When hurricanes, tornadoes, and other destructive natural forces produce high and strong winds, homeowners can’t find a better place to protect themselves and their families than a storm shelter. Unfortunately, not every house located in a storm-prone area has sufficient space to separately install a storm shelter. Still, one can create makeshift closet storm shelters for protection against strong winds. Professionally converting a wardrobe in a home into a storm shelter or safe room is the most effective solution. This article will guide homeowners on the steps to converting a wardrobe into a storm shelter.
Table of Contents
1. Select a wardrobe/ closet
The first step is to choose a wardrobe or closet in a home that is as protected from harsh weather conditions as possible. Generally, it is better to choose a closet without any external walls and located on the lowest level of a house. The basement closets are the ideal location for having the closet storm shelters. Make sure to avoid choosing a closet that has windows or another opening to the outside.
2. Clear out the space
Before converting the wardrobe into a storm shelter, it is advisable to clear it of whatever objects it contains. For a wardrobe storm shelter to be truly helpful from violent weather conditions, it should be ready at any time. There might not be sufficient time to clear the closet when the storm arrives. Make sure to remove anything that is of no use at the time of emergency. Just store the contents in another wardrobe in the home.
3. Add an emergency kit
Place the emergency items inside the closet storm shelters, leaving plenty of room for all family members to get inside. It might not fit perfectly; however, make sure that everyone can fit then shut the door behind you. Fold blankets, stack them in the corner of the closet, and put pillows on the top. In addition, I have an emergency supply kit containing a weather radio to monitor the coverage of the storm, a flashlight with batteries, some snacks, water bottles, and even toys for kids and pets.
4. Create an emergency plan
Lastly, create a detailed emergency plan for accessibility. Always make sure to communicate the plan to the family so that they know when and how to get to the storm shelter wardrobe. If there is a disabled individual in the home, figure out a way to quickly get him into the wardrobe with the entire family.
Conclusion
Some homeowners might decide to go a step further than simply creating a storm shelter inside a wardrobe. If they have the means, they can opt to convert a closet or room into a safe room meeting the standards of Federal Emergency Management Agency standards. This kind of remodeling will need professional help for adding concrete walls that are different from the outer walls of steel doors, structures, and more. Furthermore, homeowners shouldn’t wait for the weather to get intense before making their way to the wardrobe storm shelter. Instead, go the right way to the shelter on weather warnings indicated by the local weather officials.