Quality Control in the Storm Shelter IndustryPresented to: REGION VI GRANT MANAGERS MEETINGDenton, TexasMay 17, 2007

Presented by:Ernst W. Kiesling, P.E., Ph.D.Executive Director, NSSA

Experiencing Extreme Winds

TORNADOES strike terror wherever they occur

Experiencing Extreme Winds

Severe Weather Watches and Warnings Lead to AnxietyEach year, over three billion person-hours are spent under severe weather watches

REPORTED TORNADOES PER YEAR

Genesis of Wind Engineering ResearchBegan with Lubbock Tornado in 197026 killed1/3 of city damaged

Studied effects of 140 major storms since 1970

Some debris gets inside!

Oklahoma City

Observations, Conclusions

Small interior room often remains standing even when house is completely destroyed

Spencer, SD

Inspiration of the Shelter Concept

In-Residence Shelter Concept1974Design room or module to protect: occupantscritical functionscritical contents

Improve building envelope to reduce damage to building and contents

Shelter BenefitsShelters can be constructed to:Save LivesReduce anxiety and sufferingProduce economic benefits

Recent Developments in Utilization1997, Jarrell, Texas tornado

Dateline NBC program; Other media coverage

1998, FEMA publication #320

FEMA 320

Prescriptive Designs forResidential Shelters

Recent Developments in Utilization1999

Above-ground shelter survived F-5 in Oklahoma

FEMA provided shelter incentives under HMGP

Bartlett Shelter, Oklahoma

Oklahoma Grant Program, 1999Incentive 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.

National Storm Shelter Association

Guide to Quality Assurance

Fostering Quality in the Storm Shelter Industrywww.NSSA.cc

Recent Developments in UtilizationManufacturers created new products and expanded markets

Founded the National Storm Shelter Association

An Industry Association is Born!

Membership grades: member, associate, professional, allied

FunctionsStandards - NSSA Industry Standard - ICC/NSSA Standard by 2007

Education

Monitor Research

Quality VerificationNSSA StandardFor Design & Construction of Storm Shelters

Description of NSSANSSA 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

Membership GradesMEMBER Shelter ProducersProfessional Designers, InspectorsAssociate SuppliersCorporate SponsorIndividual Sponsor

Shelter Quality Verification Process1. MEMBER pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics3. Obtain third-party approval of design or variations from FEMA 3204. 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

Shelter Quality Verification Process1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics3. Build from FEMA 320 except for door; Obtain third-party compliance check for variations 4. Alternative: Install manufactured shelter from NSSA MEMER5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed

Home Builders

Important Considerations In Shelter Construction -- DoorsLighter doors must be modified with a supplemental steel plate

Important Considerations In Door SelectionAt least one door meeting FEMA 320 specifications has failed to meet the debris impact test.

ImportantUse tested door (www.wind.ttu.edu) or have your door tested.

Important Considerations In Storm Shelter QualityThere are many elements of quality to lead to good performance. Major considerations are:Structural integrity to withstand external forcesWind-induced pressures for all sheltersHydrostatic pressures for underground sheltersAnchorage for above-ground sheltersAnchorage or ballast for underground sheltersDebris impact resistance for all exposed surfacesIncludes doors for all sheltersAccess and egressVentilationSee brochures for specifics

Shelter Quality Verification Process1. MEMBER Pledge to produce only those shelters that meet or exceed the Standard2. Abide by NSSA Bylaws and Code of Ethics3. Obtain third-party compliance check of design 4. Test shelter for debris impact resistance5. Affix Seal and file Certificate of Installation with NSSA for each shelter installed

Manufacturers/Fabricators

Shelter Quality Verification ProcessShelter 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.

Community Shelters

Benefits of NSSA Membership- 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 grantsShelter Producer

Benefits of NSSA Membership

Guidance to quality-verified products and producersChecklists of important elements of shelter qualityGuidance on shelter selection, locationIndustry standard that establishes quality criteriaIncreased value with NSSA sealConsumer

Benefits of NSSA Membership

Higher comfort level in approving shelters and componentsStorm shelter quality standardQuality essentials checklistAdvice/consulting with experienced professionals

Building Official

Benefits of NSSA Membership

Industry standard based on FEMA and ASCE publicationsQuality criteria defined by Standard, translated by expertsQuality verification through established processesIndustry leaders available for guidance on mitigation policies and strategies

Policy/Program Administrator

National Consensus StandardAn 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.

Opportunities for NSSAEncourage replication of Texas HMGP shelter program in other statesEncourage widespread utilization of the NSSA storm shelter quality verification processPromote NSSA process for quality verification in other segments of the building industry

Other Opportunities for NSSAIncrease role in quality control of community sheltersServe as focal point for professional shelter design communityIncrease information outreachFormalize/staff information resource centerIncrease publications, public service announcementsDevelop and maintain attractive, informative web site

Challenges for NSSADevelop sustained source of funding to develop opportunities & maintain programsFind ways to respond to public service opportunities resulting from extensive visibility and credibilityFind avenues for greater influence on shelter quality, public policy

Information Sources - TTUTexas Tech UniversityWind Engineering Research Centerwww.wind.ttu.edu (TTU) WIND CTR (888) 946 - 3287

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

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

The National Weather service began issuing Watches and Warnings in 1954