Oklahoma Storm Shelters & Safe Rooms | Sprague's Backhoe
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Storm Shelter Installation in Oklahoma
Protect your Oklahoma family with professional storm shelter installation from Sprague’s Backhoe. We install above ground storm shelters statewide throughout Oklahoma and below ground shelters within ~30 miles of Bridge Creek. Every shelter meets FEMA guidelines for tornado protection. Since 2013, we’ve served Oklahoma families with quality installation, transparent pricing, and over 20 years of combined experience.
OKLAHOMA storm shelters
Storm Shelters
& Safe Rooms
We install storm shelters across Oklahoma with service options tailored to your location and needs. Above ground shelters are available statewide with delivery throughout Oklahoma. Below ground shelters are installed within ~30 miles of Bridge Creek with professional excavation and site preparation. From small families to large groups, we have shelter sizes and styles to protect everyone.
Above Ground Storm Shelters
Ground-level storm shelters with no stairs to navigate during emergencies. Perfect for families with young children, elderly members, or anyone with mobility concerns. Installed statewide throughout Oklahoma with professional delivery and setup. Meets FEMA 320 & 361 guidelines.
Sizes available: 5×7 (up to 9 people), 6×8 (up to 12 people), 7×9 (14-16 people).
Below Ground Storm Shelters
Underground storm protection installed within ~30 miles of Bridge Creek, Oklahoma. Professional excavation, site preparation, and installation included.
Available in multiple configurations: Easy Access (wider steps, double handrails), 7×10 Jumbo (14-16 people), and 6×8 options. Meets FEMA 320 & ICC 500 guidelines.
Above Ground vs Below Ground: Which Storm Shelter Is Right For You?
Both shelter types meet FEMA 320 & 361 guidelines and provide equal tornado protection. Here’s how they differ:
Do you have mobility concerns or young children?
Above Ground: Ground-level entry with no stairs
Below Ground: Requires stairs (Easy Access model has wider steps and double handrails)
Where is your property located?
Above Ground: Available statewide throughout Oklahoma
Below Ground: Installed within ~30 miles of Bridge Creek, Oklahoma
What's your property setup?
Above Ground: Needs 10' wide clearance, installed on ground surface
Below Ground: Requires extra space for excavation
How many people need protection?
Above Ground: 9-16 people (depending on size: 5x7, 6x8, or 7x9)
Below Ground: 8-16 people (Easy Access, standard 6x8, or 7x10 Jumbo)
What about installation?
Above Ground: Complete delivery and ground anchoring (~2 hours)
Below Ground: Excavation, placement, and backfill included (3-4 hours)
What's the warranty coverage?
Above Ground: 5-year limited manufacturer warranty (fewer potential issues with above-ground installation)
Below Ground: 10-year limited manufacturer warranty (longer coverage due to underground exposure to soil moisture and shifting)
Not Sure Which Storm Shelter Is Right For Your Oklahoma Property?
Our quick 5-question quiz helps you choose between above ground and below ground shelters based on your location, property access, family needs, and budget. Get a personalized recommendation in under 2 minutes.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Storm Shelters and Safe Rooms
Do you need a storm shelter in Oklahoma?
Whether you need a storm shelter depends on your family’s needs and risk tolerance. Oklahoma averages 50+ tornadoes annually, with Tornado Alley running directly through central Oklahoma. If your home doesn’t have a basement or safe room, a FEMA-compliant storm shelter provides life-saving protection during severe weather. We recommend assessing your home’s location, access to nearby shelters, and your comfort level during tornado warnings to make the best decision for your family’s safety.
What are the benefits of installing a precast storm shelter?
Precast storm shelters offer several advantages over custom-built options. They’re manufactured in controlled conditions ensuring consistent quality and FEMA compliance, then delivered as complete one-piece units. This makes precast shelters more affordable than custom construction while maintaining the same safety standards. Installation is faster (3-4 hours for below ground, similar for above ground setup), and many precast models feature decorative finishes that enhance your property’s appearance. Sprague’s Backhoe exclusively installs precast shelters manufactured in Oklahoma.
What is the recommended occupancy for precast tornado shelters?
Occupancy varies by shelter size and design. Our precast storm shelters range from 8 to 16 people depending on the model you choose. Above ground options include 5×7 (up to 9 people), 6×8 (up to 12 people), and 7×9 (14-16 people). Below ground options include Easy Access 6×8 (8-10 people) and 7×10 Jumbo (14-16 people). We’ll help you select the right size based on your household size plus room for pets, elderly family members, or neighbors who may need shelter during emergencies.
How long does it take to install a storm shelter?
Installation time depends on shelter type.
Above ground storm shelters typically install in ~2 hours including delivery, ground anchoring, and site preparation.
Below ground storm shelters take 3-4 hours from start to finish including excavation, shelter placement, backfill, and final grading. Weather conditions and soil type can affect timing.
We schedule installations Monday through Friday and work efficiently to minimize disruption to your property while ensuring proper installation that meets FEMA guidelines.
Do you help with tribal storm shelter grant programs?
Yes! Sprague’s Backhoe works with multiple tribal nations that offer storm shelter grant programs for eligible members. We have experience assisting customers with grants from Chickasaw Nation, Choctaw Nation, Delaware Nation, and Fort Sill Apache Tribe. These programs can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs for storm shelter installation. We provide all the documentation your tribal grant coordinator needs including shelter specifications, installation details, and pricing. Call (405) 600-4905 to discuss your tribal membership and we’ll help you navigate the grant application process.
Where should a storm shelter be installed on my property?
Storm shelters should be installed close to your home for fast emergency access during tornado warnings. For above ground shelters, we need 10 feet of width clearance, 14 feet of height for delivery, plus 4 additional feet on sides and back and 25′ of height clearance to set your storm shelter off the truck. We assess your property during the free consultation to find the safest, most convenient location that meets access requirements and provides quick entry during severe weather.
Is Sprague's Backhoe a storm shelter company?
Yes, Sprague’s Backhoe specializes in storm shelter installation throughout Oklahoma. Despite the company name, our primary focus is installing FEMA-compliant above-ground and below-ground tornado shelters. We’ve been Oklahoma’s trusted storm shelter installer since 2013.
Where is Sprague's Backhoe located?
Sprague’s Backhoe is based in Bridge Creek, Oklahoma. We install above ground storm shelters statewide throughout Oklahoma with delivery charges applying beyond 60 miles from Bridge Creek. Below ground storm shelters are installed within ~30 miles of our Bridge Creek office, serving Oklahoma City, Norman, Moore, Newcastle, Tuttle, Chickasha, Mustang, and surrounding central Oklahoma communities. Call (405) 600-4905 to confirm service availability for your specific location.
Do your storm shelters meet FEMA guidelines?
Yes, all precast storm shelters installed by Sprague’s Backhoe meet or exceed FEMA 320 (residential) and FEMA 361 (commercial) specifications. Our shelters are constructed with 6,000 PSI reinforced concrete, engineered to withstand EF5 tornado winds and flying debris impact. Each shelter features triple-latch door systems tested at Texas Tech University, proper ventilation, and construction methods that comply with ICC 500 standards for storm shelter design and installation.
How long has Sprague's Backhoe been installing storm shelters?
Sprague’s Backhoe has been serving Oklahoma communities since 2013. Our owner, Jack, brings over 20 years of storm shelter installation experience to the company, making us one of central Oklahoma’s most experienced storm shelter installers. We’ve protected hundreds of Oklahoma families with professional precast shelter installation, transparent pricing, and locally owned service you can trust.