Storm shelters: types, standards and installer checks
A home storm shelter in Oklahoma is usually one of three things: an underground shelter buried in the yard, an underground shelter set into the garage floor, or an above-ground safe room inside or next to the house. The right one depends on four things: how easily you can reach it, the space in your garage, whether your lot is in a floodplain, and your budget.
Three common types
- Outdoor underground shelter. A concrete or steel unit buried in the yard. A 6×8 to 7×10 ft shelter costs $4,200–$5,650 installed, digging included, on two Oklahoma installers’ 2026 price lists. Where it can go depends on setbacks (required distances from property lines) and utility easements (strips of land kept for utility lines). The installer should check both before choosing the spot.
- In-garage underground shelter. Set into the garage slab, so you reach it without going outside. Equipment clearances can apply. For example, Moore’s permit requires clear working space in front of electrical panels, water heaters and HVAC equipment.
- Above-ground safe room. A steel or concrete room anchored indoors or outdoors. Published models rated for 9–16 people cost $6,250–$8,000 installed on the same two price lists. In a floodplain, SoonerSafe does not fund a below-ground safe room. An above-ground one may qualify.
The Oklahoma storm shelter cost guide compares installed and unit-only prices for every type.
Standards and installer credentials
The SoonerSafe FAQ lists three criteria for safe rooms that qualify for the rebate: FEMA P-320, FEMA P-361 and ICC 500. FEMA publishes the design guidance, and ICC 500 is the code standard. Under SoonerSafe, the installer signs a Certificate of Installation, which goes to Oklahoma Emergency Management. Ask any installer which standard the unit is built to and who signs for it.
Oklahoma’s Construction Industries Board does not license storm-shelter installers. Cities can set their own contractor and permit rules. Ask the installer who will do any wiring for lights or outlets. Have it confirm any city license and permit needed for your address.
Local rules by city
Permits, fees and shelter registries differ from city to city. See the pages for Bartlesville, Bethany, Broken Arrow, Choctaw, Claremore, Del City, Edmond, Lawton, Moore, Mustang, Norman, Oklahoma City, Sapulpa, Shawnee, Tulsa and Yukon.
Get a price for your home
Your quote request goes to a local installer that serves your area. When it looks at your garage or yard, ask it to recommend a type that fits and to handle the city permit. Ask for an itemized price that names the standard the unit is built to. It should list each of these on its own line:
- the unit
- installation
- delivery
- any permit fee
Browse by state
Sources
- SoonerSafe Frequently Asked Questions (Oklahoma Emergency Management)
- Frequently Asked Questions (Oklahoma Construction Industries Board)
- Oklahoma Below-Ground Storm Shelters (Sprague's Backhoe)
- Oklahoma Above-Ground Storm Shelters (Sprague's Backhoe)
- Storm Shelters (CM Construction)
- Residential Storm Shelters (Survive-a-Storm)
- Storm Shelter Permit Application (City of Moore)