Severe weather prompts spike in storm shelter sales

LEE CO., GA (WALB) - As severe weather batters parts of the nation, it's a good reminder that violent storms can strike at any time. A Lee County storm shelter business is urging preparedness during the heart of hurricane season.

Billy Geck, owner of Lifesaver Storm Shelters, said storm shelters have become popular in the south.

Lifesaver Storm Shelters are made of fiberglass and installed underground. The shelters are designed to sustain an F5 tornado and withstand winds of up to 300 mph.

Geck said the January storms brought awareness to the importance of a safe room in times of severe weather. He saw a 30 percent increase in business after January.

Most of that business came from people who realized the necessity of a safe room after seeing the destruction left behind by those storms and tornadoes.

He said while a storm shelter might not be an option for everyone financially, as most start at around $4,000. He encourages families to consider making the investment or to look into other options for a safe room, especially as we enter what's predicted to be a busy hurricane season.

"Right now, would be a good time to start," said Geck. "Because even during hurricane season, that's what actually pushes a lot of your tornadoes up."

Geck said a tornado shelter can also be used as a place to store food, water and important documents. He said they're safer than places like basements because a person is protected from debris that can fall down from above.

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