Five tornadoes, including three in Oklahoma City alone, damaged several homes and businesses Sunday. Southeast Oklahoma City sustained the most extensive damages, with one funnel cloud coming perilously close to an elementary school. Although students and staff were never under threat, as the storm moved through the region before classes began Monday morning, the growing frequency of autumnal tornadoes requires vigilant hazard mitigation. Schoolhouse tornado shelters can protect larger student populations onsite in areas susceptible to severe storms and tornadoes.
Tornadoes Pose Significant Risks to Schools and Community Centers
Nearly 1,200 tornado touchdowns were confirmed nationwide in 2023. While most tornadoes cause mild to moderate damage, stronger EF3 and EF4 storms can destroy entire communities and townships. Tornadoes have also been known to target schools and education centers. In 2007, a tornado in Enterprise, Alabama, killed eight students, further necessitating the need for schoolhouse tornado shelters. Sunday’s near miss at an Oklahoma City elementary school was uncomfortably close for those residents who can recall the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado. The power Midwestern twister produced high-velocity winds that collapsed interior walls on students sheltering in hallways.
Schoolhouse Tornado Shelters Offer Superior Protection for Students and Teachers
As evident from the 2013 Moore, Oklahoma tornado, the old duck-and-cover hallway tornado drill isn’t enough to protect students. Tornadoes will continue to grow in frequency and strength due to Climate Change. While educators act in an abundance of caution in delaying or canceling school in anticipation of severe weather, most violent tornadoes touchdown with little to no warning. Communities in regions susceptible to tornadoes require a comprehensive steel solution. Our commercial tornado shelters offer superior above-ground protection within a short distance of classrooms or workflow operations. Constructed from solid 1/4″ plate steel, these customizable, safe rooms and shelters meet all federal specifications. They are certified by Texas Tech National Wind Institute in strict accordance to FEMA 320 (2014), FEMA 361 (2015), and ICC-500 (2014) standards for wind-rated impact of 250 mph ground speed tornado events.
Added Safeguards for Shootings and Domestic Unrest
In addition to providing superior tornado protection, our community shelters can also safeguard students during mass shootings. Random acts of violence and schoolhouse shootings are increasing nationwide. Easily accessible community tornado shelters can assuage fears of gun violence by placing life-saving protection within sight of classrooms. Schoolhouse tornado shelters are flexible enough to fit larger population’s safety needs without structurally revamping static floorplans. Each shelter can be strategically placed near athletic fields, athletic fields, or assembly halls. Steel augers and affixed concrete bases ensure each heavy shelter remains stationary during high winds while shielding occupants from flying debris. Contact us today for a free quote and consultation!
