Ed Bohn of the Paulding County EMA was able to get a real storm shelter in time to demonstrate for the Paulding County Fair. Tornadoes have struck close in Dayton and Celina, doing heavy damage. This area is has had notorious storms in the last few years and there is no reason to take a chance with lives when these portable facilities are available.
Simply put, they are a tank that you bury in the ground that has a ladder to climb in and out and then has a lid that can be locked from the inside until the dangerous storms have passed. This is not necessarily for people that have basements or other safe havens, but specifically for people who need it on their property when they don’t have time to go to other places.
The model pictured is made in Ohio and is made of a heavy plastic polymer that is buried in the ground. It is water tight and can hold up to six adults safely. This unit has a fresh air vent where water cannot enter. It’s also designed for a 2 hour occupancy of up to 6 people. The EMA is not selling these, but they are promoting the concept to save lives during natural disasters.
There are also rebates provided by Ohio that take place between January and March. Though, if the shelter is purchased outside of these months, the rebate can still be claimed the next year within these months.
For more information of these types of safety shelters, contact Ed Bohn at 419-399-3500
