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Storm Shelters and Tornado Safe Rooms: Types, Standards and Rebates

By Twisters.us · Updated · How we count

A safe room built to FEMA’s guidance gives near-absolute protection from tornadoes. Here is what to know before you buy or build one.

Safe room or storm shelter?

FEMA uses safe room for a shelter built to its design criteria (FEMA P-320 for homes, P-361 for community safe rooms) and the ICC 500 standard. A safe room built to these is designed to provide "near-absolute protection" in extreme winds. Many products sold as storm shelters meet ICC 500; ask the seller for the test and design documentation.

Types for homes

  • In-ground (below ground): a shelter buried in the yard or under a garage slab. Out of the debris stream, but needs access that is safe for everyone, and can flood in some soils.
  • Above-ground safe rooms: a reinforced room inside the house (often a closet, bathroom or garage unit) built from steel, concrete or reinforced masonry. Easier to reach quickly and accessible for people with limited mobility.
  • Basement safe rooms: reinforcing part of an existing basement.

How much space

ICC 500 sets the minimum usable floor area per person. For a tornado safe room at a one- or two-family home it is 3 square feet per person; plan for more if anyone uses a wheelchair or needs to lie down. Our county pages can help you judge how often your area is hit.

Paying for it

FEMA funds safe room grants through state hazard mitigation programs, and several states and counties have run individual safe room rebate lotteries (Oklahoma’s SoonerSafe is one well-known example). Programs open and close each year, so ask your state emergency management agency or county emergency manager what is available now, before you buy.

Choosing an installer

  • Ask for documentation that the design meets ICC 500 and FEMA P-320.
  • Check whether the National Storm Shelter Association has verified the product.
  • Get the anchoring and foundation details in writing, and a permit if your city requires one.
  • Make sure local first responders can find you: some counties keep a shelter registry.

Sources

Sources last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Do storm shelters really work?

Safe rooms built to FEMA P-320 or ICC 500 are designed for near-absolute protection from tornadoes, including EF5 winds; quality depends on design, installation and anchoring.

How much space do I need in a tornado safe room?

ICC 500 requires at least 3 square feet per person for a one- or two-family home tornado safe room; more for wheelchairs or people who must lie down.

Are there rebates for storm shelters?

Sometimes, through state hazard mitigation programs funded by FEMA. Ask your state emergency management agency.

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