West Tennessee Man Creating Unique Storm Shelter
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How far would you go to stay safe during a storm? Brian Arnold said he would climb into a water tote. “I am building an underground storm shelter out of a 275 gallon tote,” said Arnold. The Jackson resident came up with the idea after seeing YouTube videos of other unique storm shelters and watching an experiment-based television show. “Two grown men actually got into and built a submarine out of a 275 gallon tote,” said Arnold. That’s when he started digging. “My best friend came over and we spent about four hours and dug the hole just using a shovel,” said Arnold. Reinforced with concrete and scrap boards – and eventually a steel lid – the airtight, watertight shelter is about 73 square feet. “Two adults and two children would fit in there fairly easily,” said Arnold. The innovator said his idea is not only safe, but economically friendly. “My out of pocket is going to only be for about 40 bags of 80 pound concrete – which is going to be about $150,” said Arnold. “I already had the tote and the labor – which is free.” Arnold said when the sirens are sounding, all he and his wife will have to do is step in and cover up. “My best friend said that everyone that’s asked him, they said ‘Is his wife going to get in it?'” said Arnold. “And I’m confident if I do, she will. But she wouldn’t do it by herself, I know.” Arnold has been documenting his building process and said when he is done, he will put it on YouTube for anyone else who wants to build their own water tote storm shelter.
