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 homeowners and businesses through the storm shelter installation process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you understand what to expect, from start to finish.

Step 1: Choose the Right Storm Shelter

Your first step is deciding which type of shelter is best for your needs. We install precast concrete storm shelters, both above ground and below ground, all engineered to exceed FEMA standards.

When choosing a shelter, consider:

• Your property layout

• Accessibility needs (especially for kids, pets, or elderly family members)

• Budget and preferred size

• Whether you prefer to be above ground or below during a storm

💡 Explore our Above Ground Storm Shelters
💡 Explore our Below Ground Storm Shelters

Step 2: Schedule & Permit Prep

Once you’ve chosen a shelter, we’ll get your install scheduled. Most cities in Oklahoma require a storm shelter permit, and requirements can vary depending on where you live.

While homeowners typically pull their own permits, we make it easy by providing:

• A stamped engineer drawing

• Site advice, if needed

• Guidance on what your city may ask for

📝 Learn how to get your storm shelter permit here

Step 3: Installation Day

Install day is quick and easy—most shelters are installed in about 3 hours.

We’ll:

• Arrive with the shelter

• Carefully prep your site

• Place and anchor your shelter

• Clean up the area before we leave

There’s no deposit required, and payment is due in full at installation.

📸 Want to see real installations? Check out our gallery.

Step 4: Register Your Shelter

After installation, it’s important to register your shelter with your local emergency management agency. This helps first responders locate you in the event of severe weather or a rescue situation.

Each city and county handles registration a little differently, so be sure to check with your local agency.

🗂️ Here’s how to register your storm shelter in Oklahoma.

We’re With You at Every Step

Installing a storm shelter doesn’t have to be complicated. Our team is here to make the process smooth, transparent, and stress-free—from your first call to the final install.

Have questions?
📞 Contact us here or check out our FAQ section for more information.

✅ Want to see more storm shelter tips and guides?

🌀 Visit our blog for resources on choosing the right shelter, grant programs, maintenance tips, and more.

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