Storm Shelter

    We have lived in Tennessee for 6 years now and still didn't have a storm shelter. I have been telling Dave for years that I want one and if he wants to keep traveling for work he had to get me one. So in true Dave style he decided he would make his own and save a few thousand dollars. The day after Christmas he got started. He thought since he had a week off of work he could get it knocked out. He moved our bed into the living room, since that's where I had been spending most of my time, it worked out great. He pulled back the carpet and started a welding shop in our room. He was so excited to get to use his welder. He did a great job building it and we/ I feel safer having a place to go when the weather gets bad instead of my closet. The boys love getting to sleep in there, they love watching movies mostly. Dave was able to finish it in a few weeks. After 2 weeks he had to go out of town for the week so we were left with a half finished room for a while but he was able to finish it and get our room back together soon after. He did such a good job. I really love having it. 

     Getting ready to weld the frame in place.

   Dave and Chad Ross making sure it is level.

   This is how our room looked for weeks. Dave put the wood there so the welding splatter wouldn't get on our carpet or my treadmill.

    The frame. It's steel tubing.

   Half way framed in.

   Dave put 1/4 steel plating around the frame. We decided not to use 3/4 because I'm really not concerned about it being bullet proof...I don't think.

       All welded and put in place.

    It's big. It it 5 ft by 6 ft.

   Framing it in. As much as we want a metal box in our room, it needs to be covered.

   The door.

     Putting the sheet rock up.

   Dave and Sam hiding. Logan was to scared to get up there and check it out.

    Almost done....2 weeks later.

   Dave anchored it down with 10 epoxy anchors. These are the screws he put in with the epoxy.

   All ready for paint.

All painted. Dave really did such a job. He is so handy, I'm so glad I get him forever.