As severe weather events such as violent tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and droughts become more frequent and intense, protecting your family has never been more critical. New data from NASA reveals a dramatic rise in the intensity of weather events over the past five years, showing that they are not only occurring more often, but they are also lasting longer and hitting harder. In fact, last year’s figures were twice the average recorded between 2003 and 2020.
That is why FamilySAFE storm shelters are so important. They are engineered to withstand nature’s fiercest conditions and provide life-saving protection when you need it most.
Tested by Nature. Trusted by Families.
At System 1, we proudly distribute and install FamilySAFE storm shelters, engineered to withstand the most extreme weather conditions.These above ground storm shelters have consistently withstood even the most destructive storms on record, providing life-saving protection—even when surrounding homes were completely destroyed.
When Every Second Counts, There is No Room for Error
FEMA and industry research confirm that properly built and tested family-safe shelters will protect occupants in 99.99% of tornadoes, including the most catastrophic F5 storms. This level of protection is exactly why every family living in high-risk areas, such as Tornado Alley, the Southeast and parts of the Midwest and Southern Plains, should consider having one installed.
When severe weather is a matter of ‘when’, rather than ‘if’, choosing a trusted, experienced provider, like System 1, to install them is essential.
What is a Family-Safe Storm Shelter?
These above ground storm shelters have consistently withstood even the most destructive storms on record, providing life-saving protection—even when surrounding homes were completely destroyed.
Key features include:
- Robust Construction: Engineered to resist extreme winds and flying projectiles using reinforced steel.
- Certified Safety: Meeting or exceeding rigorous standards such as FEMA P-361 and ICC-500.
- Flexible Shelter Solutions: To suit your property and needs.
- Careful Design: To ensure proper ventilation, enough space for your household, and critical emergency supplies such as lighting, seating and communication tools.
What is it Like Inside a Storm Shelter?
When severe weather strikes, a well-designed storm shelter provides a controlled, secure environment in the midst of chaos. As winds howl outside, you and your loved ones can take refuge in a reinforced space designed for real-world protection.
Our shelters feature a unique “no-pinch” door system – engineered with angle bracing to block large debris and built to maintain low exterior pressure, preventing smaller particles from entering.
Why You Need a Professional Storm Shelter
When it comes to severe weather, there’s no margin for error. A professionally designed and installed storm shelter isn’t just a precaution; it is a critical part of protecting your family when every second counts.
From structural integrity to long-term reliability, professionally built shelters offer a level of safety and confidence that DIY solutions simply can’t match. These include:
- Life-Saving Protection: Tornadoes and hurricanes can turn debris into deadly projectiles and destroy entire homes in minutes.
- Peace of Mind: Storm anxiety is real, especially in high-risk areas. Having a designated, professionally installed safe space helps families feel calmer, more prepared and protected during emergencies.
- Proven Performance: Professionally engineered and installed storm shelters, such as FamilySAFE shelters, have saved lives across the country. From Oklahoma to Missouri, countless families have survived direct tornado hits thanks to these shelters.
FamilySAFE Shelters: Tried and Tested in the Worst Conditions
Not all storm shelters are created equal. While many companies claim to meet industry standards, FamilySAFE shelters, proudly distributed and installed by System 1, set the standard as the original and proven leader in above-ground steel shelter design and installation.
These aren’t just theoretical protections, they are storm-tested safe rooms that have consistently saved lives in some of the worst tornadoes in U.S. history. We are proud to report that six of our newer MAX units recently withstood a storm with zero debris entering the shelter.
What Makes FamilySAFE Different:
- Proven Performance: 16 FamilySAFE shelters have taken direct hits from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes -with zero structural failures and not even a single dent.
- Storm-Tested Strength: Constructed with reinforced steel and tested to withstand tornado-force winds over 200 mph.
- Texas Tech University Tested: Tested at Texas Tech University’s Wind Institute to withstand EF5-level winds.
- Decades of Experience: With over 27 years in business and 30,000+ shelters installed, we have zero complaints filed with the BBB.
- Trusted Engineering: The first company to design and engineer an all-steel above-ground storm shelter in collaboration with Texas Tech University in 1998.
