Storm Shelter Standards and Registration
What tested means, and why you should tell the city where your shelter is.
Missouri's State Emergency Management Agency says plainly that the state doesn't offer grants or rebates to help homeowners buy or build a residential safe room. Its safe room money goes to community and school shelters. So plan on paying for a home shelter yourself.
For standards, look for FEMA P-361 and ICC 500. Those set how a shelter must be built and tested, and a good installer can show you the paperwork.
Once it's in, register it. If your shelter is inside Joplin city limits, the city has a short storm shelter form so the police department has a record of where it is. That way officers can find you faster after a storm. If you live outside Joplin but in Jasper County, the city's page sends you to Jasco 911 Services instead.
What goes into it
- Testing paperwork from the installer
- Your address and where the shelter sits on the lot
- The city's storm shelter form, or Jasco 911 if you're outside Joplin
How it goes
- Pick a tested shelter.
- Have it installed and anchored.
- Register it with the city or Jasco 911.
- Keep all papers.
Questions people ask
Is there a state rebate for a home shelter?
No. Missouri SEMA says it doesn't offer grants or rebates for residential safe rooms. Its funding goes to community and school safe rooms.
How do I register my shelter in Joplin?
Fill out the storm shelter form on the City of Joplin's Storm Shelter Registration page at joplinmo.org/699.
What is ICC 500?
It's the building standard for storm shelters. FEMA P-361 is FEMA's guide for safe room design.