What it is
A storm shelter or safe room is a small, very strong space built to protect people from tornadoes and severe wind. Shelters can go underground (in the yard or garage floor) or above ground (often in a garage or inside the house).
Look for shelters built and tested to the ICC 500 standard and FEMA safe room guidance. FEMA explains the standards at fema.gov. Ask which lab did the testing: compliance testing is now offered by labs such as ICC-ES, Intertek, and UL. Texas Tech's debris impact lab no longer offers compliance testing (Texas Tech), so older paperwork may name it.
Some states and counties have offered rebates through FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance or state programs. These open and close, so check with your state emergency management office.
After a storm, power can be out for days. A standby generator keeps the well pump and essentials running.
Typical costs
National ranges from published cost guides. Your price depends on your land, your area, and the job. These are not quotes.
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Storm shelter, typical | $2,892 – $13,281 (about $7,643 average) | Angi |
| In-ground shelter | $4,200 – $30,000 | Angi |
| Above-ground shelter | $2,600 – $15,000 | Angi |
| Safe room | $3,000 – $10,000 | Angi |
Sources checked October 2026. Get at least two or three written quotes.
What workers in this trade earn in rural areas
This is worker pay (hourly wages), not what a job costs you. It helps contractors set fair crew pay and helps landowners see why labor is part of a quote.
| Job (BLS name) | U.S. median | Rural areas: lowest to highest median |
|---|---|---|
| Cement masons & concrete finishers SOC 47-2051 | $27.41/hr | $17.54 (Southeast Alabama) to $45.08 (Alaska) 120 rural areas in the 50 states publish this job |
| Construction laborers SOC 47-2061 | $22.66/hr | $15.14 (Northeast Alabama) to $31.45 (Hawaii / Kauai) 134 rural areas in the 50 states publish this job |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, "Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area" table (nonmetropolitan area file) and national table. Area definitions: BLS OEWS area definitions. Pulled 2026-10-27. "Rural areas" means the BLS nonmetropolitan areas in the 50 states (territories are listed on the pay page). See pay for your rural area.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Is this shelter tested to ICC 500? Which lab tested it, and can I see the report?
- How is it anchored? Will you check for water-table or flooding problems for in-ground units?
- How many people does it hold? (FEMA: at least 3 sq ft of usable floor per person for a tornado safe room at a one- or two-family home, 7 sq ft for a hurricane safe room.)
- Is the door easy to open from inside, and can it be opened if debris lands on it?
- Is a permit needed? Who gets it?
- Do you know of any rebate programs open in my area?
Printable checklist for storm shelters · Glossary
Storm shelter guides
- State shelter rebates and tax credits: get approved before you install
- What "certified" means: ICC 500, FEMA safe rooms, and NSSA
- Shelter types and prices compared
- How big, and which type fits my home?
- Options for mobile home owners
- Register your shelter so rescuers can find you
FAQ
How big should a home storm shelter be?
FEMA sets a minimum of 3 square feet of usable floor area per person for a tornado safe room at a one- or two-family home (5 square feet for other residences) and 7 square feet per person for a hurricane safe room (FEMA). Usable area leaves out space taken by fixtures and benches. Plan for everyone in the household, plus guests.
In-ground or above-ground?
In-ground shelters can work well where the ground is dry. Above-ground safe rooms suit high water tables and are easier to reach for people who cannot use stairs. Both can meet FEMA and ICC 500 standards.
Are there rebates?
Sometimes. Programs funded through FEMA Hazard Mitigation Assistance come and go by state and year. Check your state emergency management office before you buy.