No Basement Bunker in Tornado Alley?

No Basement Bunker?

Tornadoes have been around since the dawn of time. Residential housing not so much. It’s no surprise that tornadoes regularly strike populated areas. Today there are many more people spread across the land that it’s inevitable these collisions of man and nature will happen more and more. So why do many homes in tornado alley not have a basement or basement bunker?

When you see this, head for cover – FAST!

News reports of devastation show slab foundations wiped clean. So why would you live in a high density tornado zone and not have a basement shelter?

Risky Residences:

Urban sprawl has people living in areas where humans just don’t belong, like tornado ally and flood plains. Homes in these areas are usually built on a concrete slab with no basement. Other areas are too rocky to afford a cheap excavation of a basement. This can leave occupants open and vulnerable.

Better Zoning or Better Buildings:

So, the problem comes down to building codes and providing either a more suitable place to build or devising a structure that can withstand 300 mph winds. Stick frame structures are out, unless you spend an extra 20k+ to build an internal bomb shelter closet made of reinforced concrete and steel. Even then, there’s no guarantee. The safest place is underground.

Midland - WR120B/WR120EZ - NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio - S.A.M.E. Localized Programming, Trilingual Display, 60+ Emergency Alerts, & Alarm Clock (WR120B - Box Packaging)

$29.99 $23.00

Public-alert certified monitor receives 7 NOAA channels with flood, tornado, thunderstorm, and other warnings SAME alert programming sounds an alert only when specific counties are threatened 25-county memory system; 90 dB siren, voice alert, and fla... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Midland - WR120, NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio - S.A.M.E. Localized Programming, Trilingual Display, 60+ Emergency Alerts, & Alarm Clock (WR120C - Clam Packaging)

 (6254)

$44.99 $28.63

NOAA WEATHER SCAN + ALERT - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 7 available weather (WX) band channels with flood, tornado, thunderstorm, civil danger warnings, and more. It also locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of ... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Midland - WR400, Deluxe NOAA Emergency Weather Alert Radio - S.A.M.E. Localized Programming, 80+ Emergency Alerts, & Alarm Clock w/ AM/FM Radio

$69.99

NOAA WEATHER SCAN + ALERT - NOAA Weather Scan will automatically scan through 7 available weather (WX) band channels with flood, tornado, thunderstorm, civil danger warnings, and more. It also locks onto the strongest weather channel to alert you of ... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

RunningSnail Solar Crank NOAA Weather Radio for Emergency with AM/FM, Flashlight, Reading Lamp and 2000mAh Power Bank (Green)

 (3784)

$35.90

A Must For Emergency: Keep your household prepared with this AM/FM & NOAA weather alert radio, broadcast emergency weather alerts for your area such as hurricanes, tornadoes and severe storms. Table Lamp & 1W LED Flashlight: It can be used in emergen... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Kaito KA500 5-way Powered Solar Power,Dynamo Crank, Wind Up Emergency AM/FM/SW/NOAA Weather Alert Radio with Flashlight,Reading Lamp and Cellphone Charger, Yellow

$49.98

6-way powered portable emergency radio with hand crank generator, solar panel, compartment for 3 AA batteries (not included), 5V USB input, 5V AC/DC input with a wall power adapter (sold separately), built-in NiMH replaceable and rechargeable battery... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Alert Works EAR-10 Weather Alert All Hazard Radio (Black)

 (147)

$39.95 $62.72

Receives All NOAA Weather Channels with Alerts SAME Technology with 25 Memory Locations Alert Off Feature to program out select event codes User Selectable Alert, Voice, 90db Siren, or Flashing LED Alarm Clock with Snooze, and Battery Back Up

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

[Upgraded Version] RunningSnail Emergency Hand Crank Self Powered AM/FM NOAA Solar Weather Radio with LED Flashlight, 1000mAh Power Bank for iPhone/Smart Phone

$19.90

New Design: 1000 mAh power bank for charging your iPhone & cellphone via Micro-USB cable directly, no need of adapter anymore; A Must For Emergency: Keep this AM/FM & NOAA weather radio with your family, get up to date with the latest weather and all... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

(Classic Creator) iRonsnow Solar Emergency NOAA Weather Radio Dynamo Hand Crank Self Powered AM FM WB Radios 3 LED Flashlight 1000mAh Smart Phone Charger Power Bank(Red)

$19.90

Compact AM/FM NOAA Weather Radio and a powerful 3 LED flashlight, with cell phone charger. iRonsnow Official focus on making emergency equipment. Your creditable emergency expert. Offers a choice of self-charge, solar and external recharge power opti... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Midland HH50 Pocket Weather Radio

$32.24

Receives NOAA broadcasts for around-the-clock severe weather information Automatic alert system turns on in event of dangerous weather or civil emergencies Test button confirms alert function is working properly at all times Constructed to be water r... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Tornado prone areas in the United States

Is there a solution?

