How Can I Write Off My Storm Shelter?
When you hear about a storm, you might think of going to an interior room in your home or maybe even the cellar. These areas can be safer in some situations, but they are not designed to withstand the wind-driven debris that is often found during severe weather.
It is a good idea to consider having a storm shelter installed at your home to protect you and your family in the event of a tornado. This will help provide you with a sense of peace of mind and may save your life in the future.
If you decide to purchase a storm shelter, it is important to find out about all of the different types of shelters on the market. You should also find out what kind of safety testing has been done on the shelter that you plan to buy.
One way to determine if the shelter you want to buy has been tested is to look at the manufacturer website. Many of them will have a link to videos of their products being tested. These will give you a good indication of what kind of performance the shelter will have in a real tornado situation.
Another important thing to consider is the type of material that the shelter is made from. You should choose a product that is made from strong, durable materials such as fiberglass, steel, or concrete. The more robust the material, the more likely it will be able to withstand the stress of a tornado.
The shelter should also be well-ventilated and have good air circulation. This will reduce the risk of mold and mildew developing in the structure, which is a common problem in some shelters.
Keep a First Aid Kit in Your Shelter
A first aid kit is a great way to ensure your family will be able to take care of any injuries that occur during a disaster. The shelter should be stocked with plenty of medical supplies such as bandages, antibiotics, and ibuprofen.
It is also a good idea to make sure you have spare prescription medicines in your shelter as well. These are important for people who need to use them regularly and who might not be able to get out of the house during a disaster.
You should also have a list of emergency phone numbers handy in your shelter so that you can call them if needed. This will help you communicate with your family during a disaster.
If your family is large and you have a lot of children, you might want to have a second shelter in another part of the yard or property. This way, if the first shelter is destroyed in a tornado, you still have a place for your kids to hide while you try to repair it.
There are several programs in your area that offer tax credits to homeowners who install storm shelters. Some of these programs are run by your local government, but others are financed through the Federal government. The state of Alabama has a program that offers up to $3,000 in tax credits to those who install a FEMA-approved shelter. This is an opportunity that you should take advantage of as soon as possible if you have been thinking about getting a shelter in your home.
