like https://www.oklahomashelters.net/preparing-your-tornado-storm-shelter-for-pets/ make me so happy that people are already caring for them.