Page 26 Fall Home Improvement 2026 Lincoln Daily News your shelter against flooding, settling, or collapse. Clay soils can swell when wet and shrink when dry, putting pressure on the shelter walls; therefore, over-excavation and backfilling are necessary to create a protective cushion of gravel and sand. Sandy soils drain quickly but lack stability and require a wider, sloped excavation to prevent collapse, while rocky soil may require more heavy-duty tools to prepare the land for a shelter (USDA). OSHA and FEMA, along with the USDA, explain different safety requirements for different types of shelters and soils. The pit for an underground shelter is typically dug larger than the shelter’s outer dimensions to provide room to work, position anchors, and lay aggregate drainage and backfill. The ground at the base of the pit must also be leveled so the structure is not tilted or uneven, and sometimes a layer of stone or gravel is needed to stabilize the ground or facilitate drainage at the bottom of the shelter. Some shelters might even require a concrete slab or embedded concrete anchors. Once in position and appropriately anchored, backfilling is necessary. Backfill in 6-to-12-inch layers of gravel, sand, or soil mix, and compact each layer to prevent settling. Soil preparation is also necessary if you select an above-ground shelter. The shelter cannot rest on soil alone, and your standard patio slab is not suitable. You would first need to excavate the topsoil and vegetation down to undisturbed soil, then lay a specifically engineered concrete foundation (Steadfast Storm Shelters). The National Storm Shelter Association says shelters can cost as little as $ 3,000 and as much as $ 15,000. Budgeting for a storm shelter seems increasingly necessary as The Weather Channel says almost all Illinoisans have been within a 25-mile radius of a tornado this season, with the state’s count soaring to 210 confirmed tornadoes. It is unknown whether this year’s outbreak is an anomaly, but as the adage goes, better safe than sorry. If you are considering a storm shelter for your property, there are several local options to help you prepare your land for the shelter. Contact Reiners & Westen Construction or Thomas Excavating and Concrete to see if they can assist in preparing your storm shelter. [Joli Boerma Crane]
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