The Real Value of a Storm Shelter, Part 2: The Shift from Worried to Prepared
Before you had a tornado shelter, every storm warning probably carried some level of stress. You watched the radar a little too closely. You stayed up later than you wanted. You worried about having enough time to act. That constant low-level fear can wear on you. And maybe you didn’t even realize how much until […]
The Real Value of a Storm Shelter, Part 1: It Starts With the People You Love
Whether you’re protecting a house full of kids or living on your own, the decision to install a storm shelter usually starts with someone you care deeply about. Sometimes that person is your family. Sometimes it’s you. Either way, that decision comes from love — and that’s where the real value begins. It’s easy to […]
Ft. Sill Apache Storm Shelter Grant: Get Up to $6,000 for Above-Ground Shelter Installation
Severe weather is a fact of life in Oklahoma, but thanks to the Ft. Sill Apache Housing Authority’s Tribal Funded Storm Shelter Program, eligible tribal members can access up to $6,000 in funding to install a storm shelter at their primary residence. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re proud to assist Ft. Sill Apache tribal members in […]
How to Share Your Exact Location Using Apple or Google Maps
With so many new homes being built and rural properties popping up, it’s getting harder and harder to find some locations on a map. Even if you’ve given us your address, sometimes that’s not enough—especially if your home is in a brand-new development or in a rural area where maps aren’t always accurate. We ask […]
Should a Storm Shelter Door Swing In or Out?
We get this question multiple times a week: Should a storm shelter door swing in or out? or I see that your doors swing out, do I have the option for an inward swinging door? The short answer? An outward-swinging door is the safest and most reliable choice. Here’s why: 1. An Inward-Swinging Door Can […]
Gearing Up for Storm Season: How We Prepare & How You Can Too
Spring in Oklahoma means one thing—storm season is right around the corner! If you’re like us, you’re already thinking about tornado preparedness, storm shelter readiness, and how to keep your family safe when severe weather strikes. I think everybody is especially on edge about it after the last couple of years of wild weather we’ve […]
The Value of Storm Shelters at Campsites in Oklahoma
Our family loves to camp. There’s nothing quite like gathering around a fire, exploring Oklahoma’s natural beauty, and making lasting memories outdoors. But if you’ve camped here for any length of time, you know how quickly the weather can change—and one thing we’ve noticed over the years is that most campsites don’t have a storm […]
Win Big with TFCU’s Storm Shelter Loan Payoff Sweepstakes!
Spring storm season in Oklahoma is right around the corner, and if you’ve been thinking about adding a storm shelter to your home, now is the perfect time! Not only can a storm shelter provide safety and peace of mind for your family, but thanks to Tinker Federal Credit Union (TFCU), you could also have […]
Commercial Storm Shelters Oklahoma: Above-Ground Options for Businesses
If you run a business in Tornado Alley, you know how unpredictable Oklahoma weather can be. That’s why more companies are investing in commercial storm shelters in Oklahoma to protect their teams and operations. Tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flash storms can strike with little warning, threatening the safety of employees, customers, and operations. At Sprague’s […]
Why Our 7×9 Above Ground Storm Shelter Was 2024’s Top Pick in Oklahoma
As we wrap up 2024, we can’t help but take a moment to reflect on what a year it’s been. Between wild weather patterns, record demand, and a growing awareness of storm preparedness across the state, one thing became clear: safety matters more than ever — and Oklahomans are taking it seriously. Out of all […]
Storm Shelters for Chickasaw Nation Members: How to Use the Homeowner Preparedness Grant
If you’re a Chickasaw citizen looking to protect your home and family from severe weather, the Chickasaw Nation Homeowner Preparedness Grant can help you do just that. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we proudly work with Chickasaw Nation members across Oklahoma to install high-quality, FEMA-compliant storm shelters that meet both safety and grant requirements. This grant offers […]
Osage Nation Storm Shelter Grant: How to Apply for the New $5,000 Assistance Program
Big news for Osage Nation homeowners: the tribe has launched a brand-new Storm Shelter Assistance Program, offering up to $5,000 per qualifying adult to help cover the cost of a safe room or storm shelter. With Oklahoma’s storm season in full swing, now is the perfect time to apply. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re proud to […]
Do Above Ground Storm Shelters Work in Oklahoma? Here’s What to Know
In Oklahoma, where severe weather is part of life, many homeowners are asking the same question: Do above ground storm shelters really work? It’s a fair question—and an important one. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we specialize in above ground storm shelters in Oklahoma that are strong, accessible, and reliable. And we’re not just saying that—we use […]
Choctaw Nation Storm Shelter Grant: How to Qualify for Up to $5,000 in Assistance
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re honored to partner with Choctaw Nation members to provide high-quality, FEMA-rated storm shelters. Thanks to the Choctaw Nation Storm Shelter Grant, eligible homeowners may receive up to $5,000 in funding to secure a shelter and protect their families from severe weather. Who Can Apply for the Choctaw Nation Storm Shelter Grant? […]
The Science Behind Tornado Shelter Testing
When you live in Oklahoma, you get used to watching the skies. But when those skies turn dark and warnings roll in, the one thing that matters most is knowing you have a safe place to go. That’s why tornado shelter testing isn’t just a technical detail—it’s a life-saving science. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’re committed […]
Oklahoma Tornado Outbreak: April 2023
When storms barrel across Oklahoma, they don’t always give you time to prepare—and April 2023 proved that once again. On the evening of April 19, a severe weather system moved across central Oklahoma, producing up to a dozen tornadoes. Tragically, two lives were lost, and many more were injured. The storms left behind widespread destruction, […]
How to Clean a Storm Shelter: 6 Easy Tips for Oklahoma Homeowners
Your storm shelter is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make for your home—and keeping it clean is an essential part of making sure it’s ready when you need it most. With peak storm season approaching here in Oklahoma, now’s the perfect time to check in and give your shelter a little attention. […]
Not Sure Which Storm Shelter You Need? Take Our Quiz!
