Fiberglass Creations, Inc.
Installation Instructions for: “THE REFUGE”
Fiberglass Underground Tornado Shelters
Installation Package:
- Steel pipes to go in sleeves(base of shelter) – Galvanized banding straps(2)
- Augers(4)/Slotted bolts(4) – 4” vent caps(2)
PRELIMINARY STEPS:
Call for Dig Test Before any Excavation
- Determine location clear of underground wires, utilities, and piping
- Contact 911 to notify local authorities of the location of your underground shelter
- Check water table levels- locate a flood free location( see website for: Engineers Report
Of Analysis Support Calculations for info on Buoyancy Info and water table levels)
- Plan for easy access, locate an area approximately 14 feet by 10 feet
- Plan for concrete delivery( 3yards) or make/purchase prefabricated concrete blocks
- Gather supplies (see list below)
SHELTER INSTALLATION
Step 1: Lay out area, dig hole approximately 12 feet long by 10 feet wide. REFUGE 1- dig hole 5 ½ ft deep . REFUGE /MINI REFUGE dig hole 7 ft deep.
The door opening needs to be a minimum of 6 inches above the ground level.
Step 2: Insert steel pipes (provided) into the prefabricated sleeves on the bottom of the shelter. Set shelter into hole and level shelter.
Mark out placement of Augers, placing them close to each side of shelter, front and back. The Augers should be placed ( 2 at the back-mid back and the other 2 toward the front). Screw the Augers (provided) into the ground; place the banding straps (provided) in front of the support tubes on top of the shelter toward the back. Angle the front bands forward slightly to help compensate for the void under the steps. Place the banding over the top of the shelter and run ends of bands though the slotted bolt of auger, taking up slack. Make about 3 revolutions with the bolt and lock into place, tighten lock nut. Then, run the opposite end of strap to the other auger slotted bolt on opposite side and pull up all of the slack until the band is tightly secured. With wrench, tighten the bolt until the band is taut, lock nut in place. Make sure both bands are tight with no slack. The shelter should now be level. And ready for concrete, Step 3.
Step 3: Concrete is to be placed (or poured) over the top of the pipes, making sure that the shelter remains level. Pour 3 yards of concrete, 1- ½ yards on each side over the pipes. Option; you may use prefab cement blocks with a combined weight of 5000 pounds to offset any buoyancy.
Step 4: Back fill with dirt and pack dirt around shelter to make sure there are no air voids. Take special care to fill and pack dirt well under steps. Cover shelter with about 6 inches of dirt. Back fill will settle after a few days or when rained on and will then need to be refilled.
*Make certain that water will drain away from shelter and shelter door.
Supplies list: * Recommended: battery operated lights and radio & Emergency Kit
- Concrete
- 4″ PVC pipe(schedule 40) and PVC glue
- Screen wire/mesh
- Self tapping screws
FIBERGLASS CREATIONS, INC. provides manufacturer’s guidelines,
FC, Inc. Does NOT warranty any installations. Modified 2012