Frequently Asked Questions

It is a personal decision, but tornadoes do strike the area: NWS Amarillo lists the May 15, 1949 F4 tornado that crossed south Amarillo, and the NWS confirmed an EF1 in Canyon in April 2025. Ready.gov advises sheltering in a FEMA safe room or an ICC 500 storm shelter.

This site publishes no prices of its own. FEMA P-320 lists about $6,300–$13,600 for new-construction safe rooms, and FLASH about $3,000–$9,500. See the cost page for sources.

Independent local installers, not this website. Your request goes to Silvano Para, who operates the site, and is shared with installers who may contact you.

A permit is generally required for building work inside Amarillo city limits; confirm with City of Amarillo Building Safety. Outside the city, check with your city or county.

ICC 500 is the standard for the design and construction of storm shelters, and FEMA P-361 builds on it. Ask installers for documentation that a unit has been tested to it. FEMA does not approve products.

Homes without a basement often look at garage floor, in-ground or above-ground units. New builds can include a safe room. Mobility, lot size and budget matter too.

A watch means tornadoes are possible, so be ready. A warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar: take shelter now. See our tornado warning guide.

We found no active Amarillo or Texas rebate program. FEMA hazard mitigation funds are sometimes offered through local jurisdictions; ask your city or county emergency management office.