An in-ground shelter is buried out in your backyard. When the sirens go off, you walk outside, pull open the heavy steel door, and head down the steps into a space that's been built and tested to keep your whole family safe.
Rock is the big question around Joplin. Some yards are easy to dig, while others hit solid limestone just a few feet below the grass, and that can change both the price and the schedule.
Water is the other thing you should ask about. Find out exactly how the shelter is sealed, and how it keeps rain and groundwater from collecting inside during a wet spring.
What to have ready
- Yard access for a digger
- Where buried lines run
- How many people
- Anyone who can't do steps
How it goes
- Call or send the form.
- An installer calls you.
- They check your yard and price it.
- Lines get marked, then they dig and set it.
Questions people ask
What if they hit rock?
Installers handle rock in different ways. Ask how they charge for it.
Do I need to call before digging?
Yes. Missouri One Call marks buried lines for free. Call 811.
Will it flood?
A well-sealed shelter should stay dry. Ask about the seal and drainage.