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Above Ground Storm Shelters in Oklahoma: A Practical Guide for Families

When you live in the heart of Tornado Alley, protecting your family from Oklahoma’s unpredictable weather is more than a good idea—it’s essential. And when it comes to reliable storm protection, above ground storm shelters in Oklahoma are a smart, family-friendly option that’s both accessible and practical.

At Sprague’s Backhoe, we don’t just install storm shelters—we trust them ourselves. In fact, we have an above ground shelter installed for our own family. That peace of mind is something we want to share with yours, and in this guide, we’ll walk you through the real-life benefits of choosing an above ground shelter for your home.


Why Families Choose Above Ground Storm Shelters

There’s a common misconception that above ground shelters are only for people with mobility challenges—but in reality, they offer advantages that make sense for households of all types.

  • No stairs or ladders

  • Close to your home’s entrance

  • Fast access for parents, kids, and pets

  • Low visual impact and flexible placement

They’re designed for real families who want protection that’s as accessible as it is dependable.


Minimal Disruption to Your Property

One of the top reasons people choose above ground storm shelters in Oklahoma is that they’re less invasive to install than below-ground options. There’s no excavation, no torn-up landscaping, and far less disruption to your daily life.

In most cases, these shelters can be placed on gravel driveways, yards, or open areas with clear access—making them perfect for homeowners who care about preserving the look and layout of their property.

💡 Installation is often faster than you might expect.


Practical and Secure Storage Space

Your shelter isn’t just for storms—it can double as secure storage for emergency supplies, seasonal items, or outdoor gear. Many families keep:

  • First aid kits and bottled water

  • Camping gear and tools

  • Holiday decorations or gardening supplies

Need extra security? You can put a padlock on your door to safely store valuables year-round.


Built for Quick, Safe Access

When the skies turn dark, every second counts. Above ground shelters are just steps away—no running across the yard or climbing down a tight entryway.

For parents, that means:

  • Gathering children and pets quickly

  • Avoiding the scramble to find a flashlight and navigate stairs

  • Feeling confident you can get everyone inside safely

Their user-friendly design also means doors are easy to open and close quickly—even in a rush.


Engineered Strength You Can Trust

There’s a myth that below-ground shelters are stronger, but above ground storm shelters in Oklahoma are built to the same high standards.

Our shelters are:

  • Designed by structural engineers and manufactured to exceed FEMA guidelines

  • Anchored securely to resist high winds and flying debris

Plus, because they’re above the water table, you don’t have to worry about water trickling inside during heavy rain or flash flood events.


Why We Stand Behind Them

At Sprague’s Backhoe, we install only the shelters we’d trust for our own family—and that’s exactly what we do. We believe so strongly in our above ground shelters that we’ve chosen one for our own home. The safety, simplicity, and peace of mind they provide make them a standout solution for Oklahoma families.

7x9 above ground storm cellar
Our 7×9 above ground storm shelter

Take the Next Step Toward Peace of Mind

Living in Oklahoma means expecting the unexpected when it comes to weather. With an above ground storm shelter, you can rest easier knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.

📷 Want to see how they look installed? View our storm shelter gallery here

📞 Contact us to learn more about pricing, placement, and installation timelines.

You’ve got enough to worry about—let’s take storm prep off your plate.

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Sprague's Backhoe

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Installation & Service Area Info

We proudly install storm shelters across Oklahoma only — we do not travel to other states, and we’re unable to make exceptions — but there are a few things to know:

  • Above ground shelter installations over 60 miles from our office in Bridge Creek may include a delivery charge.

  • Below ground shelter installations are typically limited to a 60-mile radius, though we occasionally go a bit farther with an additional fee.

  • We do not install or remove storm shelters inside garages.

➡️ Please check our Service Area page for more details about where we travel.

Have questions? Call or text us anytime — we’re happy to help!