Super Cubes Modifies a 20' Container into a Tornado Shelter
Tornado Shelter Container with door that swings inside and opening on the side to check the weather. Before it is anchored to the ground.
Super Cubes was fortunate enough to work with a wonderful customer out of South Dakota that needed a container for a tornado shelter. They had a property that was on an exposed area of the plains. They have a building, but needed a place for people to go quickly in case of a tornado. There was a perfect spot next to their building that would fit a 20’ container perfectly.
They did their research on tornado shelters. They bought a container from Super Cubes and had us modify the container so that it would operate efficiently for them. They had the area prepped properly for it to be placed down and followed up with having it anchored down once the container was in place, so the container would not get swept up in the tornado.
Opening in side of container for visibility and air
We put in a personnel/ man-door in one end of the container. We had the door swing inside the container in case any debris fell in front of the door. That way, they would not be trapped inside the container. We also created a 12” x 12” opening in the side of the container with a steel door that can be opened from the inside that seals up tightly. It allows people inside the container to check out what is going on outside without having to open up the door. If anyone in the container is feeling claustrophobic or feels they need air while they are waiting out the tornado, the opening is there. Usually tornado drills don’t last long, but depending on how many people are in a container together, the customer wanted to make sure everyone was as comfortable as possible.
Door swings in to avoid being trapped inside
The customer put down a cement pad next to their building for the container. We set the container on the pad. After the container was delivered, the customer had the container anchored into the ground. This is an extremely important step in the process. This is what prevents the container from being pulled up into the tornado. 20’ containers weigh 5,000 pounds, so they can easily be swept up into a storm without proper anchoring.
20' container being delivered on a cement pad
If you are interested in getting a container for a tornado shelter or any other purpose, give us a call. We have new and used containers are happy to work with you to modify them to fit your needs.