Storm shelters are a hardened space of varying uses, such as a gym, cafeteria, auditorium, or even a group of classrooms, wherein students and staff can gather in the event of a storm. They usually have reinforced concrete walls, floors, and roofs, minimal openings, and backup power and HVAC systems that allow them to operate for at least two hours independently of utilities during a storm. According to our local wind zone, they are designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 250 mph.

These shelters are required in all new school construction in Texas because of statewide adoption of the 2015 International Building Code. This code mandates storm shelters in schools located within tornado-prone regions of the U.S., which includes most of Texas. The requirement reflects both the high frequency of severe storms and tornadoes in our state and the responsibility to ensure student and staff safety.

In our specific case, the new High School and L.P. Waters Early Childhood Center will incorporate its gymnasiums as the designated storm shelter, while the elementary school additions will utilize reinforced classrooms as their storm shelters. This approach allows the shelters to serve dual purposes functioning as everyday learning and activity spaces while also providing life safety protection when severe weather strikes.

Storm shelters are only required for new buildings or for alterations to existing buildings that result in an increase in capacity of 50 students or more.

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