We get this question a lot:
“Why would anyone want to remove a storm shelter in Oklahoma?”
Here’s the short answer:
Storm shelters don’t last forever—especially older ones that no longer meet current FEMA guidelines. And over time, they can become more of a hazard than a help.
We’ve removed dozens of outdated or unsafe shelters across Oklahoma, and in this post, we’re walking you through why some homeowners choose to remove their shelters and how the process works.
Why Would You Remove a Storm Shelter?
There are a few common reasons homeowners call us to remove old storm shelters:
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It’s collapsing and unsafe to use
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It’s full of standing water and attracting mosquitoes
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It’s in the way of future plans (like a shop, garage, or patio)
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It’s a homemade or outdated shelter that doesn’t feel safe to enter anymore
💡 Bonus: Many of our customers install a new shelter the same day to avoid going without protection. We’ll help you plan both installs and removals together if needed.
How We Remove Storm Shelters
We’ve removed all types of shelters—from pre-FEMA concrete boxes to mystery holes in the yard—and while some are more difficult than others, we’ve never found one we couldn’t handle.
Here’s how our removal process works:
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We call OKIE811 first.
Even if we’re not digging a new hole, we always check for underground utility lines. -
We bring the right equipment.
Some shelters are partially collapsed, others are buried deeper than expected—but we’re always prepared. -
We demolish or extract the shelter.
Depending on the type and condition of the shelter, we’ll either remove it in one piece or carefully break it up and haul it off. -
We backfill and clean up.
Once the shelter is out, we finish with dirt work to fill the hole and level the area. In many cases, you won’t even be able to tell a shelter was ever there.
⏱️ Most removals take 5–8 hours, but tough terrain or large shelters can occasionally stretch the job into a two-day project.
storm shelter demos
Storm Shelter Removal and Demolition
From collapsing concrete to backyard eyesores, we’ve safely removed all kinds of outdated storm shelters across Oklahoma. Browse before-and-after photos and behind-the-scenes shots of our removal process to see just how clean and efficient a storm shelter demo can be. Whether you’re planning a replacement or just need it gone, we’re here to help make it disappear.
Considering a Shelter Replacement?
We offer a full lineup of precast concrete storm shelters, including:
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Financing Options to help spread out the cost
Final Thoughts
If you have an old, unsafe, or no-longer-needed shelter taking up space, you don’t have to live with it. We’re happy to talk through your options and schedule a removal—or coordinate a new install at the same time.
📞 Contact us today to get started.
📷 Want more examples? View our full gallery of installs and removals.