If you live in Oklahoma, you already know how unpredictable our weather can be—especially in spring and early summer. When the skies turn dark, you want a plan in place—and a storm shelter that’s easy to access, sized for your family, and ready when you need it. But with so many options, how do you […]
Do Storm Shelters Add Value to a Home in Oklahoma?
Oklahoma sits at the heart of Tornado Alley, making storm safety a top priority for homeowners. With severe weather being a regular threat, many people ask: Do storm shelters add value to a home in Oklahoma? The short answer is yes—but let’s break down how and why. How Much Does a Storm Shelter Cost to […]
Above Ground vs Below Ground Storm Shelters: Which Is Right for You?
When it comes to protecting your family during severe weather, choosing the right shelter is critical—especially in Oklahoma, where tornadoes are a yearly threat. In this guide, we’ll compare above ground vs below ground storm shelters, focusing on precast concrete options, so you can decide which one is best for your home, your budget, and […]
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 […]
Can Above Ground Storm Shelters Survive F5 Tornadoes?
When it comes to Oklahoma’s weather, few questions come up more often than this: Can above ground storm shelters really withstand an F5 tornado? It’s a fair question—and an important one. Whether you’re thinking about installing a storm shelter for the first time or simply exploring your options, understanding how these shelters are engineered and […]
The Importance of Storm Shelters in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is no stranger to extreme weather. From powerful thunderstorms to frequent tornadoes, the state experiences severe weather conditions year after year—especially in the spring and early summer months. While many Oklahomans are accustomed to storm season, it’s important to remember that no two storms are the same. Preparing ahead of time can make a […]
Easy Access Storm Shelter: A Great Below Ground Option for Oklahoma Families
While above ground storm shelters are becoming the go-to choice for many Oklahoma families due to their accessibility and fast entry, we know that some people still prefer to be underground during severe weather—and we respect that. For those who want the security of a below ground shelter, but need easier access than traditional models […]
How to Prepare for Severe Weather in Oklahoma with a Storm Shelter
Living in Oklahoma means learning to expect the unexpected—especially when it comes to the weather. Tornadoes, high winds, and severe thunderstorms can strike with little warning, which makes preparedness essential for protecting your family. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we help Oklahomans prepare for storm season by offering high-quality precast concrete storm shelters—but having a shelter is […]
How to Choose the Right Storm Shelter Size and Location in Oklahoma
If you’re installing a storm shelter in Oklahoma, two of the biggest questions are: What size do I need? Where should I put it in my yard? As one of the top-rated storm shelter installers in Oklahoma, we’ve helped thousands of families answer both. Here’s what we recommend when choosing the right size and location […]
Storm Shelter Installation in Oklahoma: What to Expect
In Oklahoma, tornadoes and severe storms are a reality—and having a storm shelter is one of the best ways to protect your family and gain peace of mind. But if you’ve never installed one before, the process can feel overwhelming at first. Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’ve helped thousands of Oklahoma […]
Tuttle Storm Shelter Rebate Program: Awardees Announced
📌 Update (2025) This post was originally published when we lived in Tuttle and the FEMA storm shelter rebate awardees were just announced. Many Tuttle residents found this helpful at the time, and it still serves as a great example of how local rebate programs work. If you’re looking for current opportunities, check out our […]
EPRO Coating: Extra Protection for Your Below Ground Storm Shelter
At Sprague’s Backhoe, we believe every detail matters—especially when it comes to something as important as a storm shelter. That’s why most of our below ground storm shelters in Oklahoma now include EPRO coating at no additional cost. What Is EPRO? EPRO is a water-resistant coating applied to the underside of our precast concrete storm […]
Oklahoma Storm Shelter Grants & Rebates: How to Qualify, Apply, and Get Installed
Oklahoma homeowners know how unpredictable our weather can be. With tornado season bringing real risks each year, a storm shelter isn’t just a smart investment—it can be life-saving. But what if you could get one for half the price—or even free? Thanks to Oklahoma storm shelter grants and rebate programs, many families have been able […]
Newcastle Storm Shelter Rebate Awardees: What to Do Next
🌪️ Newcastle Storm Shelter Rebate Awardees: What to Do Next If you were selected for the City of Newcastle’s FEMA-funded storm shelter rebate program, congratulations! This is a big step toward protecting your family during Oklahoma’s severe weather season—and we’re here to help you make the most of it. At Sprague’s Backhoe, we’ve worked with […]
Tuttle Safe Room Rebate Program Announced in 2017
📌 Update (2025):We’ve heard from so many Tuttle residents who found this blog post helpful when the 2017 safe room rebate program was announced. If you’re looking for current rebate opportunities, check out our updated post: Storm Shelter Grants & Rebates 🗓️ TEM Announces 2017 Safe Room Rebate Program Tuttle Emergency Management has announced a […]
Why Concrete Above Ground Tornado Shelters Are the Smartest Choice for Oklahoma Families
When ominous clouds roll in and tornado sirens begin to sound, nothing matters more than knowing your family has a safe place to go. With so many options on the market, choosing the right tornado shelter can feel overwhelming. If you’re wondering which type of storm shelter is best, we’re here to make the case […]
How to Choose a Storm Shelter Company in Oklahoma: 5 Must-Know Tips
March in Oklahoma means one thing: springtime and storm season are officially here. If you’ve been considering a storm shelter, now is the time to do your homework and find a company you can trust. Not all storm shelters—or their installers—are created equal, and unfortunately, scams often occur after severe storms hit our state. Below […]