Storm shelters are intermittent across the United States for public use. I have been working to map out all of them as I find more. This map is frequently being updated. Only those that can be made available to the public 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (i.e. not just outside school hours or during specific business hours) are listed, and they must be designed to FEMA standards. The map has also been featured on some local and national media outlets.
This is an educational tool, not a commercial tool. Local and national media outlets are welcome to reach out to me for utilization of the shelter map. Educational use to help viewers out is welcome and permitted for the safety and assistance of the viewing public – reach out to me for availability as I can make the map available for local weather maps (as well as color changes if you desire different or no color codes). Usage for third-party commercial purposes is prohibited.
I have created this map of storm shelters. It is constantly being updated and will continue to be.
IMPORTANT: Make sure you have ample time to travel so that you get there before any warning is issued or an imminent threat approaches! A motor vehicle is a very dangerous place during a tornado.
Colors on the map indicate the type of tornado shelter.
- Light blue: Large safe room or shelter building (such as a large gym or dome) with capacity for at least 800 people
- Purple: Medium sized safe room or shelter building (such as an elementary school gym or cafeteria) with capacity for 100 to 800 people, or an indeterminant capacity
- Dark green: Free-standing shelter, such as a tube design, with space for at least 50 people (may be more than one on the site)
- Lime green: Free-standing shelter, such as a box design, with space for 10 to 50 people (may be more than one on the site)
- Yellow: Underground free-standing shelter with space for 10 to 50 people – generally not wheelchair-accessible (may be more than one on the site)
- Red: Shelter located within a fire department building
- Dark blue: Shelter located within a police department building
- Orange: Shelter located within a transportation hub, such as on an Interstate highway in a rest area, and are not accessible from the community
- Brown: Shelter located in a national or state park or historical site
Do you need a storm shelter? Is the cost worth it for you personally, your business or your community? This Risk Assessment may answer the question for you.
Other stories coming soon!
Social media links and contact information:
Craig Ceecee, M.Sc. 