We get asked this question a lot:
“Can I use my storm shelter as a root cellar?”
And honestly—there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. While some of our customers have found creative ways to store food in their storm shelters, others have run into a few challenges. So, we asked our community on Facebook, and the responses were both practical and eye-opening.
Here’s what fellow Oklahomans had to say about turning their storm shelter into a food storage space:
🥔 Real-Life Experiences: What Works (and What Doesn’t)
“Canned Goods Work Well”
Several people said they’ve had no issues storing mason jars and canned goods in their storm shelter. However, they noted that humidity can cause the metal rings to rust over time, so rotating stock and using airtight bins might help.
“Moisture Is Tricky”
One user said they store wheat berries in mylar bags, but the moisture inside the shelter tends to build up. They suggested using a fan or silica packs to help with humidity.
“Sweet Potatoes Survived the Winter”
A surprisingly popular choice! One commenter successfully stored sweet potatoes through winter and into spring. Just be warned—another person mentioned that mice found their way into a wheel of waxed cheese.
“Root Vegetables Need More Ventilation”
Someone with experience in food preservation pointed out that typical root cellar conditions (50–55°F with good airflow) can be hard to maintain in a standard storm shelter. The vents on most shelters just aren’t designed for off-gassing or humidity control.
“Raw Veggies? Not So Great.”
While canned goods seemed to do fine, vegetables like carrots and potatoes spoiled faster than expected. A few people said they got better results storing produce under their trailers!
🧠 Key Things to Consider
If you’re thinking about turning your storm shelter into a root cellar, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
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Temperature Fluctuations: Root cellars thrive on consistent cool temps (32–55°F). Shelters often get too warm, especially in Oklahoma summers.
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Humidity Levels: High humidity can cause mold, rust, and spoilage. Use ventilation, desiccants, or dehumidifiers to help manage moisture.
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Airflow: Root veggies release gases as they ripen. Without proper ventilation, the air can become stale and spoil food faster.
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Rodent Control: One user found mice in their stored cheese—so make sure everything is sealed tightly in food-grade buckets or mylar bags.
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Safe Storage Options: Canned goods, grains, and mylar-stored foods tend to hold up best.
🏡 Our Take
As an Oklahoma-based storm shelter installer, we don’t officially sell our shelters as root cellars—but we love hearing how people are getting creative! Just remember that our below-ground storm shelters are designed for tornado protection first and foremost. If you’re using yours for food storage, it’s best to monitor humidity and temperature levels regularly and store food accordingly.
Looking for a shelter with easier access for food storage? Our Easy Access Storm Shelter and our 7×10 Jumbo Slope Front are both customer favorites.
💬 Tell Us What You Think
Have you tried using your shelter as a root cellar? Let us know what worked (or didn’t) for you! We’d love to hear your experiences and tips. Just send us a message or tag us on Facebook or Instagram.
