[Publius6961]

Not having ever lived in tornado county, I have what may seem like a stupid question. All my life I have heard of "storm cellars." Are these universally effective?
If they are, why doesn't everyone have one?

A simpler question : is there such a thing as an underground shelter that works every time?

[saleman]

“A simpler question : is there such a thing as an underground shelter that works every time?”

As far as I know there is nothing that “works every time” but shelters are pretty much as foolproof as you can get.

Why doesn’t everyone have one? Cost mostly. And, in most tornados an interior closet, basement, bathroom etc. will be enough to keep you alive.

This was a series of very unusual storms. The tornados stayed on the ground an unprecedented time for this area. And, they were extremly strong. There was plenty of warning, but the usual “safe place” is not safe anymore. If an F-5 hits a home then the best thing to do is put your head between your legs. And kiss your ass goodby!

[Alas Babylon!]

One of the problems that can happen with a underground storm shelter is the door being blocked by debris like tree limbs, cars and other vehicles; big pieces of debris that might be too heavy to move. My advise is to put a large 4,000 pound or greater jack in the shelter with some big wood blocks. A heavy crow bar, axe, etc also.

They make reinforced steel above ground shelters that can be built into your home and bolt onto a cement slab: