Page 25 Fall Home Improvement 2026 Lincoln Daily News While Illinois’ primary tornado season of April through June has passed, there is sometimes a surge in storms in the fall and even late winter spikes from February to March. This year, Illinois shattered its tornado record before summer’s end. Protecting your family is a priority, and this fall might be a good time to invest in a tornado shelter if your home does not have a basement. There are many things to consider when preparing to invest in a storm shelter for your home. Consider your family's mobility needs, family size, and the shelter's location. The first thing to consider is the type of tornado shelter you want. Options include underground and above-ground shelters, and they can be made of several different materials. Underground shelters are typically the safest, but they can pose accessibility issues because they require steep steps to descend. Young children, older people, pets, and those with limited mobility might not be able to access the storm shelter, so you might consider an above-ground option. Some underground shelters are also installed in garage floors and in some cases, you may have to move your vehicle out of the way to access the shelter. While this might not seem like a big deal now, every second counts when a tornado is on the ground and headed your way. If this option is best for you, watch the weather report and stay prepared. Aboveground shelters are another option. Some shelters are installed inside a garage like an above-ground safe room and are bolted to the concrete floor. Other shelters are installed outside and either bolted to a concrete pad or anchored into the ground. The National Storm Shelter Association says that it is the “engineering designs and materials that dictate the safety a shelter can provide” and that “there are very effective below and above ground shelters.” If you must access your shelter by going outdoors, it is recommended that you go out well before the bad weather strikes to avoid lightning, hail, or blowing debris. For shelters outside the home, the National Storm Shelter Association requires them to be no more than 150 feet from the main residence. With that requirement, you must also consider the location of anything that could fall on the shelter, like power lines, poles, or trees. This applies to -above- and below-ground shelters, and you may want to store tools necessary for escape in the shelter. Air quality while in the shelter is also important to consider. If you are in a small space with several people for a prolonged period, ensure the shelter has proper ventilation. Another thing to consider is the shelter's occupancy. The National Storm Shelter Association recommends three to five square feet per person in your family, accounting for pets, mobility aids, necessary tools, and storage for your survival kit. Preparing the soil and ground if you choose an outdoor shelter is a major step. First, identify gas, electric, water, sewer, and fiber optic lines. OSHA has guidelines in place for contacting utility owners before digging underground. 811 is also a resource you can use to locate underground lines. However, 811 only marks lines up to the meter and covers only the public side. After you identify all necessary utility lines, the next step is to prepare the soil properly. Different soil types require different preparation methods, and you want to protect
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