- Exclusive Endorsements: The only shelter company endorsed in writing by HILTI, the global leader in anchoring systems.
- Built by the Experts: Our installers are trained directly by HILTI, ensuring your shelter is anchored and assembled to the highest possible standards.
- Safer by Design: Our patent-pending pinch-resistant door system helps prevent injuries, improves airflow and makes being trapped inside nearly impossible.
- Certified Strength: FamilySAFE shelters are the only units ever tested with a person inside – a testament to the trust we place in our product.
- More Than Code Compliant: We don’t just meet FEMA P-361 and ICC-500 standards – we helped set them as original founding members of NSSA and ATSA.
Your family’s safety requires more than “just good enough”. It requires the proven protection of a FamilySAFE storm shelter designed to save lives.
Why Trust System 1 with Your Family’s Storm Safety?
When you choose a FamilySAFE above-ground steel shelter from System 1, you are not just investing in a lifesaving product – you are also securing peace of mind, built on decades of real-world performance and industry-leading standards. Our FamilySAFE shelters offer the highest level of protection available, combined with expert installation and a commitment to our customers’ wellbeing and safety.
Decades of Proven Safety in Every Shelter
Every detail, from design to delivery, is handled with precision and care by our certified installation team, so when the storm hits, you are never caught off guard.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Field-Tested Performance
Our FamilySAFE shelters have never experienced a failure, even after direct hits from EF4 and EF5 tornadoes. Families have walked out of flattened homes unharmed thanks to the uncompromising strength and construction of these safe rooms.
✅ Flexible Installation Options
We understand that every property is different, which is why our FamilySAFE shelters come in a wide range of options to fit your space and needs:
- Garage Installations: Our most popular option. FamilySAFE units are available in sizes that fit easily on most garage slabs.
- Staircase Models: Perfect for new constructions; these are custom-built to fit under most staircases.
- Closets & Pantries: Turn dual-purpose rooms into storm shelters during renovations or new builds.
- Utility Rooms: Transform smaller interior rooms into FamilySAFE shelters as part of your building plan.
- Outdoor Units: If you have no room inside, our outdoor models offer excellent protection when installed on a FEMA approved pad.
- School & Commercial Models: Larger FamilySAFE shelters can be manufactured for schools, manufacturing facilities and other commercial spaces.
✅ Custom Design & Planning:
At System 1, our certified installation team will assess your home and needs to design a storm shelter that is both functional and accessible. Each shelter is tailored to fit your specific space and installed with safety and durability as the top priorities.
✅ Certified Installation:
Our installation team ensures every unit is anchored with industrial-grade materials and tested to meet all FEMA and ICC safety standards. We verify each element, from doors, seals, vents and more, so you have full confidence in your protection.
✅ Practical Training for Your Family
We go beyond just installing your storm shelter. During the installation process, we take the time to train your family on how to use it effectively – so everyone knows exactly what to do when every second counts.
Built for Safety. Installed with Precision.
At System 1, we don’t just deliver above-ground tornado shelters – we ensure they are installed correctly, safely and with care. From the first call to final installation, our team is with you every step of the way to ensure your FamilySAFE storm shelter is properly placed and installed—so it’s ready when it matters most.
Choose FamilySAFE Storm Shelters Installed by System 1
Storms are unpredictable but your safety plan doesn’t have to be. Choosing a FamilySAFE storm shelter, professionally installed by our System 1 team, means selecting a product that has been tested in real-world conditions and engineered to the highest safety standards. Built to withstand even the most violent tornadoes, these shelters have a proven record of performance when lives are on the line.
Shelter Installation with Built-In Peace of Mind
Whether you are installing a shelter for a home, school, or small business, we help you select the right model and handle everything from site assessment to proper anchoring. During installation, we also walk your household through the key steps for using the shelter, so you know exactly how to respond when time is critical.
Start the Process with a Quick Consultation
Don’t wait for the next storm to get prepared. Contact us today to learn more about our storm shelter services and schedule a virtual walkthrough or submit your site details for a personalized quote.
In many cases, we can assess your space through photos, measurements, or a quick FaceTime call – making it easy to get started without delay.
