Quality Control in the Storm Shelter Industry

1. Quality Control in the Storm Shelter Industry Presented to: REGION VI GRANT MANAGERS MEETING Denton, Texas May 17, 2007 Presented by: Ernst W. Kiesling, P.E., Ph.D. Executive Director, NSSA

2. Experiencing Extreme Winds • TORNADOES strike terror wherever they occur

3. Severe Weather Watches and Warnings Lead to Anxiety Each year, over three billion person-hours are spent under severe weather watches Experiencing Extreme Winds

4. REPORTED TORNADOES PER YEAR

6. Began with Lubbock Tornado in 1970 26 killed 1/3 of city damaged Studied effects of 140 major storms since 1970 Genesis of Wind Engineering Research

7. Some debris gets inside!

11. Oklahoma City

12. Observations, Conclusions Small interior room often remains standing even when house is completely destroyed

13. Spencer, SD

14. Inspiration of the Shelter Concept

15. In-Residence Shelter Concept1974 • Design room or module to protect: • occupants • critical functions • critical contents • Improve building envelope to reduce damage to building and contents

16. Shelter Benefits • Shelters can be constructed to: • Save Lives • Reduce anxiety and suffering • Produce economic benefits

17. 1997, Jarrell, Texas tornado Dateline NBC program; Other media coverage 1998, FEMA publication #320 Recent Developments in Utilization

18. FEMA 320 Prescriptive Designs for Residential Shelters

19. 1999 Above-ground shelter survived F-5 in Oklahoma FEMA provided shelter incentives under HMGP Recent Developments in Utilization

21. Incentive program in Oklahoma served as catalyst for higher level of activity in shelter construction. Lack of standards and quality control processes in this new, rapidly emerging industry illuminated many quality issues. Oklahoma Grant Program, 1999

22. Guide to Quality Assurance National Storm Shelter Association

23. www.NSSA.cc Fostering Quality in the Storm Shelter Industry

24. Manufacturers created new products and expanded markets Founded the National Storm Shelter Association Recent Developments in Utilization

25. Standards - NSSA Industry Standard - ICC/NSSA Standard by 2007 Education Monitor Research Quality Verification Functions NSSA Standard For Design & Construction of Storm Shelters

26. Description of NSSA • NSSA in a not-for-profit trade association • Chartered in Texas as an IRS 501(c) 6 • Self-policing for the benefit of the public and a strong, credible industry

27. Membership Grades MEMBER – Shelter Producers Professional – Designers, Inspectors Associate – Suppliers Corporate Sponsor Individual Sponsor

28. Shelter Quality Verification Process 1. MEMBER pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard 2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics 3. Obtain third-party approval of design or variations from FEMA 320 4. Test shelter or FEMA 320 variations for debris impact resistance. Use tested door (www.wind.ttu.edu) . 5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed

29. Shelter Quality Verification Process Home Builders 1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard 2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics 3. Build from FEMA 320 except for door; Obtain third-party compliance check for variations 4. Alternative: Install manufactured shelter from NSSA MEMER 5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed

30. Important Considerations In Shelter Construction -- Doors • Lighter doors must be modified with a supplemental steel plate

31. Important Considerations In Door Selection • At least one door meeting FEMA 320 specifications has failed to meet the debris impact test. Important • Use tested door (www.wind.ttu.edu) or have your door tested.

32. Important Considerations In Storm Shelter Quality There are many elements of quality to lead to good performance. Major considerations are: • Structural integrity to withstand external forces • Wind-induced pressures for all shelters • Hydrostatic pressures for underground shelters • Anchorage for above-ground shelters • Anchorage or ballast for underground shelters • Debris impact resistance for all exposed surfaces • Includes doors for all shelters • Access and egress • Ventilation See brochures for specifics

33. Shelter Quality Verification Process Manufacturers/Fabricators 1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard 2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics 3. Obtain third-party compliance check of design 4. Test shelter for debris impact resistance 5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed

34. Shelter Quality Verification Process Community Shelters • Shelter design drawings and specifications stating shelter type and design wind speed are deemed to comply with ICC/NSSA Standard by NSSA-Approved Professional Member. NSSA-member contractor affixes seal certifying construction as per drawings and specifications and specifying shelter type and design wind speed. • Designs and specifications are developed by NSSA – approved third party architecture/engineering company. Designer affixes professional seal on drawings and specifications. Contractor affixes seal certifying construction as per drawings and specifications and specifying shelter type and design wind speed.

35. Benefits of NSSA Membership Shelter Producer - Industry standard delineating quality - Increased credibility, distinction - Standards compliance verification by independent third- party engineering company - Decreased liability - Peace of mind, knowing you have “done it right” - Professional listings - “Head start” on inspections - Qualification for grants

36. Benefits of NSSA Membership Consumer • Guidance to quality-verified products and producers • Checklists of important elements of shelter quality • Guidance on shelter selection, location • Industry standard that establishes quality criteria • Increased value with NSSA seal

37. Benefits of NSSA Membership Building Official • Higher comfort level in approving shelters and components • Storm shelter quality standard • Quality essentials checklist • Advice/consulting with experienced professionals

38. Benefits of NSSA Membership Policy/Program Administrator • Industry standard based on FEMA and ASCE publications • Quality criteria defined by Standard, translated by experts • Quality verification through established processes • Industry leaders available for guidance on mitigation policies and strategies

39. National Consensus Standard • An agreement has been signed with the International Code Council to develop a ICC/NSSA National Consensus Standard For Storm Shelters. • Will be accredited by ANSI and offered to building code jurisdictions. • Expected January 2008.

40. Opportunities for NSSA • Encourage replication of Texas HMGP shelter program in other states • Encourage widespread utilization of the NSSA storm shelter quality verification process • Promote NSSA process for quality verification in other segments of the building industry

41. OtherOpportunities for NSSA • Increase role in quality control of community shelters • Serve as focal point for professional shelter design community • Increase information outreach • Formalize/staff information resource center • Increase publications, public service announcements • Develop and maintain attractive, informative web site

42. Challenges for NSSA • Develop sustained source of funding to develop opportunities & maintain programs • Find ways to respond to public service opportunities resulting from extensive visibility and credibility • Find avenues for greater influence on shelter quality, public policy

43. Information Sources - TTU • Texas Tech University Wind Engineering Research Center www.wind.ttu.edu (TTU) WIND CTR (888) 946 - 3287

44. Information Sources National Storm Shelter Association www. NSSA.cc 1 (877) 700 - 6772 (NSSA) For Testing (806) 742 - 6772 (NSSA)

45. Thank you for inviting me here and for your support of quality in the storm shelter industry.