Specifications

All the shelters have a set width and height, strictly because of the galvanizing process.

Inside Height (Standing Room)      6'6"                                                                                                   Width                                                68" (5 1/2 ft.)                                                                                    Overall Lengths                               9.5 ft. to 19.5 ft.                                                                                Body Lengths (Actual sitting)         4 ft. to 14 ft.                                                                                         Stair Sections                                   5.5 ft. added to end of body

12 Ga, 10 Ga, 3/16 Pl, and 1/4 Pl are all used when making the shelters.  Roof thickness goes to 3/16 Plate on the three biggest units, 12b man, 16 man, and 20 man, mainly due to the freespan involved and galvanizing process.

The shelters are fully assembled at our company and shipped to be "hot - dipped" galvanized at one of the largest galvanizing facilities in the nation.  The zinc is 850 degrees Fahrenheit and forms 4 layers on the shelter when dipped.  The most conservative figures were obtained from a casket company which did an independent study stating this metal thickness would deteriorate 50% after 190 years.

The overall design of the unit allows for a majority of the strength and durability of the shelter.  In turn we have also added key patent-pending features to enhance it's strength.  The bulkhead design is a 1/4 Pl that is a solid piece from top to bottom at the center of gravity in the shelter.  To better understand its design capabilities, picture walking from one room to another inside a submarine.  There is an enclosed area that strengthens all sides of the vessel.  The same holds true for our design and gives a balance lifting point for a back hoe to move the shelter.  Our two largest units have two bulkheads to alleviate free span distances.  Another key benefit of this design is customizing the bulkhead to incorporate an interior door, which will be mentioned later in the customizing section.

Our shelter designs have been very appropriate for the majority of our customers, but in this industry there will always be new ideas and difference of opinions when it comes to underground operations.  All shelters are CAD designed and have the ability to be customized as the buyer may like.  We have seen a certain amount of customizing interests most people such as:

1)  Bench Elimination - increase storage area.

2)  Interior Doors - added security, and division of compartments in the shelter.

3)  Stair Extension - bury the unit completely for concealment, optimum temperature control, and aesthetic view.  New home construction, underneath foundations.

4)  Shelving, padded seats, and heavy duty locking mechanisms.

5)  Second exit point.

These are some of the "standard" customizing we have experienced.   We are always open for new suggestions for the customer's individual needs and most of the time we'll be able to meet those needs. This has proven to be a very lucrative amenity for our dealer network, since no other company can offer a product as diversified as ours.

I hope these explanations are a better understanding of our product.  We feel our product is superior for several reasons:

1)  Ability to mass produce to provide an unlimited amount of safety and storage options.

2)  First company to support by proven testing a tornado shelter.

3)  First company to market a fully galvanized heavy duty steel shelter.

4)  Providing our dealerships with helpful product information, testing data, and detailed models of the shelter.

Premier Storm Shelters

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