Why can't they

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Old 05-25-2011, 06:06 PM
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Why can't they build earth-sheltered homes in tornado prone areas? If people go down into a cellar to be safe, why not put the house underground? There's got to be a reason. I know it would look VERY different, but if it would be safer I wouldn't care!
Anyone have any comments or reasons why not?
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:08 PM
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They can and they have. Burmed homes are not uncommon, but most people don't like to live underground. Prairie states have many tornadoes, but like everything else one doesn't feel it will ever happen to them.
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:09 PM
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I live in MO and our house has a basement and the only reason it does is because they had to blast thru the rock the house is on.. No way could this house be built underground.. But I agree, if possible, Why not build a mandatory shelter of some sort in the tornado prone areas..
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:13 PM
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I live in MN and we have tornadoes. Buiding houses underground would be gloomy...no windows and sunshine!
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:19 PM
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There are many reasons they aren't built. Cost is one reason, lack of qualified builders is another. In some places the water table is to high and in some places they would have to blast rock. When I was younger I remember every farm house had a storm shelter. Then they fell out of favor, but I think they may be making a come back.
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:26 PM
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we have friend that live in a underground house. they have lived in it for about 30 years now the air is so bad She has to have oxygen all the time and he has skin troble.
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:32 PM
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We live in tornado alley, and no I do not want to live 6 foot under until I have too.)
Most of us have shelters,safe rooms or basements. If somebody doesn't, they usually know somebody who does.
We live in the country and keep an open door policy on our shelter.our neighbors know to just come over even if we are not at home. there is room for about 15 to 20 people.
We have never once had a bad experience with our neighbors ,or even strangers who asked to come.
Call me blissfully naive but I still trust 'most' people
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:36 PM
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I think living underground full time would also be expensive. Always checking for Radon, treating, keeping moisture out. They do make burm houses where most of the house is underground except for one area to let natural light in. But, I think they tend to feel gloomy. Most people like views out most of their windows. Every home that is in those areas should absolutely have shelters. Every home.
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by sweetpea
we have friend that live in a underground house. they have lived in it for about 30 years now the air is so bad She has to have oxygen all the time and he has skin troble.
I saw a special on TV one time and those houses were really cool. But I can imagine that air might be an issue. Sorry it has been a problem for your friends.
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Old 05-25-2011, 06:49 PM
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It is rare to have a Tornado in our area but we still have a plan as to where to meet should one come. We have a basement but would definitely put in an underground shelter if we didn't.
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