It boils down to either moving or having a better building plan. Earth shelter homes are a great alternative. Excavation cost and permitting is a consideration. Earth berm construction affords better protection.

You DO have a basement bunker?

If you have a basement, that’s great! Now be ready to use it. Prepare it every season and drill use as a safe zone with your family. A tornado or emergency kit is recommended. It’s also a good idea to store some fresh water, non perishable foods and survival gear. This way you’ll be ready for any emergency….or any unexpected situation, like the current coronavirus pandemic.

Aootek Upgraded first aid survival Kit.Emergency Kit earthquake survival kit Trauma Bag for Car Home Work Office Boat Camping Hiking Travel or Adventures

 (882)

$64.00

Powerful combo set: spring-action needle nose pliers, spring-action regular pliers, spring-action wire cutters, wire stripper, saw blade, can opener, bottle opener, wood/metal file, Phillips screwdriver, medium slotted screwdriver Survival and Emerge... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel, and Emergency Preparedness

$17.47

Award-winning LifeStraw water filter is a must-carry tool for hiking, camping, travel, and emergencies; no disaster kit is complete without it Filters up to 1,000 gallons (4,000 liters) of contaminated water without iodine, chlorine, or other chemica... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Premium Emergency Survival Bag/Kit – Be Equipped with 72 Hours of Disaster Preparedness Supplies for 2 People

$199.00

72-HOUR SUSTAINABILITY FOR TWO PEOPLE - The first 72 hours after a disaster are the most critical. With this emergency survival bag, you’ll have all the supplies, nutrition and water needed for 72 hours of comfortable survivial for two people. SUPERI... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ready America 70280 Emergency Kit, 2-Person, 3-Day Backpack

 (1800)

$37.97 ($1.22 / Count)

Sustains two people for three days Includes food, water, and emergency blankets One 33-piece first aid kit Two safety light sticks A backpack keeps supplies at the ready

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

XUANLAN Emergency Survival Kit 13 in 1, Outdoor Survival Gear Tool with Survival Bracelet, Fire Starter, Whistle, Wood Cutter, Water Bottle Clip, Tactical Pen (Survival Kit 1)

$29.99

➤【ALL IN ONE SURVIVAL KIT FOR EXTREME ADVENTURES】This all in one survival kit contains everything that any survivalist or outdoor enthusiast would need. Includes emergency blanket, fire starter, scraper, compass, swiss card, flashlight, whistle, Surv... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Kangaroo Emergency Thermal Blankets (Pack of 10)

$9.95

Emergency Thermal Blanket provides convenient easy protection in all cold or warm weather states Size of each blanket when opened - 54 inches x 84 inches or each thermal blanket is 4 1/2 by 7 Feet Manufactured from the best Weatherproof Material 10 E... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

Ready America 70385 Deluxe Emergency Kit 4 Person Backpack

$114.24 ($2.38 / oz)

4 Person Kit US Coast Guard approved food and water Enough supplies for 3 days

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

First Aid Only 299 Piece All-Purpose First Aid Kit (FAO-442)

 (19466)

$19.50

Contains 299 essential first aid supplies for treating minor aches and injuries Ideal for home, travel and on the go use Compact case measures 9.25" x 2.875" x 7" Case color may vary based on availability Clear plastic pockets for organization and ea... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

First Aid Kit -309 Pieces- Reflective Bag Design - Including Eyewash, Bandages, Moleskin Pad and Emergency Blanket for Travel, Home, Office, Car, Camping, Workplace

$25.99

✓ NIGHT REFLECTIVE DESIGN - When you're outside at night, you need your first aid kit immediately, but you can't find it due to weak light. Now, you don't have to worry about it if you use our first aid kit. Its bright reflection effect make you find... read more

(as of September 21, 2020 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

UPDATE: We have found an interesting possible solution –  Backcountry Containers builds extremely sturdy housing modules that can be used as underground bunkers or secure above ground earth shelter homes. Combine different modules to build a steel reinforced castle of your own! We found them at EAA 2013. They donated a housing unit to a family in need after the El Reno, Oklahoma twister on May 8 2013.

This article written after a 2013 tornado outbreak in the Midwest. Updated in 2020 for the coronavirus outbreak.