Testing & Production

FEMA Requirements & Regulations

We meet/exceed all FEMA specifications required for the production of storm shelters.
Feel free to look below for more info on specific rules and regulations.

Safe Rooms

FEMA has recently updated their definition of a storm shelter to the term Safe Shelter. FEMA’s Definition of Safe Rooms includes “A Safe Room is a room or structure specifically designed and constructed to resist wind pressures and wind-borne debris impacts during an extreme-wind event, like tornadoes and hurricanes, for the purpose of providing life-safety protection.”

FEMA Safe Rooms

What is FEMA Compliant?

  • FEMA does not “certify” or “approve” any storm shelter manufacturer or product.
  • Alabama Safe Shelter has on file for review Engineered Drawings and Engineer Certification that our product is FEMA compliant.
  • FEMA’s Publication 320 states: “FEMA does not endorse, approve, certify or recommend any contractors, individuals, firms or products. Contractors, Individuals or firms shall not claim they or their product are “FEMA Approved” or “FEMA Certified”.”
  • Follow the FEMA link below to view this statement on FEMA’s website.

FEMA FAQ's

FEMA Code 320

Alabama Safe Shelter complies with FEMA Code 320. Code 320 contains guidelines and design information for the implementation of safe rooms, as well as discussions on hazards, protection from hazards and the use of safe rooms.

P-320 Code INo

ICC-500

ICC-500 is the International Code Council’s standard developed for the design and construction of storm shelters. Alabama Safe Shelter complies with all codes listed within the ICC-500 regulation.


Materials & Fabrication

SCC Concrete

Currently we use Self Consolidating Concrete, Also known as SCC, in all of our storm shelters. SCC is chemically induced in order to create an extremely low water to cement ratio. Recent testing has shown test cylinders breaking over 7800 psi. This greatly exceeds FEMA’s requirements for concrete strength.

Rebar Reinforcement

Our primary method of reinforcement is part of what makes our concrete shelter stronger than others. We use 3/8” Grade 60 Rebar, which meets ASTM specification A615. We place Rebar 12” from center to center and it is welded at the joints for superior strength.

Testing

Texas Tech University

Our original Shelter Door design was submitted to the Wind Science and Engineering Research Center for Debris Impact Testing, at Texas Tech University. Impact Testing Succeed FEMA 320 and ICC-500 guidelines for 100MPH Impacts produced by a missile, propelled by a 250 MPH tornado.


To learn more about how Texas Tech University conducts their research click the button below!

Hydrostatic Testing

Hydrostatic testing is defined as the way in which pressure vessels such as pipelines, plumbing, gas cylinders, boilers and fuel tanks can be tested for strength and leaks.


In the midst of a heavy storm, water can cause shelters to dislodge from their permanent placement if not weighted and seated properly. We have conducted Hydrostatic Testing to insure that our shelters stay water tight and in place through any storm. You can review a copy of our buoyancy report below.