Above-ground storm shelters and safe rooms are being integrated into some people's homes, as extreme weather events become more common around the world.

Washington

Extreme weather events are occurring more frequently amid rising sea-levels and increasing temperatures.

Climate Crisis

Preparing homes for severe weather events is becoming increasingly important as these occurrences become more frequent globally. The growing concern over extreme weather is driving consumer spending in the survival industry, projected to reach nearly $2.5 billion in the near future based on research from Zion Market Research. Protecting homes from wind damage is crucial, with a focus on the structural integrity of houses to withstand strong pressure from high winds.

Home construction is adapting to address these concerns, offering ways to withstand most tornadoes. Above-ground storm shelters and safe rooms can now be integrated into existing structures, typically starting with reinforced concrete. Alternatives such as steel plating, heavy gauge steel frames, ballistic fiberglass, and Kevlar panels provide additional protection against wind and even some ballistic threats. For more economical solutions, maintaining the airtightness of garages can prevent wind from entering and causing damage like roof uplift during storms.

The importance of fortifying homes is emphasized by recent trends, with this year’s tornado season already almost double the historical average. As hurricane season approaches, taking proactive steps now could significantly reduce potential storm damage in the future.



How to prepare your home for severe weather events

No, he was saying whether it's DIY storm shelters or more traditional ones, consumer spending in the survival business is projected to reach close to $2.5 billion in the next five years, according to Zion market research and protecting your home from wind damage is crucial. You want your house's skeletal system and connections to withstand the pressure as that wind travels across your home. As consumers grow increasingly concerned about extreme weather, manufacturers are making changes in home construction. We can build to withstand most tornadoes, and people don't seem to know that is that rotation up there above ground storm shelters and safe rooms can easily be integrated into existing homes. A typical safe room starts with reinforced concrete, but there are other options, including steel plating and heavy gauge steel frames on existing interior and exterior walls. Ballistic fiberglass and Kevlar panels are also popular and provide significant protection against both wind and ballistic threats. But if you're looking for a simpler, more economical solution, it all boils down to keeping your garage as airtight as possible. So if you can keep the wind out of your garage, you keep it from coming in, building up and blowing up like a balloon. When you have extreme weather or a tornado approaching your home, that pressure expands. And if you have this reinforced with steel and there's no way for air to go in, you will avoid more than likely from your roof popping off. This year's tornado season is nearly double the historical average. And with hurricane season on the horizon, getting proactive today could minimize storm damage tomorrow for Accuweather. I'm Leslie Hudson reporting.

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